[georgia]

We're travelling to Italy in May...first trip to Rome and a few points south. We'll be in Rome on both ends of the trip, also in Umbria and Sorrento. In Rome we'll be staying near the Spanish Steps, then across the river near Piazza Cavour. Any dining recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Rachel]

Lucky you, Georgia, you're in for a treat! I've only been to Rome once, seven years ago, but I still have fond memories of several places and according to a couple of reliable guidebooks, they're still going strong:

Fiaschetteria Beltramme, near the Spanish Steps - a lovely traditional Roman trattoria. It's not cheap, but given the quality, the prices are reasonable.

Da Giggetto, in the Jewish quarter, is a good place to sample Roman Jewish food (don't miss the fried artichokes, whatever you do).

For coffee, Sant'Eustachio (between the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon) is reputed to be the best in Rome and I stuck to it faithfully, but one of my friends swears by Tazza d'Oro (near the Pantheon). And for snacks while sightseeing, there's a wonderful bakery off the Campo de' Fiori called (I think) Antico Forno de' Campo de' Fiori which has a vast selection of Roman pizzas which you can buy by the slice to take away (my fave being the potato, garlic and herb, which is nowhere near as heavy as it sounds).

Hope that helps!

[georgia]

Many thanks, Rachel. I find guidebooks are a good start, but nothing beats a personal recommendation. I'll search out at least some of the places you note. I'm mentally there already!

[Rachel]

Forgot to mention it in my first post, but if you find yourself with the common traveller's affliction of being starved for a big salad, there's a mini-chain called L'Insalata Ricca (the original one is near the Pantheon/Piazza Navona and I'm afraid I don't remember where the other two are) which does a huge variety of delicious and interesting salads.