The best brunch in Rome
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin I should start this post by saying that brunch isn’t a typical part of an Italian’s food day – eggs benedict and mimosas are most definitely imports. If you’re strict on authenticity, skip it and go for breakfast, lunch and dinner. >>>…
How to make coffee in an Italian Moka pot
Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by admin The Italian coffee maker, known as a Moka pot, may just be the number one household staple in Italy. In the nearly 15 years that I’ve lived here, I’ve never been to a home that didn’t have one (or more than one,…
A guide to regional Italian coffee
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin It’s relatively common knowledge that Italian food is highly regional. That’s why you won’t always find carbonara outside of Rome or pesto outside of Liguria. As with all other things food related in Italy, there are regional Italian coffee drinks, too. Some…
Specialty Coffee in Rome
Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by admin It feels like we’re still in a bit of a “natural wine” moment in Rome, with new bars opening left and right, natural wine fairs held throughout the year, and restaurants stocking their wine lists with low and no-intervention bottles. In parallel,…
A guide to the food and drink of the Azores
Last Updated on June 29, 2024 by admin Like other islands, the Azores have their own unique foods and beverages. Because my husband and I spent our whole trip in São Miguel, we tried a lot of the local delicacies from there, but many foods typical of the other islands…
Where to eat (and drink) near Campo de’ Fiori in Rome
Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by admin Conventional travel wisdom says to walk at least 5 blocks away from any tourist attraction in order to find good restaurants. In Rome, this couldn’t be more wrong, both because there are tons of excellent places to eat in the city center,…
Osteria La Quercia in Rome
Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by admin Osteria la Quercia in Rome On a few recent trips to the city center with friends, I’ve noticed a few things about Rome. The first is that damn, it’s crowded. The shoulder seasons are just about as busy as the summer now,…
A local’s guide to the best street food in Rome for budget travelers (and where to eat it)
Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by admin If you’re visiting Rome on a budget and are worried about being able to eat well, fear not. The Eternal City is packed with excellent street food to keep you fueled as you stroll from monument to museum, and it won’t put…
The ultimate Rome Food Guide (written by someone who lives there)
Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by admin Rome Food Guide: How to eat like a modern Roman I love helping people eat well on their visit to Rome. Bringing someone to a restaurant and seeing their eyes light up as they chew, or getting good feedback from readers or…
Mazzo in Rome
Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by admin Rome’s newly reopened Mazzo In January of 2019, one of Rome’s hottest restaurants, Mazzo, closed its doors. I was living in Bologna at the time, and I remember reading about its success and subsequent closure, wishing that I had been able to…
Rifugio Romano vegan restaurant in Rome
Last Updated on November 30, 2023 by admin A vegetarian friend, who is not Italian, once relayed to me a conversation she had with some Italian friends about vegetarian carbonara. Despite the fact that you can find recipes for it and that it’s served in restaurants, they argued that it…
Pad Thai Kung in Rome
Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by admin Hello! I’m back, with a love letter to yet another restaurant in the Mercato Irnerio. This time, I’m talking about Pad Thai Kung, which I think may just be Rome’s best Thai restaurant. Read on for all the details! Pad Thai Kung…
Zero Miglia fish restaurant in Nettuno, Italy
Last Updated on July 30, 2023 by admin I recently spent five days on the Lazio coast in Nettuno. I asked my Insta friends and followers for recommendations on where to eat, and they came through! One place was suggested by three different people, and that place was Zero Miglia….
Epiro enoteca and restaurant in Rome
Last Updated on June 24, 2023 by admin Epiro enoteca and restaurant in Rome Not too long ago, some friends invited me to a new-to-me spot in San Giovanni for dinner called Epiro. Once they said “natural wine”, I was in. Located in its eponymous piazza, Epiro is small but…
Trecca – cucina di mercato in Rome
Last Updated on April 1, 2023 by admin Located in an out-of-the-way corner of Rome near the San Paolo metro stop, Trecca is one of my favorite restaurants in the whole city. The food is Roman at its best – simple, savory, fresh and flavorful. Read on for all the…
DLR – DopoLavoroRicreativo in Frascati
Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by admin DLR DopoLavoroRicreativo in Frascati Some restaurants are worth traveling for. DLR in Frascati is one of them. Located a quick train ride from Roma Termini, Frascati is one of the Castelli Romani, a group of hilltowns located southeast of the city. The area…
The best non-Italian restaurants in Rome
Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by admin The best non-Italian restaurants in Rome I’m here today with a post on the best non-Italian restaurants in Rome with a few specific audiences in mind: my fellow foreigners who have moved to Rome and want a break from Roman food, people…
The ultimate guide to Italian coffee
Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by admin I recently wrote all about breakfast in Italy, so I thought I’d follow up with a post dedicated to the centerpiece of the first meal of the day in the bel paese: the coffee! Coffee is everywhere in Italy. It’s the number…
The ultimate guide to breakfast in Italy
Last Updated on March 13, 2022 by admin This week, I decided to write about breakfast in Italy, a meal that I generally don’t talk about much in my other posts. As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day – I think that the 85%…
A complete guide to the Italian meal structure
Last Updated on March 13, 2022 by admin Restaurant menus in Italy can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the traditional Italian meal structure. I’ve written this guide to take the guesswork out of it for you! A complete guide to the Italian meal structure How are Italian meals…
The ultimate guide to the best pasta in Rome
Last Updated on July 4, 2022 by admin THe ultimate guide to the best pasta in Rome The cuisine of every region of Italy is unique, so I’ve written up this ultimate guide to pasta in Rome so that you can enjoy the best and most authentic dishes that the…
The ultimate guide to natural wine in Rome
Last Updated on February 10, 2023 by admin Updated February 7, 2023 I was introduced to natural wine last year by my dear friend Samantha at Regions of Italy. Since then, I’ve been to a few tastings, a bunch of natural wine bars in Rome, and have enjoyed many (many)…
Casa Sánchez Mexican Restaurant in Rome
Last Updated on November 20, 2020 by admin “If you like Mexican food, go to Casa Sànchez.” “Have you been to Casa Sànchez? The food is sooooo good.” “I LOVE Casa Sànchez! You haven’t been?! Oh, you have to go!” After hearing the comments above from three different people on…
Trattoria Popolare L’avvolgibile in Rome
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by admin Kindly note that since I initially wrote this post, the management at L’avvolgibile has changed hands, so I’m not sure how it is anymore. In an attempt to improve my writing, in particular, my food writing, I’ve been reading like crazy lately….
Restaurant reservation apps and websites in Italy
Last Updated on April 1, 2023 by admin If you’re like me, you want to eat well when you travel. If you want to eat well in many Italian cities, you have to do a bit of research and planning ahead of time, due to the abundance of tourist traps…
Seu Pizza Illuminati in Rome
Last Updated on July 31, 2020 by admin Seu Pizza Illuminati Some restaurants are just downright awesome, and Seu Pizza Illuminati is one of these. The young chef, Pier Daniele Seu, is considered by some to be Rome’s most creative pizzaiolo. The menu at Seu Pizza Illuminati There are classic and…
Armando al Pantheon – classic Roman food in the heart of the city center
Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by admin Updated November 2021 During the lockdown, I often daydreamed of going out to dinner in Rome again. I thought of of forkfuls of cacio e pepe, of ruby-red wine being poured into my glass, the tickle of acqua frizzante, dense bites of tiramisù,…
Where to eat in Catania: a local’s dining guide
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin Every time I go to Catania, I try to balance my eating time by going back to old favorites and trying new places. I still haven’t had the chance to eat at every place that’s been recommended to me by locals, (I’m not…
Flavio al Velavevodetto in Rome, Italy
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin I love Roman cooking. It’s simple and delicious, and no dish is simpler than cacio e pepe. A combination of pecorino cheese, black pepper, and pasta water, this creamy dish is a must-eat for anyone visiting the eternal city. Now that I’m…
Trattoria Gianni in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Tucked just off one of Bologna’s busiest streets is Trattoria Gianni, a lively little spot that serves up regional dishes, decadent desserts, and a great variety of wines. I ate there for the first time a few weeks ago after a local…
Trattoria Serghei in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Trattoria Serghei in Bologna Location and opening hours Via Paella 12 – 12:30 – 2:30; 7:30 – 10pm – closed Saturdays for dinner and Sundays When I first started working in Bologna, I met a friend for a winter lunch on a…
A guide to some great bars in Bologna
Last Updated on November 18, 2020 by admin In my last few posts, I’ve mostly focused on where to eat in Bologna. This week, I thought I’d write about where the best bars in Bologna are. I’ve covered my favorite spots and thrown in some bonus tips for people who…
Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Bologna has no shortage of beautiful markets bursting with delicious food. The Mercato di Mezzo doubles as a food hall, where you can sit at communal tables and snack on nibbles from any of the stalls on the first floor. Via delle…
Bologna’s best street for foodies: Via delle Pescherie Vecchie
Last Updated on July 23, 2021 by admin Peeking through one of Bologna’s many porticoes just off of Piazza Maggiore lies what is one of the best streets for foodies in Italy, Via delle Pescherie Vecchie. This small alleyway slices through the district known as the Quadrilatero, which has been…
Where to eat in Bologna: Trattoria della Santa
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Bologna is a foodie’s dream. So much of Italian cuisine that has become celebrated around the world is from Emilia Romagna. Lasagne, tortellini, tagliatelle, mortadella, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar, among other things, are some of the gifts that this region has given…
What to eat in Rome
Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by admin Now that I’m living in the Eternal City again, I decided to compile a list of what to eat in Rome for those of you who want to eat authentic, local dishes during your visit. Keep in mind that seasonality is very…
What’s the difference between an osteria and a trattoria?
Last Updated on August 8, 2025 by admin During a chat with an Italian friend, I mentioned writing a post about the difference between an osteria and a trattoria. He laughed and said, “Please write it, so then I’ll finally be able to understand the difference myself!” If you’ve been…
Osteria del Bugiardo in Verona
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin On a recent trip to Verona, we ate at Osteria del Bugiardo. A cozy spot near Porta Borsari, it was perfect for a small afternoon meal during the period when lots of restaurants close. It can be difficult to find a place…
Dining at Osteria dei Fabbri in Padua
Last Updated on June 7, 2021 by admin If you’re visiting Padua and looking for a great meal, head to Osteria dei Fabbri in the city’s ghetto. Dining at Osteria dei Fabbri in Padua An authentic dining experience The food at Osteria dei Fabbri in Padua is divine, and I’ll describe…
The best cafés with wifi in Padua
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin I’ve got coffee on the brain, folks. Probably literally. I’ve needed a lot of it to get myself through the last few weeks, so I wouldn’t be surprised if some has leaked into my cranium and is sloshing around up there. I’ve…
Mercato di Mezzo in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Happy New Year, Luggage and Lifers! I’m back today after a few blissful weeks of relaxation in Maine with my family. I’ve always been a big fan of New Year’s, and not just because it’s also my birthday. I love the feeling that…
Vegan restaurants in Rome
Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by admin A few years ago, I had a vegan friend visit when I was living in Padua, and we traveled to Florence and Rome while he was here. I put together a list of some great restaurants with vegan options that we ate…
A bacaro tour of Venice
Last Updated on September 6, 2021 by admin [Updated September 2021] Venice can be a bit of a mystery. I’ve been there countless times, and I still get lost. It can feel like one giant tourist trap in some places, with no authenticity in sight. The first time I went…
Breakfast at Caffè Sicilia in Noto, Sicily
Last Updated on May 10, 2020 by admin When our trip to Sicily started to materialize, I realized that we were going to be in the proximity of Noto, and I knew I just had to have breakfast at the famous Caffè Sicilia. I asked my travel mates if they’d…
The Catania Fish Market and Osteria Antica Marina
Last Updated on November 7, 2019 by admin I’ve decided to dedicate a whole post to the pescheria, or fish market, of Catania, for a few reasons. The first one is that it’s super lively and fun, and I’d consider it a “must see” if you’re visiting the city. The…
Restaurants with vegan options in Florence
Last Updated on November 7, 2019 by admin A few weeks ago, I had a friend from overseas who is vegan come and spend two weeks with me. When I started to plan his visit, I panicked a bit about what he’d be able to eat while he was here….
Eating at Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon
Last Updated on June 4, 2021 by admin On our first night in Lisbon, we had a seafood feast at Cervejaria Ramiro, which was featured on an episode of No Reservations, hosted by Anthony Bourdain. Normally, I might shy away from a place that has been featured on a TV show,…
10 things to know about eating and drinking in Italy
Last Updated on January 20, 2021 by admin Ciao a tutti! I thought I’d follow up last week’s post on 15 “Italian” foods that don’t exist in Italy with another one about dining practices here in general. Again, I got lots of this info from all of my Facebook friends…
15 “Italian” foods that don’t exist in Italy
Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by admin A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook pals to tell me what they were surprised by, or unprepared for, on their first visit to Italy. It was a fun thread, and it helped me to remember some of my first impressions…
Where to eat in Rome – a local’s guide
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin Now that I’m living in the Eternal City again, I’ve decided to keep this post on where to eat in Rome as a living document. I’ll update it whenever I have a good meal (which happens constantly). >>> Pssst. Want all your…
Where to eat in the city center of Florence
Last Updated on April 28, 2025 by admin Florence opened my eyes to the world even before I had ever set foot on a plane, had a passport, or dreamed of living overseas. My mom lived there for a year in the late seventies, and she told me countless stories…
