I was there once a few years back...the ambiance was nice, but the food was not especially memorable.

Thank you for this, BahamaViking!

FYI Today I went to Open Baladin--a beer and burger joint on Via degli Specchi http://www.openbaladin.com/?area=96 . They have a very good selection of beers, great burgers and wonderful homemade french fries/potato chips.

I've been living in Prati for the last 6 years, and in the last 6 months, a Little America has spung up around me. I'm not sure whether to be worried about or delighted by this change, but I thought I would share it with you all. On Via Marcantonio Colonna a shop called Vero Food recently opened, which sells, among other things, baguette sandwiches, frappuccino like creations, muffins, brownies, altoids, ginger snaps, bagels, and salads to-go (I've NEVER, in all my 10 years in Rome, seen a salad to go!). On Via Fabio Massimo (between Via dei Gracchi and Via Germanico), a sushi to-go place recently opened up. And lastly, the most recent development is that on Via Orazio, a new pastry shop called Cake in the City opened. Cake in the City has red velvet cupcakes, a large assortment (given the season) of halloween cookies, pecan pie, carrot cake, cheesecake, brownies (of course), bagels, challah, soft pretzels, and many other American-esque delights. Apparently they will be preparing pumpkin pies and pecan pies for Thanksgiving. I assume they also do American style wedding cakes.

In the past, I would travel to Josephine's in Piazza del Paradiso for American-esque baked goods, but Josephine's nasty attitude made returning less than appealing ( as though I were doing her a huge favor for shopping at her rather $$$$ store...and while this is typical Roman merchant behavior, it's dismaying to note that she's not Roman).

Anyways, I thought I would share this excellent news to expats who, like myself, every so often CRAVE a piece of yummy carrot cake (and just don't have the time to bake).

This post is directed at those of you who are living in Rome and have eaten excellent ethnic food here. I'm trying to compile a list of best ethnic food.

This is my list so far...

Chinese:

I have yet to find an excellent (not ridiculously expensive) Chinese restaurant.

Japanese:

My vote goes to Zen Sush, which has never disappointed me

Indian:

Maharajah...not excellent, but quite good.

(If there are others, please let me know)

Mexican:

I've yet to find an excellent Mexican restaurant. La Cucaracha is so so.

French:

Are there any French restaurants in Rome?

American:

Sad to say, the only semi-decent American restaurant I've been to is the Hard Rock Cafe.

Thai:

Am trying Sukhothai tonight...fingers crossed.

Greek:

I've been to Itaca http://www.ristorantidiroma.com/itaca/menu1/menu1.htm, which was good but not great...

Persian:
Excellent Iranian food at Taberna Persiana
http://www.tabernapersiana.it/

Any others??? if any of you know or love any ethnic restaurants here in Rome, I'd love to hear what they are.

Thanks!

I would agree that the San Pietro is also a wonderful place (very expensive...you pay for the view), but they're a bit snobby (they won't even let you walk into the hotel with shorts on).

To respond to your comment about Max, though, I would hardly call Max's "New York" style. Max is an original, with Mamma in the kitchen overseeing every dish. What restaurants like Max try to do is reinvent traditional Italian cuisine (and this is why so many Italians in Positano go there). Maybe New Yorkers seek to replicate such restaurants because they see this kind of cuisine as more interesting than (or superior to) basic trattoria fare, though I would not call Max's non-traditional. I live in Italy and live with a husband from Salerno who loves to cook :), which means that I am fortunate enough to be able to eat classical Italian food on a daily basis. One of the things one learns (eating at home), is how cheap and easy it is to prepare these dishes. For many Italians, going to a restaurant where the food prepared is inferior to what one prepares at home (and the service is mediocre) is a frustration, especially when the prices are high. At restaurants like Max, at least you know that what you're spending is going towards both excellent service and innovative cuisine.

You can have a wonderful aperitivo at the Marincanto Hotel. They have a gorgeous terrace overlooking all of Positano.

http://www.marincanto.it/

As for restaurants...

Da Vincenzo is excellent. Medium prices for Positano.
http://www.davincenzo.it/

Bruno's on Via Cristoforo Colombo
Simple, easy trattoria food. Cheap (er) for Positano.

Ristorante Max is (in my humble opinion) the best (creative Italian) restaurant in Positano. Expensive, but justifiably so.
http://www.ristorantemax.it/ita/risto...

Hope this helps!

In Plaka Elounda, we ate at a lovely restaurant on the beach called OSTRIA. They had wonderful fresh fish and the most fantastic dolmades (made with zucchini flowers) that we ate in Crete.

There's also a wonderful beach front restaurant, The Greek Kafenion, at the St. Nicolas Bay Hotel in Agios Nikolau. The prices were very reasonable considering how delicious everything was, and considering how beautiful the restaurant is.

Of the list above, I'm personally partial to Trattoria Monti. Antico Arco is ridiculously overpriced for what it is (nouveau/creative Italian), and I think Trattoria Monti does a better job. It's a little less "chic" if you will--more petite and more personal--but you'll get much more bang for your buck. They also have many vegetarian options (wonderful vegetable flans). If you want a more "Roman" experience, Paris is lovely--a little pricey, but elegant and consistent. I haven't been to Tuna, unfortunately, so I can't comment on that.

friday night...though apparently it's often busy at la gatta mangiona (hence the need for reservations). i'd still say that the pizza's good enough to justify the underwhelming service. as for baffeto 2, i'm not that big a fan as i find their crust a bit too dry.

Near the Rai tower (via Bertini 25i) is a wonderful restaurant called Puppury: www.pupurry.it . The chef, Giorgio, is a slow-fooder...all of the pasta there is homemade (wonderful ravioli). The risotto, too, is fantastic (I'll never forget a risotto he made with Barolo). The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the service is excellent. They have a wonderful wine list, and though the food is a little pricey, it's worth it.

I have absolutely idea about how to make a pizza with wine...I asked the waitress and she didn't know either. I supposed I'll have to ask the chef next time round. La Gatta Mangiona serves Neapolitan style pizza (thicker crust), but I'd argue that this pizza is somewhere in between Neapolitan and Roman...it's an almost perfect thickness.

I wanted to recommend LA GATTA MANGIONA. This off-the-beaten-path restaurant is some of the best pizza I've eaten in Rome (and I've eaten FAR too many pizzas for FAR too many years). The restaurant is located in Monteverde on 30 Via Ozanam (accessible by Tram 8 which departs from Largo Argentina...you'd have to get off at Piazza San Giovanni di Dio) and they are only open for dinner. I ate the Parmigiano pizza--eggplant, tomato, mozzarella and parmigiano, and it was superb. My friend ate the Rustico pizza, which consisted of tomato, oregano, pecorino and onions...and while it sounds unusual, it was crispy and had just the right blend of tart (onions) and tangy (pecorino) and spice (oregano); this is what I'll be eating the next time round. What most fascinated me about the creative and extensive menu (not in English) were the pizzas that are made with wine. There was a white-wine-margarita pizza, which seemed especially appealing, and curious (maybe on round 3)...though it one of the was priciest pizzas on the menu (14). The dessert list, too, was extensive and homemade; extremely appealing was a dark chocolate pudding (which was finished by the time we ordered...11:15 PM). I must admit that the service left something to be desired, but I was impressed by the fact that they had a sommelier on duty for both beer and wine selections, and everyone was very polite (albeit SLOW and overwhelmed).

A fantastic meal and well worth every centesimo. Reservations are necessary +39 06 534 6702

Thank you , Peggy!

Thanks PeggyD! The wedding will be at the Villa Aurelia (American Academy). There will be both old and young people attending, family and friends--but I'm hoping to find a pizzeria that's spacious and accommodating to larger groups. Obviously, we don't want to have 2 weddings...which is why pizza came to mind...but I also would like to find someplace that has a space for private parties. I realize that in the center of Rome, bigger spaces are not so easily come by ( I'd rather we not be in a basement). I'm not sure where people will be staying...although likely a bunch will be in Prati, near Castel St. Angelo. All help is much appreciated!

Taverna Trilussa is a tourist trap. You eat well, but pay three times as much you need to for a decent, but hardly great dinner. I'd trade that up for Spirito di Vino (also Trastevere) in a heartbeat. A very different type of restaurant, but at least at SDV you get something special.

I'm looking for a pizzeria in Rome where I can do a rehearsal dinner party in May 2009. The wedding is going to be on a Sunday, and I imagine most of the guests will be staying in the center of the city (I don't think we'll be providing transport to the rehearsal dinner). Maybe some of you know of some good pizzerias that have private party spaces (Neopolitan pizza would be welcome too), or even a classic Roman trattoria that might be willing to accommodate a private party on a Saturday night. The guest list is going to be approximately 50-60 people. Any and all ideas are welcome!

Thanks.

Perhaps one of you can recommend an excellent restaurant that is more or less centrally located (we'll be staying in St. Germain des Pres, although we don't mind moving around...too much). We're looking for something unique...perhaps an excellent tasting menu. We don't want to spend the money that 2 or more michelin stars require one to spend at dinner, but we do want something wonderful. Last year, I received a fantastic recommendation from souphie about Les Elysees du Vernet (and their lunch tasting menu). Thank you, Souphie, for that unforgettable recommendation. This time round, we're looking for something perhaps not as luxe, but certainly just as interesting. The day after this dinner, we'll be dining at Taillevent for a wedding lunch, so perhaps some of you can think of a place that would make a nice juxtaposition to that restaurant.

Thanks so much for all of your help!!!

Thought I'd point this wonderful shop out to those who are living and/or traveling in Rome. The shop is called "La Bufala Allegra," and it's on Via Orazio between Via Cola di Rienzo and Via Plinio in the Prati district. This little shop is run by a lovely woman, Annamaria, who gets her mozzerella from a wonderful (top) producer in Paestum called Barlotti. She also gets ricotta di bufala and many other fantastic "latticini" and cheeses. Too, she sells other wonderful products from the south of Italy, such as pasta di gragnano, sott'oli, and most of it is very reasonably priced.

La Bufala Allegra
Via Orazio (between Via Cola di Rienzo and Via Plinio)

thanks. this is a great help...especially your les Elysees recommendation and blog review.

My boyfriend and I will be spending a brief three days(Friday, Saturday and Sunday) in Paris. We'll be staying in the 9th arrondissement, and so we're looking for some excellent choices that are in walking distance. Not a huge meat lover (though my boyfriend is), I don't always love French food--but perhaps some of you know of some restaurants that can change my mind! Maybe you can help me find:

1) A classic bistro ( medium priced)
2) A fancy (michelin recommended) restaurant...and do any of you know what the price guidelines are for such restaurants???
3) Something open for a Sunday evening meal...(lower priced)
4) A great ice-cream shop
5) A great pattisserie

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!!!

by cicerone hotel, i assume you mean the one on via cicerone. if you want some very good neopolitan pizza, try pizzicotto, which is about one block from the hotel on via gioachino belli. l'arcangelo (right next door, also on via gioachino belli)...is an upscale, elegant roman restaurant. romantic and upscale yummy...i'd recommend going to la veranda (in the hotel columbus)...which is right on via della conciliazione in vatican city. it's about a 20 minute walk from the hotel. BEST gelato is on via dei gracchi 276...gelateria dei gracchi--this is a five minute walk from the hotel. do NOT miss the dark chocolate (fondente)...also pinenuts, almond, and pistacchio flavors are exquisite.

i just walked past this restaurant this evening. appearance wise, it is gorgeous: a room in palazzo della rovere with 15th century affreschi on the wall; it is beautiful, romantic, and very appealing (in so far as "looks" are concerned. has anyone eaten here?

i disagree with cjt. i love trattoria monti, and return their often. this is not "typical" roman cooking, and it's wonderful for vegetarians. a little pricey, but worth it.

definitely bring back the amazing sicilian cinnamon digestivo, called "canella liquore" (a lovely afterdinner touch). also, you MUST bring back chocolate from modica. i'm sure they sell it all over sicily (not just in modica).make sure to try the vanilla, and cinnamon chocolate bars. both of these things are legal to import. you CAN get away with bringing back vacuum packed cheeses (some stores will be able to do this for you...ask for the cheese "sotto vuoto" ). ragusano le quattro faccie is a very interesting cheese.

i'd agree with the above. i'm in rome, where store bought is MUCH more common. however, i've know plenty an italian woman to make their own "gnocchi" (perhaps this is because it's not as time consuming).

ps...there is better chocolate gelato than giolitti. go to gelateria dei gracchi... via dei gracchi 276. they do a dark chocolate that is made without milk. it is out of this world.

i too have lived in rome for about 5 years. of the restaurants you've listed, i'll respond to the ones that I've been to recently.

Al Moro: skip it
Il Ciak: lots of game if you like game...wasn't my cup of tea.
Trattoria Monte: this is one of the most interesting "new" italian cuisine restaurants in rome. everytime i've been i've eaten marvelously. the dishes are all well thought out and elegantly served. service is erratic, but the waiters are gorgeous.
Maccheroni: pricey for what it is, yet i've never eaten poorly there.
Da Sergio: overpriced roman trattoria. i always return, but then always ask myself "why."
L’Orso 80: overated. enormous portions of appetizers. not a lot of "care" here.
Sora Lella: i have a weak spot for their unbelievable eggplant parmigiano. i return exclusively for this.
Da Giggetto: fantastic fried artichokes. service is miserable.
Enoteca Corsi: nice place for a quick lunch...though sometimes they order for you
Pizza: Recommendation for Naples style pizza (not paper thin roman)...my boyfriend's from naples...his favorite is at pizzicotto in the prati district...my favorite is pomodoro rosso (which also has a branch in salerno). pom. rosso is near corso francia (take a taxi). my second favorite is recafe in piazza augusto imperatore. if you can get a table near the second floor window, you'll have a marvelous view of augustus' tomb. number 3 is da ciro on via delle mercede (i have a neopolitan student who refuses to eat pizza anywhere else in rome).

there is so much good food in palermo, that it's fairly hard to go wrong. but if you have a car, or don't mind a trek or taxi ride, and are looking for an extravagent but entirely casual meal for one night, i'd highly recommend "LO STRASCINO". they had the MOST unbelievable appetizer/buffet table i've EVER in my life seen. www.lostrascino.com . i ate marvelously there, and it cost close to nothing!

guida ballerina is pretentious, overpriced, and in the middle of nowhere. no need to trek that far if you only have 4 days! in any case, gusto is open on sundays, and so are a bunch of other restaurants in the center...don't bother going out too far... call first! enjoy roma!

thanks so much!