thanks but in fact I just got back. Went to Jean's after reading the posts on it, very good but really allowed myself to get pressured into taking the 4 course tasting menu instead of the 3 - with a glass of champagne and glass of wine it set me back 91euro. I also went to The Vaudeville one evening as well, not sure if I think it was so fab but it didn't make me ill. Honestly, one of my favourite little Brasseries is close to Printemp - called L'amore...

still hoping for a few suggestions for the 9th near Opera for a woman eating alone... please, please...

ok thanks for that. I am checking them out. Ihaven't booked a hotel yet so will be checking out around Saint Lazare as I want to go to Monet's garden as well. Monday I am looking for a food market if anyone has any suggestions...

I haven't been to Paris for a few years and will be there for 3 days early May. I may be travelling alone so am looking for some nice places to eat around the Opera area as I will stay over there for the shopping... Any help is much appreciated...

I have heard this is a nice place to eat, has anyone been here and can confirm - is it expensive also?

HI, I live just outside Rome and went there as I heard it was good but honestly I was very disappointed. Also from what I saw you only can eat outside and it is pretty chilly in Rome now. I really dont think it is worth the hype surrounding this place - maybe it was ok a few years ago when expectations werent great, who knows. Can't give further advice for Rome - if the sun is shining catch a bus to Fregene and have a great seafood meal!

do avoid eating at Enoteca Vesta - the guy likes to give give good advice which ends up costing a lot more. The food isn't worth it either.

Trani - do eat at La Nicchia. Good local trattoria - great value and good food.

On a recent trip to Otranto I can recommend the following...

2 restaurants which deserve a mention.
La Bella Idrusa 0836 801475. Right outside the walls of Centro Storico this Pizzeria does not make pasta but rather Antipasto (fresh calamari etc) and Pizza (5-7 euro). Excellent value, if you eat a pizza you dont need a starter!

La Pignata 0836 801284. Quality restaurant with medals of merit which is situated within the Centro Storico.
Don't be put off by the Medals of Merit and the beautiful setting - the owners are really nice and dont mind if you come in and just have one course and I didnt consider it to be expensive. I was travelling alone and didnt feel out of place but it is also quite a romantic place and there were numerous couples eating. The most expensive pasta (scallops and red shrimp) was 15 euro and fillet steak with mushrooms 13 euros. As I was on a budget I didnt want to do the normal 3 courses, I decided to try the pasta on the first evening with a glass of local Rose - it was very very good and the wine absolutely lovely, dry and not too sweet, it went perfectly with the pasta. It was so good I went back the second evening and had the fillet steak with mushrooms with another local red wine - this is the kind if food you would expect in a very expensive restaurant in London. What a great meal!

Hi, I am new to Chowhound and would like a bit of advice. I am going to the above places in a few weeks (during tartufi season) and would like to eat well but at the same time, I haven't got tons of cash spare currently. Could I please get some suggestions for eating as well as ideas for some good wine to buy. Thanks!