More Restaurants...

Ristorante "Il Giglio d'Ora"
In the lovely Italian town of Orvieto in the Umbria region... All I can say is WOW!
This little cafe sits in the square of the Cathedral of Orvieto with magnificent view of the massive structure and all the people in the square.
The menu is simple and mix of French & Italian influences. The food in this little cafe is on par with any of the 5 star restaurants in NYC (probably better). Our waiter was a toned, tanned, refined gentlemen who looked as good as the food tasted.
They carry a large section of local wines. The area is known for it's light crisp white wines.

You will not be disappointed!!!

Food: **** Service: ***** Price: $$$

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Trattoria Lilli
www.trattorialilli.it
An amazing little whole in the wall. This restaurant is hidden in a small alley by the Tiber river. It specializes in true Roman Cuisine and does it well! The pasta is made fresh and the sauces are truly amazing. I would have to say Simple is the word. Simple menu, simple wine, simple pricing and simple atmosphere - but the flavors is far from simple.  Also, if you are a Trippa fan (like Tom) you will love this place. It's a small place so remember to make reservations in advance. It's simple on the wallet and the food is worth it!


Food: **** Service: *** Price: $

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Mirabelle Restaurant
mirabelle.it
A lovely restaurant at the top of the Hotel Splendid in Roma. The views from the restaurant can not be beat. Make reservations for a time around sunset and you will not be disappointed. This upscale establishment is nice...yes, I said - just 'nice'. The food was 'good', the service was 'cute and fun' - but it's really a place to go if you have unlimited funds.
As to not leave you on a sour note - please re-read the view section...Amazing! It's good place for a special ocassion or to show off to a business client.

Food: *** Service: *** Price: $$$$$

Restaurants we have enjoyed...

Porto di Ripetta
Roma: Via di Ripetta, 250 - +39063612376
http://www.portodiripetta.com/

A family owned and operated bistro type restaurant. The place is small and cozy with a wonderful menu. We have enjoyed everything from a Cocoa based Ravioli to an amazing Salmon Carpaccio on Grilled Polenta. The owners make all that dine feel like part of their family... We have been treated to fine food and many tastings of assorted Grappa's. I would recommend this establishment to all that visit Rome!
Food: **** Service: **** Price: $$$

Tuna
Restaurant Oyster Bar
Roma: Via Veneto, 11 - +39 06.42.01.65.31
http://www.tunaroma.com/
An upscale restaurant on the famous Via Veneto (Home of Harry's Bar). A fully seafood restaurant with some pasta mixed in. The fresh catch can be grilled or baked. The mixed seasfood risotto was delicious. The oysters enjoyed by Tom and Greg were from assorted areas of the gobe but all looked amazing. If you are looking for local color you will find it in the patrons not the decor.
Food: *** Service: *** Price: $$$$

Obika Roma
Mozzarella Bar
Roma Piazza di Firenze - angolo Via dei Prefetti - +39 06 6832630
http://www.obika.it/
This place it not for the Lactos intolerant.  If you are a fan of Mozzarella this is The Place.  All items are made fresh on premises and believe me when I say WOW! We found the most amazing type of mozzarella in the world - called Stracatelli - it is addictive and delicious. They also make a warm homemade Cappanata (Eggplant salad) that is the best I have ever tasted. If you are a fan of mozzarella - This is the place for you. Open a nice bottle of red wine and just enjoy!!!
Food: ****, Service: ****, Price: $$+

Taverna Antonina (dal 1939)
Roma: Via della Colonna Antonina, 48 - +39 066783717
http://www.tavernaantonina.it/
Tom and I stumbled across this place because I stopped to take a picture out front. A wonderful display of fresh pasta, mushrooms, and artichokes - all flowing out of a large basket. Situated in the area of the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon - it's a wonderful place to have lunch while sightseeing. Eat on the deck, where smoking is still permitted. The menu is 100% complete for all tastes. Seafood, Soups, Salads, Pastas, and Meats - everything is wonderful. One of my favorite dishes is a fresh artichoke and prawn salad.  The light seasoning of olive oil and lemon is so amazingly intense and refreshing. The pasta with black truffles is equally delicious. If you want a little wine with your lunch (and who doesn't) just ask for the house wine - whether white or red they are both thirst quenching.
Food: **** Service: **** (ask for Francesco) Price: $$  

Ristorante La Balestra (the Crossbow)
Roma: Via Simeto, 2/F - +39 068555127
A simple little whole in the wall with wonderful fresh homemade daily specials.  Thursday is Gnoochi night - it should not be missed. The fresh vegetable soup is one of the best I have ever had. They also serve (for those adventurous soles) Tom's favorite - Tripe, stewed in a lovely tomato sauce. Other items that need to be tried are the pizzas, and the sliced beef with a balsamis glaze. The place is operated by Fernando and Caterina - an interesting old italian couple. If you still have room - their chocolate gelato is superb and should not be missed.
Food: *** Service: *** Price: $+

Fiore di Zucca
Roma: Via G. Donizetti, 16 - +39 06 84242417
Easily the place that Tom & I have frequented most. During our pre-trips to Rome - every hotel we had the pleasure of staying at recommended this establishment. The staff is funny and efficient. They are a mix of the characters from Seinfeld and Cheers. With or without reservations they have always made us feel at home. When ordering you must try their namesake dish - the Fiora di Zucca (the flower of the Zucchini - stuffed with cheese, an anchoviy, and then deep fried). Their grilled meats are tasty and always served with an assortment of grilled fresh vegetables. They have large fresh salads, great homemade pizzas, and amazing fresh sliced cured hams. Not to be missed!
Food: **** Service: **** Price: $+

Ristorante "Garigliano"
Roma: Via Garigliano 70/a - +39 068551077
http://www.ristorantegarigliano.com/
A wonderful seafood establishment - all specialties are of a Sardinian nature. They have a mixed cold seafood salad and a stewed archichoke that will leave you speachless. If you are a fish person this is the place for you. They prepare all their fresh fishes in numerous styles - wrapped in parchment, baked in sea salt, grilled, or baked. They present you with the completed fish, filet it tableside, and then give it to you for your enjoyment. All their dishes are best enjoyed with Vermentino - a crisp, light, and fresh white wine from Sardinia. I would watch out for their meat dishes - we did have a not-so-great experience with that.
Food: *** Service: *** Price: ***