A Foodie’s Guide to Italy: Venice, Rome & Positano

Venice

Take some time to explore the city and the canals. There are so many canals away from the grand canal to see, but as always, the grand canal itself is a sight to see. While taking in all the city views, there are tons of trattorias and ristorantes to choose from that offer local cuisine.

Venice has many local cafes to stop in for an espresso, cappuccino or a pastry. You cannot go wrong with any of these places you may find along the way. If you are looking to fit in like a local, you will want to stop in for an espresso, standing up at the bar. Most terraces/tables are for tourists. Italians usually stand by the bar, sip, dabble in a mini pastry and head off to wherever life takes them.

See St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) for lunch. Grab one of the many tables available in the square. Here, you can sit and enjoy an Aperol spritz, while people-watching (if that’s your thing) or simply enjoy the views of the Cathedral.

Stop by Harry’s Bar (a celebrity favorite) for a nightcap or if you are looking for the world-famous Bellini.

Rome

The Big Bus hop-on-hop-off tour is a fun way to see the city to get a layout of everything, so then later, you can walk to places and explore further.

The Best of Rome by Golf Cart is a good private tour to see the "best of" sites in Rome. You can learn about the city's history in a shorter time, and this is perfect for small groups or families with children.

Of course, you must take a tour of the Colosseum. There are many options when choosing a ticket. You can choose from the Colosseum itself, the Colosseum and the underground, or even see the Colosseum at night!

Trastevere is the hot spot for lunch in Rome. Multiple restaurants to choose from in this area, along with picturesque views. You cannot go wrong with any of the restaurants in this neighborhood.

Experience a speakeasy! Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is your traditional, exclusive-style speakeasy. Jerry Thomas offers a fun vibe and really hone in on their cocktail crafting. You will need a password or “secret word” to get in. You can find this by heading over to their website and signing up for their newsletter and becoming a member or booking online directly.

Positano

Explore the many shops in the town center and stop in for a lemon sorbet in an actual lemon! While it's aesthetically pleasing, it's also delicious. Perfect for those hot Italian heat. You can also get some fresh limoncello to sip on while you explore.

Relax at the Spiaggia Grande beach or if it is the off-season, it is still worth the trip down to see the town from the beach view.

Take the ferry or gett a private boat tour to the island. The ferry is the cheaper option but often fills up fast and can be super crowded. Private boat tours would be best, specifically for small or larger groups. This way you are on your time, get to sail around the island and its famous sites, and stop for a swim!

Take a cooking class at La Tagliata! This is a tourist hotspot as they offer a fun and authentic cooking class. Get ready to cook, dance and drink like a true Italian.

If you are a wine lover, you will want to stop by Le Tre Sorelle Wine Room. With several wine dispensers and different pour options, this makes for a great location to take a break from all those Positano steps and do a little wine tasting. You can also add in an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting (trust me you do not want to miss out on this). The idea is to get a “wine card”; you can preload the amount you want, then head over to the dispenser, insert your card, and then select your pour. The pour options vary in price, but these will be listed. If you find yourself going back to the same wine, you can purchase a bottle to open on the spot or take with you! (This applies to olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well.)

Day Trips

Venice:

Take a water taxi/water bus to one of Venice's vibrant Islands: Murano and Burano. Murano is known for its glass making and Burano for its lace. You cannot go wrong with either option, but you can also visit both on the same day. This makes for a perfect day trip to explore. When purchasing waterbus tickets, be sure to validate them! After you purchase your ticket there is usually a machine to validate tickets right before hopping onto the boat ramp.

Positano:

Take a day trip to Pompeii! You can take the bus (the more affordable option). However, this will be a longer journey. It is recommend to hire a car service. It is more costly but worth it! Pompeii also has a restaurant you can stop by on your way out for lunch or bring your own meal and have a picnic in the Porta Nola area!

Venice

• Amo: Coffee bar or aperitivo (Italian happy hour), located at the end of the famous Rialto Bridge offers the best of both worlds. The amo is perfect for those who love luxury on a budget.

• Cafe Florian: This cafe is a major tourist spot fave. Located in St. Mark’s square is the oldest cafe in Venice, dating back to 300 years. While the prices may be high it wouldn’t hurt to stop for a photo opportunity.

• Hostaria Bacanera: Hidden Gem, off the beaten path that still provides that luxury feel away from the Grand Canal. You will find quality food and pleasant wines! It also offers a romantic atmosphere, so this is a perfect dinner for two or a more intimate small group gathering.

• Restaurant Terrazza Danieli: For those looking for a true luxury feel and panoramic view, this restaurant located inside Hotel Danieli is the ideal choice. If you are a movie buff, you may recognize this location from the movie “The Tourist”, with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Are you wanting to experience this view without paying $$$$? Well there is also a rooftop bar, Bar Terrazza Danieli!

Rome

• L'Antico Forno di Piazza Trevi: For a morning espresso and pastry that offers a first class view of the Trevi fountain or the Rooftop Lounge Trevi for an afternoon spritz.

• Il Marchese-Osteria Mercato Liquori: Here is where you can find luxury on a budget. Reservation recommended.

• Aroma: A favorite spot in the Eternal City. This Michelin star restaurant overlooks the Colosseum and is the epitome of luxury. Reservation is required and credit card must be provided at the time of booking. (You will not be charged, this is just to hold your reservation).Tasting menu only with an optional wine sommelier. This is a true fine dining experience that will not disappoint.

• Argot – Mixology Bar: A hidden gem with a cozy atmosphere and live music. Argot is tucked away but does not require a password like a traditional speakeasy. You will only need to pay the 5 euros to sign up for their membership to get in.

Positano

• Roc Pizza & Steak: This restaurant takes a luxury spin on pizza and steak (yes, just like its name). Roc has quality meats from all over the world, exclusive pizzas, along with Italian traditions. There is also a sommelier at your service to help find the finest pairing. Reservation Recommended. After dinner, stop by Eden Sky Bar for a nightcap or afternoon cocktail. This rooftop bar offers striking views of the Mediterranean and Positano’s cliff.

• Maestro’s: Located in Villa Treville Hotel on the edge of Positano. Maestro’s is first class in all things luxury, from food to wine and craft cocktails. In this signature restaurant, you will find locally grown ingredients, providing the freshest meals, while the veranda offers spectacular sea views. Reservation and card on file required. Insider tip: If you show up before your reservation, you can have an aperitif at Bianca Bar. There is usually a 200 euro per person cover charge for Bianca Bar, but if you have a room/dinner reservation, they will sometimes waive this fee.

• La Sponda: Located in Le Sirenuse Hotel offers a romantic ambiance with sprawling vines throughout the ceiling. They say this is the top spot for proposals, but is also great for family and friends. Gennaro Russo brings fresh Naples cuisine to Positano, creating a culinary dream. After enjoying a distinguished meal, La Sponda offers a fresh shot of limoncello to cleanse the palette.

• Caffe Positano: Is one of Positano’s more affordable places to dine that still offers those breathtaking views of the beach and the Mediterranean sea. Caffe Positano is on the traditional side, focusing on fresh fish specialties and flavorful aromas for dinner. This is also a great spot for a filling breakfast from American traditions to Italian.