A COLLECTION OF THE BEST SPOTS IN ITALY, FROM VENICE TO CAPRI…

AMALFI

Borgo Santandrea - Alici

Borgo Santandrea is the most beautiful hotel we’ve ever been to, partially because of the service, but mostly because of its beauty both natural and manufactured. So whether or not you’re staying here, go to Alici for a cocktail, or even dinner, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty.
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Gelato Andrea Pansa

Amalfi is known for being packed with tourists and with that comes a lack of authenticity. Andrea Pansa is definitely a ‘luxurious’ looking gelato spot but the product was very authentic, creamy, and served limited traditional flavors.
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Hotel Marina Rivera

BP will always refrain from speaking negatively, but I also never want to mislead you. HMR has a great view of Amalfi so I highly recommend having a drink on their terrace; I don’t however recommend eating here.
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Il Pirata

Any restaurant that you take a boat to arrive at is going to be good. Well, actually I don’t stand by that rule… but Il Pirata is worth it for the experience alone! But it doesn’t stop there, the food is also fantastic. The Lobster Linguini is unparalleled and you must order the octopus - I mean it comes from the sea right in front of you so there’s really no better time to try a new food.
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CAPRI

Capri requires a disclaimer. While the food is good, I wouldn’t say anything is mind-blowing. The vibe in Capri is special. It’s beautiful. It’s a party. It’s relaxing. There’s nothing to complain about. So keep in mind these restaurants are GOOD, really good, but you may not write home about them.

Aurora

The oldest restaurant in Capri. Well known for their fun vibe, pizza and pasta. The pizza is extremely thin and crispy, a nice change from the pizza in Naples and Rome. If going with a group, slide in an order of the caviar pasta!
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Villa Verde

The center, and majority of the restaurant’s seating, is a beautiful garden terrace. Atmosphere is great and the food is good - it was our last night in Italy so naturally we ordered more pizza!
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JK Place Capri

Another beautiful hotel has made the list, yes we know BP isn’t a travel agent but just go have a drink on JK’s scenic terrace.
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Cesar Augustus

I think this may be where the world ends. Cesar Augustus is technically in Anacapri which is much higher than Capri, so the view looks as if you’re hovering hundreds of feet above the water. You can even see Mount Vesuvius from the terrace. Watch the sunset and sip an aperitivo here - it’ll be a core memory. Promise.
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buonocore gelateria

We didn’t get a chance to grab gelato at this spot, but it’s supposed to be great.
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FLORENCE

All’Antico Vinaio

Many people will say these are the best sandwiches in Italy. They’re not wrong, but I can’t deny Bischeri in Venice and the Italian auto stops are amazing as well. Anyways, you may or may not see a menu at All’Antico Vinaio and if that’s the case, just ask them to pick for you. They won’t disappoint.
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Berbere pizza

Florence isn’t known for their pizza but when in Italy, right? Solid pizza (made with living sourdough!!!) and an extremely flavorful tomato sauce. We preferred the Diavola over the Margherita, but you can’t go wrong.
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Enoteca Pinchiorri

OK, I’ll keep it straight with y’all, I’ve never been here but it’s a 3 Michelin Star restaurant that I’ve heard incredible things about not just online but first hand. If I can’t go, you should.
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Gelateria de Neri

Best gelato we had in Italy. ‘Nuff said.
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La Ménagère

Essentially the most perfect cafe you could imagine. Beautifully decorated, calm ambiance, open late (which seems odd for a cafe but perfectly makes sense when you visit).
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Villa San Michele Spaghetti with Burrata, Pomodoro, Pesto

Locale

This is one of those places where the drinks are so beautiful you feel badly consuming them. Located in a palazzo dating back to the 1500s, they’ve got the drinks, the setting, and the food down.
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SE:STO Rooftop

Situated at the top of The Westin hotel, SE:STO has an incredible view of Florence from the river and Ponte Vecchio to the duomo and surrounding. Come for the view, stay for a Spritz.
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VILLA SAN MICHELE

A beautiful just 20 minutes outside of central Florence, stop in for a lunch, stay for a drink - or the night! - the food will be some of the best in Florence and the views of the city even more inspiring.
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MINORI

Giardiniello

Located in a very quiet town, Giardiniello will make you feel like you are one with Italians. No one will speak to you in English, you’ll be eating traditional food under tree coverage all while escaping the tourism!
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Pasticceria Sal De Riso

While we don’t subscribe to the belief that Italians have the best dessert, this Pasticceria has won award after award after award. We were told to order the Ricotta and Pear cake, Lemon Delight, and Sicilian cannolis! All were delightful.
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Naples

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Michele has been on the Michelin guide for year after year after year. The badges are on display throughout the pizzeria and it’s hard to keep count; I mean this spot has been open since 1870. There are only 2 items on the menu: Marinara or Margherita pizza. You can wait for a table or snag a pie to go - regardless, you should expect a long wait that will be worth it.

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PANZANO

DARIO CECCHINI

You’ll read reviews that rave about Cecchini’s and ones that are less than kind. Yes, the butcher shop has been turned into a 3 story restuarant and tourists flood in, but the quality of the meat is out of this world and the experience will give you a new appreciation for the animal. We highly recommend a stop in Panzano if not for the meat, then to see and meat the character that is Dario Cecchini.

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POSITANO

Il San Pietro

Another notable hotel that all the celebrities go too. While BSA continues to be our favorite spot on the coast, San Pietro is also an amazing hotel with a stunning view of the sea and Positano. Try to snag a reservation for lunch, it was one of our favorite meals from the panini to the eggplant parm and the lobster pasta. To die for!
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Conca del sogno

This restaurant/beach club continues to be our favorite food on the Amalfi coast. The salt baked fish is the best we’ve ever had, the caprese is made with beautiful mozzarella, the pasta, the wine with peaches, the gelato. I can’t even use words to express how much we love this spot!
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ravello

Da Salvatore

Notorious for the views and good food, Salvatore does offer an amazing experience, but the food is more innovative and creative than traditional. We ordered a great pasta, but we’re not in love with the other dishes.
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Il Balcone di Lucille

Located in Villa Cimbrone, this little café spot serves gelato and some drinks for visitors of the gardens. It won’t be great food or drink, but the little balcony hanging off the building is an unreal experience you must enjoy a Spritz and see it!
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Belmond Hotel Caruso

Regardless of where you stay, take a visit to Caruso just for the views and a great aperitivo.
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Rome

Bonci

Roman style pizza that is by the slice (Pizza al taglio) is traditionally large rectangles, almost like focaccia, and cut with scissors right before heating up and serving you a warm piece of pie - or can we even call it pie since it isn’t round? Beware this is a to-go spot, no seats available, but well worth it and puts Prince Street Pizza in NYC (which I love!!!) to shame.
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Collegio

An absolutely hidden gem, no guides, no articles, just authentic Italian food with locals seated at every table. In fact, we were the only Americans. The Saltimbocca is to die for and the seasonal white chocolate dessert filled with pistachio butter will haunt my dreams for years to come.
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Giolitti

Well known and authentic, Giolitti serves some of the best gelato and pastries in Rome - since 1890! While we loved the gelato here, Neri (in Florence) was even better. Maybe you’ll get lucky and try both!
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Hotel De La Ville

A magnificent hotel above the Spanish Steps with an even better rooftop terrace that is perfect when wanting an Apertivo while overlooking Rome.
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Luciano

Some people say Chef Luciano runs the Italian food scene. The carbonara here is absolutely mind blowing, specifically because of how perfectly crispy and flavorful the pork is. By far one of our favorite stops in Italy!
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Roscioli Salumeria

Situated in the back of the salami shop, you are hit with smells of cheese and meat as you walk in. Obviously this will excite you for the meal to come. Another Micheline guide spot, and extremely well known at that, so while Roscioli will deliver you with great food, don’t expect to be surrounded by locals. Order the La Matriciana O Amatriciana - a Roman classic pasta dish that Roscioli knocks out of the park.
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Venice

Antiche Carampane

Because Venice is surrounded by water, the city has a cuisine of its own that is heavily focused on seafood. Antiche Carampane is one of the most quintessential restaurants in town, old-school, Venetian, no fuss. Their starters are stronger than their entrees, try the Grilled Octopus, Gran Fritto Misto, and Spider Crabs (if available!).
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Ai Mercanti

A family run restaurant featured on the Micheline guide, serves some amazing Italian food in a modern manner. Deconstructed eggplant parmigiana served in a half eggplant with shaved parmesan on top AND melted cheese mixed in. Carbonara, Chocolate Interpretations, and trust their wine selections.
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Gelatoteca Suso

Best gelato in Venice. We tried a few so take our word.
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Hotel Danieli

Another spectacular view. Hotel Danieli is one of the more well-known hotels in Venice. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend staying here because while it is authentic, it is a bit dated. That said, their rooftop terrace has a beautiful (high) view of the Grand Canal - if traveling in September, you may even be able to see the famous regatta.
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L’Bacaro de Bischeri

Apparently this sandwich spot is actually Florentine but after relocating to Venice, the man behind the magic decided to combine quintessential foods from both Florence and Venice - point in case Creamed Cod. To be honest that wasn’t my favorite, but it is definitely worth a try! The sandwiches, however, were as good as, if not better than, All’Antica Vinaio.
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The Gritti Palace

The most beautiful view! Perhaps it is my nostalgia for some family trips I had here, but the luxurious feel and location on the Grand Canal are to die for… as are the drinks.
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SOME OF OUR FAVORITE ITALIAN GEMS…