By many guides, La Pergola is the best restaurant in Rome, a city that presents some fierce competition for that title. Located on the ninth floor of the Cavalieri Hilton, La Pergola offers an outdoor terrace with impressive views of the city. The restaurant dominates the top end of dining alternatives in Rome, with a nine-course full tasting menu as well as a la carte menus for appetizers, entrees, wine--even a select range of mineral water. Although an expensive selection even for Rome, La Pergola has earned uniform praise from diners for its selection, ambience and service.
La Pergola
Via Cadlolo 101
00136 Rome, Italy
011-39-6-3509-2152
romecavalieri.com
Ristorante La Giosta, near the Duomo in central Florence, is a small, hard-to-find restaurant that draws an eager crowd of locals and tourists every night. Diners are apt to spot various celebrities and politicians at the tables, as the restaurant's founders were descendants of the Habsburg emperors and have earned a good reputation among European jet setters. The menu includes Italian traditions such as prosciutto al melone, bistecca, and homemade pasta dishes, as well as continental specialties from northern Europe and the La Giosta specialty: a rich menu of Austrian pastry desserts.
Ristorante La Giosta
Borgo Pinti, 12
50121 Firenze, Italia
011-39-0-5524-1341
ristorantelagiostra.com
Le Calandre, in the town of Rubano, has earned the coveted three stars--the top rating endowed by the Michelin restaurant guide and has attained 20th position on the San Pellegrino list. This establishment offers traditional, down-to-earth Italian food, prepared with great care and presented with an artistic flourish. A tasting menu is offered, while the 1,500-item wine list is shared by leading French and Italian vintages.
Le Calandre
Via Liguria 1
35030 Sarmeola di Rubano, Italy
011-39-0-4963-0303
calandre.com
The Osteria Francescana in the northern city of Modena has reached No. 6 on the respected Restaurant Magazine's "50 Best Restaurants" list, the top spot for any restaurant in Italy. The food is prepared and presented with great care. Chef Massimo Bottura is a culinary creator and his avant-garde entrees lend a new texture, color and flavor to traditional Italian preparations, such as ossobuco and mortadella.
Osteria Francescana
22 Via Stelle
Modena, Itlay
011-39-0-5921-0118
osteriafrancescana.it
