Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

This pizza place right down from the Piazza Grande makes traditional pizza but they also offer some interesting non-traditional styles. We tried the pizza fritte and enjoyed it very much. Interestingly, they also sell wine from Sting’s nearby Tuscan vineyard. The day we were there was a bit overcast, but they do have outside seating on beautiful days.

Up at the top of the funicular, you will find a small cafe with a few tables and food/drinks. But, if you go down the hill just a bit, there is a much nicer spot – a full restaurant — with an incredible view of the city of Verona. We stopped in for some tasty appetizers and a spritz and espresso martini, just in time for sunset!

If you are in the mood for a little luxury shopping + food, Rinascente is right near the fountain. The basement has an ancient aqueduct and the sixth-floor is a food hall. It includes an outlet of the Michelin-starred Neapolitan pizzeria Gino Sorbillo. This store is ultra swanky with amazing brands like Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, and many more. There is also a rooftop terrace for some food, if you want to sit and enjoy a nice day in Rome.

In 2007, we visited this restaurant and were very much looking forward to returning. We were not disappointed. Sitting right next to the Comune building, this restaurant has a nice outdoor seating area if you are there on a nice day! They serve traditional Tuscan dishes and have warm, friendly service!

We happened on this restaurant during our day in Perugia and definitely felt like part of the family. Filled with locals at lunch (even a graduation party!) the Italian Nonna running the place was the picture of warmth and hospitality. While waiting for our entrees, she brought us a small taste of their house specialty, beans in a warm sauce with a piece of crusty bread, and they were one of the best dishes we ate in Italy.

We went to this restaurant twice during our visit because it was so good. This stands up as one of my best meals in Italy. The service is kind and attentive, offering us recommendations of the traditional local wine called Cesanese del Piglio. We enjoyed first course of cappellaci stuffed with braised beef with a butter sage sauce. The secondi was a fall-off-the-bone pork dish with roasted potatoes and a small salad. Dessert was just perfect – chocolate cake with a zabaglione and fresh berries. All in all, a lovely and delicious dinner is what made us want to return a second time!

Ristorante Da Constantino in Positano is a beloved family-run restaurant offering a fantastic dining experience with a stunning view of the Amalfi Coast. Nestled on a hillside above the town, the restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and local specialties. The terrace dining area provides a breathtaking backdrop of the coast, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed, authentic meal. With its welcoming service and delicious dishes, including homemade pastas and regional wines, Ristorante Da Constantino is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Positano.

PRO TIP: Your hotel can arrange a car to come and get you for dinner and bring you home at the end of the evening!

This charming new restaurant came highly recommended by our VRBO host. The menu is small but every dish is packed with flavor. The coastal-inspired vibe is cozy, and the space is intimate, so reservations are a must. We started with a delightful pasta primi—a perfectly executed aglio e olio—followed by secondi of fresh fish and tender chicken, complemented by a lovely bottle of Tuscan Chianti. Dessert was a homemade masterpiece from the owner: a lemon cake with a limoncello filling that was both light and indulgent. We lingered over every course, savoring the meal and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Another terrific ristorante in Verona is La Quercia. Recommended by the staff at my school, our dinner here was so tasty. We tried the spaghetti aglio olio with bright tasty cherry tomatoes and the cottoletto with roasted potatoes. We also enjoyed the polenta with tartufo appetizer and a delicious apple cake for dessert. We enjoyed the meal and were thankful for the wonderful staff at this quaint spot.

This restaurant is just outside the gates of Pienza and it has the most spectacular view (and food!) We enjoyed a long lunch here and look forward to going back! We enjoyed a traditional Fiorentine steak and a plate of pasta along with the most gorgeous pastry for dessert! What a view!

Ristorante Nomade in Viareggio is a popular spot offering a delicious mix of meat and seafood dishes, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Located near the beach and the vibrant promenade, it provides a spacious and welcoming environment for both casual diners and those celebrating special occasions. The restaurant is known for its versatile menu and excellent service, making it a great choice for both intimate meals and larger events. Whether you’re enjoying lunch or dinner, Ristorante Nomade offers a relaxed atmosphere to savor authentic Italian cuisine.

Ristorante Santa Croce is a charming and rustic eatery located in the small village of Nocelle, perched above Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the restaurant is known for its delicious traditional Italian dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The outdoor terrace provides a perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the stunning vistas. Whether you’re enjoying fresh pasta or savoring a glass of local wine, Ristorante Santa Croce promises a memorable meal in a spectacular setting.

This great wine shop is located on the main piazza Piazza Michele Ferrero in Alba, next to the water fountain and large statue. They offer interesting tastings where you can get three glasses at the same time to compare each wine. The aperitivo plate they offer is quite good and a lot of food. We enjoyed trying local wines, including some impressive Barolos while watching the locals enjoy their evening passagiatas.

In Castiglione del Lago, there is a medieval fort which is open to the public.
Walking on top of the walls of the fort is a very entertaining way to spend the afternoon. You’ll go through the walls of the town and walk all the way to the end, where you will see a small museum which costs a few Euro for admittance. After walking through a few rooms in the museum, you head down a staircase that leads to the walls of the fort. The main passage is very narrow and long. At the end, you come out to towers and walls which you can walk around and have a spectacular view of the lake. I highly recommend this one!

This was one restaurant we booked well in advance of our trip. We’d heard good things and were not disappointed. We booked our table in the wine cellar and since it was a rainy, chilly night – that was perfect. The meal was delicious, the service was impeccable, the wine choices were so vast it was a bit overwhelming and we enjoyed every minute of it. Turns out we were not alone, as we were leaving, we realized that we shared that cellar with Chef Amanda Frietag a Food Network chef.

At this Salumeria, the star of the show is the porchetta. Sliced to perfection, each bite is a delicious taste of tender meat infused with aromatic herbs and spices, encased in a crispy, golden exterior. Pair it with the delectable Parmesan chunks, drizzled with the rich sweetness of balsamico di Modena, and you have a match made in culinary heaven. The vibe here is great too — lots of folks enjoying an apertivo and cocktail, sitting on bar stools on the sidewalk – it’s a great spot to spend some time in the evening.

Construction of this church was started in 1741 and this was place for women who wanted to spend their life in prayer. Now, it is a the end point of the longest covered portico (the Portico di San Luca), which stretches about 2.4 miles from the city to the hilltop sanctuary. This portico features 666 arches, making it the longest in the world. Pro Tip: Take a taxi there, then walk home. Down the hill (and steps) is much more enjoyable that up!

A beautiful beach to rent a chair and read a book, or just walk to watch the sunset. They have a cute cafe where you can get drinks and a bite to eat. You can take it down to your lounge chairs or eat it on the deck overlooking the sea. The staff are very friendly and we enjoyed visiting a few times during our time in Sanremo.

Enjoyed a lovely beachfront dinner at Sant’Ampelio with the most amazing sunset in the distance. We enjoyed a plate of fusilli pasta with local fish, a almond crusted sea bream and a delicious chocolate dessert. The wine was exceptional and we enjoyed every minute of the meal. The staff is warm and friendly and you just can not beat the view!

Dominating the main piazza in Ariccia, Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo is a striking example of Baroque harmony and elegance. Designed by Bernini, the church’s circular form and luminous interior create an immediate sense of balance and calm. Its location—anchoring the town’s civic and social life—makes it more than just a religious site; it’s the heart of Ariccia itself. I always suggest stepping inside even if only briefly, then lingering in the piazza afterward to soak in the rhythm of daily life. It’s a perfect stop for travelers who appreciate architecture, atmosphere, and the quiet beauty of small-town Lazio.