Archive for 'Food and Wine'

One of the best parts of adjusting to the Italian lifestyle on a nice, lazy, relaxing holiday in Italy, is adopting the dining practices of this famous foodie destination. From multiple courses with most meals, to dining over the course of hours and chatting late into the evening with pals, to wine with lunch – there are many elements that are not uncommon (though not necessarily daily for everyone all the time) practices and make for an ideal basis for a vacation full of rest and relaxation. Another of our favourite foodie traditions from Italy that we think everyone should adopt where possible? Going for an aperitivo before your meal, sitting out in a sunny piazza, catching up with your companions and people-watching, and enjoying a spritz and some snacks. Certainly, if you’ve been dashing about to see and do as much as you can on holiday in Florence or on vacation in Rome or in any other Italian destination, it’s the ideal way to unwind, rest your feet, and begin rehydrating before your big evening meal.

The question, then, is what spritz you should go for because, while the Aperol Spritz is the most famous option, there are other ways to go. Here are our favourite Italian tipples for a perfect aperitivo moment on vacation in Italy...

Are there vegetarian restaurants in Rome?

Italy is famous for her food and it is true that there are endless delicious things to eat and an untold number of remarkable restaurants and street food sellers and markets and more where you can find amazing dishes. Many of these dishes are meat-based but there are plenty of typical Italian dishes without meat that are wonderful options for vegetarians and will be found pretty readily on any menu. However, if you’re a vegetarian or a vegan and you’re on holidays, you might want to have lots and lots of tasty options - a whole menu of them - not just a smaller selection of suitable dishes. 

Rome, as the capital, is one of the cities with the most variety when it comes to amenities, restaurants, and stores and, therefore, has plenty of specialised eateries to choose from. So, if you want to book one of our vacation rentals in Rome and you are veggie or vegan and hope to eat very well during your trip, we have put together a small guide with answers to common questions about veggie-friendly options in the Eternal City.

One of those pretentious things that you hear people say but that is actually rather true is that certain foods are never as good as the version available on their home ground. While you may be able to find very tasty examples elsewhere, the expertise, experience, and innate understanding of locals means that eating the real deal can be a totally different experience. Foodies who love Italian food, in particular, will find that it is truly hard to compare to Italian food in Italy. So, if you have booked a villa in Italy or you are coming to explore and move about the country, these are the foods that we think you need to ensure that you try while you are in Italy – but don’t blame us if nothing else ever quite compares...

One of the best things about being on holiday is getting to indulge in delicious treats and try incredible local delights. With this in mind, we have been thinking and dreaming of our favourite Italian chocolate here at Italy Villas and decided to compile a list of the best brands and places where you can get some sweet treats if you book a villa in Italy and are truly diving into all aspects of her rich and flavourful culinary scene.

All jokes aside, Italy really does offer some of the tastiest chocolate in the world, in various forms, to sample so be sure to visit these gems once you have found your perfect vacation rental in Italy with us...

The museums and impressive architectural gems for which Florence is so well-known may have long and fascinating histories but some of the shops, markets, and eateries also have impressive legacies. Caffè Gilli is a perfect example of this: a truly stunning café with over two centuries of history and an important location in which cultural events have long been taking place. For those who love coffee and pastries and beautiful surroundings, it is the ideal spot to take a break from running around to see all that the city has to offer and to soak up the true wonder of your surroundings if you have been thining of booking a vacation rental in Florence and spending time in the city.