Rule of thumb: NEVER eat near a monument/vista/famous place. Best case scenario, the meal is good but costs twice a normal meal in a normal restaurant. Worst case scenario, it's crap AND expensive. Visit the place, take your pics, do what you wish, then walk to some quiet streets nearby looking for local eateries. Also, this generally applies to any country I've ever visited, not just Italy.
I once ate there at Piazza Navona. That wasn't that bad, by the way. Was too tired walking to look any further. But the food was decent (saltimbocca alla romana). But I agree with you. It is cheaper and better to go just a few tiny streets away. Small trattorias, sometimes barely visible from outside. Best food there. 😊
Aah! Carciofi alla Giudia! Buonissimo! - But I'm not sure everyone will enjoy your suggestion of trippa ... We have travelled from Sweden to Italy yearly for many years, and only been scammed once, more than 20 years ago. We got an extra day in La Eterna because of a train strike. Not really knowing what to do, by lunchtime we went to a restaurant right by Foro Traiano, and ordered two simple green salads, - with a huge prize tag. - Explore the back streets! That applies even to Trastevere. 1. NEVER enter a restaurant with pictures of their dishes. 2. Never choose a restaurant with 50+ dishes. 3. Preferably don't choose a restaurant with a menu in English on the outside. 4. NEVER visit a restaurant with a "Menu turistico" ... We made another mistake when visiting Genova, following a sign proclaiming "Cucina regionale". It led to a street from which we more or less ran away when we saw the "menu" offered there (aptly named Via Maddalena) ... Do your diligent research and try to learn some "restaurant Italian". You will be MUCH better off then. And BTW: When in Rome, we always want to have a caffè at Piazza Navona, well aware that you hardly could choose a more expensive place for that in Rome. But just to have a view of the most beautiful square in the world ... (And if you want to buy toys for your children, at the north end of it, there is an fantastic albeit rather expensive toy store. If you long for a 1 meter tall wooden Pinocchio to take home, here is the place to go!). And - sorry to say, but apparently everybody is treating you much better if they realize that you are not American, at least not in a big tourist group. In northern Italy, that apparently applies for Germans as well. We are often mistaken for Germans because of our native language, and when we explain "Siamo Svedese" everýone lightens up!
Hi Anastasiya, I’ve heard you mentioned how tips work in a previous video and I was just curious about Piccolo Buco, they add a tip to their bill. Is that a tourist scam? Or does it get added to everyone’s bill? Thank you
Every restaurant is different, but some do add tips to their final bill. Piccolo Buco is not a scam but unfortunately, sometimes in Italy they find “ways” to get tips even when it’s not required. For example, a taxi driver sometimes would say that he does not have a change and keep the entire amount or at the restaurant they would ask you directly to leave a tip. That’s why I always bring awareness to this topic.
Also, pay for your meal at your table. Sometimes the staff will take your payment in the back of the restaurant where they’ll copy your credit card information or bring you a bogus check with extra charges and short change you. Caveat emptor.
Just in Italy in December- Rome local high quality restaurants are vicious to Americans - if you are lucky enough to get seated However we had good quality food even at touristy places just not right near the top sights and good service no problem with the bill - of course need to be careful and check the bill always Best food in Florence and Venice - wouldn’t wait in long lines for any meal
Went to Rome with my Mrs last year and we could tell near the tourist spots that the restaurants weren't up to par as the menus outside had all English on them and a few of them had some cocky waiters outside trying to invite us in, we was like we're not falling for that trick haha, went to a restaurant out of the touristy bits and we noticed they were a lot cheaper and the staff seemed a lot nicer as well
Hello! I have been looking at your videos preparing for our trip in April! My main question is, we are a family of 6, and will be traveling from Munich all the way down to Naples over a 3 week time frame. Going a lot of different places, would it be cheaper to rent a car or take trains everywhere?
When you are looking at the price differences, be sure to factor in the following costs if you rent a car: gas (about $8/gal), tolls (often high), parking, one-way fees from the rental company, and the possibility of inadvertent traffic tickets. For a first time to Italy, I would always say you should choose trains over renting a car. Many cities won't let you into the center of town with a car, so you have to park outside (and pay). Some won't even let you close, like Venice or any hill town.
When went to a "non-tourist restaurant" recommended by one of the youtube channels, and it was honestly shocking. It was super busy with many locals, so I thought we were safe. We were not. They definitely targeted the tourists, and we even saw multiple tour groups be seated WITH their guides. We were never given a menu, the owner was running around asking "appertivo?" or "meat or fish?" and ended up serving us a nearly 4 course dinner, for lunch. when we said we didn't want something he looked offended so we said okay. By the end of the lunch it took over an hour and a half, we were stuffed, and we paid more than any other restaurant that we went to in Rome. We were looking at a nearly 120 euro bill just for lunch. I was appalled. So if anyone sees this comment, if you go to a restaurant that doesn't give you a menu right away, either ask for it, or leaves, so you don't end up like us. I am still bitter about this.
You also want to be very careful with restaurants recommended by people who have not lived in Italy posting on TH-cam, TikTok, Trip Advisor. They can easily, unwittingly, steer you into the most appalling tourist spots. And, yes, guides might take groups there because they might do touristy things that they think their clients will like (or even get a cut from the restaurant). That said, it is not at all unusual to have a 4-course meal for lunch that takes an hour and a half. That's just a nice lunch out in Italy - and it's wonderful. The 120 euro bill is about twice what you would expect to pay, though.
I live in Rome and I have not seen any gluten-free restaurants, but there are a few gluten-free shops. Every restaurant I know of does have gluten free options that they are happy to offer.
Do I understand it correctly that, as a foreign tourist, I generally have to choose between falling into a tourist trap and waiting in line for hours for a good, authentic Italian meal? I don't insist on a Michelin star restaurant; I just want a decent and reasonably priced meal. Do they exist? If so, how can I find them?
There are lots of authentic restaurants in Italy that accept reservations. You just have to make them far in advance, especially during the peak season (which is pretty much the whole year for Italy.) If for some reason you did not manage to make a reservation, you can still dine at excellent local restaurants, but you will have to opt for the ones who don't take reservations in general, so you will have to wait in line.
Problem in Rome is they all have people standing outside around all the main sites. I was there 4 days never seen a restaurant with a giant line. In Florence I had to reserve a spot at this steak restaurant. I think I spent 90 bucks for this giant t bone. It wasn’t worth it. Actually their french fries were great. If u like steaks from America DO NOT BUY STEAKS in Italy. I had 2. Both swing and a miss. This lady is right about the restaurant s around the sites were not that great. Food much better in Venice. No doubt but free bread in Italy sucked
When we went to Osteria da Fortunata and were ready to settle our bill, we were forced by the waiter to pay a tip, not only that, we were asked to tip 10% or more. This resto was the only one that forced us to tip, not sure if this is a typical practice at this resto. Service was rushed and food was ok not great. Don’t think i’ll be going back as there are tons of other amazing restos all over Rome.
@@StayFabulousTL It was a very disappointing experience to say the least. Thank you for all the videos you’ve shared, you’ve given so much valuable infos.
@@sergiobertoni4074 I agree. Yet I see the country full of europeans and americans and other “first world” countries. It’s not a common rule to be assaulted here but even for us you got have street savvy to avoid the don’t’s.
*Sono appena tornato a Roma dalla mia casa di Madison avenue in New York,ed è incredibile come a Roma faccia già venti gradi a Marzo.🤬😡😈🥵Un saluto Anastasia da me e mia moglie.*
As always, hope you will find this video useful! Until the next time😉
I'll be going to Umbria mid April. Any suggestions on places to stay and things to do
Fabulous fashion sense, Anastasia!
Rule of thumb: NEVER eat near a monument/vista/famous place. Best case scenario, the meal is good but costs twice a normal meal in a normal restaurant. Worst case scenario, it's crap AND expensive.
Visit the place, take your pics, do what you wish, then walk to some quiet streets nearby looking for local eateries.
Also, this generally applies to any country I've ever visited, not just Italy.
I once ate there at Piazza Navona. That wasn't that bad, by the way. Was too tired walking to look any further. But the food was decent (saltimbocca alla romana). But I agree with you. It is cheaper and better to go just a few tiny streets away. Small trattorias, sometimes barely visible from outside. Best food there. 😊
Your videos are so helpful, I hope I can avoid these types of restaurants on my trip this Fall!
Aah! Carciofi alla Giudia! Buonissimo! - But I'm not sure everyone will enjoy your suggestion of trippa ...
We have travelled from Sweden to Italy yearly for many years, and only been scammed once, more than 20 years ago.
We got an extra day in La Eterna because of a train strike. Not really knowing what to do, by lunchtime we went to a restaurant right by Foro Traiano, and ordered two simple green salads, - with a huge prize tag. - Explore the back streets! That applies even to Trastevere.
1. NEVER enter a restaurant with pictures of their dishes.
2. Never choose a restaurant with 50+ dishes.
3. Preferably don't choose a restaurant with a menu in English on the outside.
4. NEVER visit a restaurant with a "Menu turistico" ...
We made another mistake when visiting Genova, following a sign proclaiming "Cucina regionale". It led to a street from which we more or less ran away when we saw the "menu" offered there (aptly named Via Maddalena) ...
Do your diligent research and try to learn some "restaurant Italian". You will be MUCH better off then.
And BTW: When in Rome, we always want to have a caffè at Piazza Navona, well aware that you hardly could choose a more expensive place for that in Rome. But just to have a view of the most beautiful square in the world ...
(And if you want to buy toys for your children, at the north end of it, there is an fantastic albeit rather expensive toy store. If you long for a 1 meter tall wooden Pinocchio to take home, here is the place to go!).
And - sorry to say, but apparently everybody is treating you much better if they realize that you are not American, at least not in a big tourist group. In northern Italy, that apparently applies for Germans as well. We are often mistaken for Germans because of our native language, and when we explain "Siamo Svedese" everýone lightens up!
I'll be visiting Rome and Florence in April and I really appreciate your tips.
My pleasure! Excellent month to visit!
Wonderful tips! Thanks so much!😊
My pleasure!
Thank You again for all of your information. See you in May
How do I contact you about booking some tours in July?
Sure - please send your request to info@fabulousvita.com
Another brilliant video, thank you. Your hair looks different, and the style suits you 😊
Thank you🥰 Yes - I have bangs now! Let's see how long they will last haha
Спасибо!
You got it!
I love this channel, always the best info
Thank you!
Great advice - Thank u again
My pleasure!
Hi Anastasiya, I’ve heard you mentioned how tips work in a previous video and I was just curious about Piccolo Buco, they add a tip to their bill. Is that a tourist scam? Or does it get added to everyone’s bill?
Thank you
Every restaurant is different, but some do add tips to their final bill. Piccolo Buco is not a scam but unfortunately, sometimes in Italy they find “ways” to get tips even when it’s not required. For example, a taxi driver sometimes would say that he does not have a change and keep the entire amount or at the restaurant they would ask you directly to leave a tip. That’s why I always bring awareness to this topic.
Also, pay for your meal at your table. Sometimes the staff will take your payment in the back of the restaurant where they’ll copy your credit card information or bring you a bogus check with extra charges and short change you.
Caveat emptor.
Thank you for sharing. It never happened to me in Italy as they usually bring a card reader directly to the table.
Just in Italy in December- Rome local high quality restaurants are vicious to Americans - if you are lucky enough to get seated
However we had good quality food even at touristy places just not right near the top sights and good service no problem with the bill - of course need to be careful and check the bill always
Best food in Florence and Venice - wouldn’t wait in long lines for any meal
Went to Rome with my Mrs last year and we could tell near the tourist spots that the restaurants weren't up to par as the menus outside had all English on them and a few of them had some cocky waiters outside trying to invite us in, we was like we're not falling for that trick haha, went to a restaurant out of the touristy bits and we noticed they were a lot cheaper and the staff seemed a lot nicer as well
Yep! Works every time. Thank you for sharing with the community!
Can anyone recommend a restaurant near the trevi fountain ?
Piccolo Buco😉
❤❤❤ So Nice of you
Thank you!
Lei ha proprio ragione! Grazie per questo video!
Hello! I have been looking at your videos preparing for our trip in April!
My main question is, we are a family of 6, and will be traveling from Munich all the way down to Naples over a 3 week time frame. Going a lot of different places,
would it be cheaper to rent a car or take trains everywhere?
Sounds like a van would be needed.
When you are looking at the price differences, be sure to factor in the following costs if you rent a car: gas (about $8/gal), tolls (often high), parking, one-way fees from the rental company, and the possibility of inadvertent traffic tickets. For a first time to Italy, I would always say you should choose trains over renting a car. Many cities won't let you into the center of town with a car, so you have to park outside (and pay). Some won't even let you close, like Venice or any hill town.
When went to a "non-tourist restaurant" recommended by one of the youtube channels, and it was honestly shocking. It was super busy with many locals, so I thought we were safe. We were not. They definitely targeted the tourists, and we even saw multiple tour groups be seated WITH their guides. We were never given a menu, the owner was running around asking "appertivo?" or "meat or fish?" and ended up serving us a nearly 4 course dinner, for lunch. when we said we didn't want something he looked offended so we said okay. By the end of the lunch it took over an hour and a half, we were stuffed, and we paid more than any other restaurant that we went to in Rome. We were looking at a nearly 120 euro bill just for lunch. I was appalled. So if anyone sees this comment, if you go to a restaurant that doesn't give you a menu right away, either ask for it, or leaves, so you don't end up like us. I am still bitter about this.
You also want to be very careful with restaurants recommended by people who have not lived in Italy posting on TH-cam, TikTok, Trip Advisor. They can easily, unwittingly, steer you into the most appalling tourist spots. And, yes, guides might take groups there because they might do touristy things that they think their clients will like (or even get a cut from the restaurant). That said, it is not at all unusual to have a 4-course meal for lunch that takes an hour and a half. That's just a nice lunch out in Italy - and it's wonderful. The 120 euro bill is about twice what you would expect to pay, though.
I've read that Italy is sensitive to gluten-free needs. Are there gluten-free options in all restaurants? Are there special gluten-free restaurants?
I live in Rome and I have not seen any gluten-free restaurants, but there are a few gluten-free shops. Every restaurant I know of does have gluten free options that they are happy to offer.
Grazie
Prego😉
Do I understand it correctly that, as a foreign tourist, I generally have to choose between falling into a tourist trap and waiting in line for hours for a good, authentic Italian meal? I don't insist on a Michelin star restaurant; I just want a decent and reasonably priced meal. Do they exist? If so, how can I find them?
There are lots of authentic restaurants in Italy that accept reservations. You just have to make them far in advance, especially during the peak season (which is pretty much the whole year for Italy.) If for some reason you did not manage to make a reservation, you can still dine at excellent local restaurants, but you will have to opt for the ones who don't take reservations in general, so you will have to wait in line.
What I didn’t get - should I tip the waiter or not (because it’s always included)?
You should not, unless you want to give extra. The service charge is already included in the bill.
I see, thank you very much!
Problem in Rome is they all have people standing outside around all the main sites. I was there 4 days never seen a restaurant with a giant line. In Florence I had to reserve a spot at this steak restaurant. I think I spent 90 bucks for this giant t bone. It wasn’t worth it. Actually their french fries were great. If u like steaks from America DO NOT BUY STEAKS in Italy. I had 2. Both swing and a miss. This lady is right about the restaurant s around the sites were not that great. Food much better in Venice. No doubt but free bread in Italy sucked
You changed your hair?
I did😊
Love it
Good Video. Mumbai Indian.
Thank you! Hello Mumbai!
When we went to Osteria da Fortunata and were ready to settle our bill, we were forced by the waiter to pay a tip, not only that, we were asked to tip 10% or more. This resto was the only one that forced us to tip, not sure if this is a typical practice at this resto. Service was rushed and food was ok not great. Don’t think i’ll be going back as there are tons of other amazing restos all over Rome.
Did you tip??? Cuz if they forced me I would have stood my ground and decided not to. That’s crazy.
@@Cindypisces Yeah we did, gave 10% 🤷🏻♀️
That's so unfortunate. Thank you for sharing.
@@StayFabulousTL It was a very disappointing experience to say the least. Thank you for all the videos you’ve shared, you’ve given so much valuable infos.
Don't forget, Inventors of the World.
Italians must marry Italians.
✝️🇮🇹🇺🇲✝️
I’m brazilian and never have I ever wanted to visit Italy.
I feel the same. I don't want to go to Brasile.
@@franknaso3311 don’t take it the wrong way. It never drew mt attention at all. But I’ve been to London and parts of Germany and loved it.
Same for me. Brasil as all south America, I think too dangerous...don't like the idea you cannot walk or drive freely without risking your life
@@sergiobertoni4074 I agree. Yet I see the country full of europeans and americans and other “first world” countries. It’s not a common rule to be assaulted here but even for us you got have street savvy to avoid the don’t’s.
Your tour agency company link please….
I ate at Da Enzo, waited 1 hr and was second in line. Has the carbonara...it was over salted ! my god...salty as hell. but the rest was good.
Da Enzo al 29 is legendary🙌 Glad you had a good time. Carbonara should be pretty salty. The salty taste comes from the pecorino and guanciale.
@@StayFabulousTL yes im italian, it was over salted. almost inedible. i had so many of them in italy. i also make my own, i love it
We were just robbed in metro Station in Rome 😅
May I ask what happened, as a warning? Wallet, purse, luggage, shopping bags?
Oh no!!
Immigrants from africa. They are ruining our country.
*Sono appena tornato a Roma dalla mia casa di Madison avenue in New York,ed è incredibile come a Roma faccia già venti gradi a Marzo.🤬😡😈🥵Un saluto Anastasia da me e mia moglie.*
Thanks for the tips and useful info
My pleasure!