Archive for 'Restaurants & Cafés'

Many people cannot function until they get their first coffee of the day into them and could not survive without coffee in their life every day. As a result, coffee is a serious business in most parts of the world. Each country also tends to have its own distinct coffee culture and this is very much the case in Italy. Not only is Italy famous for great coffee, it is famous for its unique coffee culture. So, if you are a coffee-lover and you are booking a holiday rental in Italy, here’s what you need to know about the local coffee scene.

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.

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. 

To tip or not to tip, that is the question.

Really though, you might be wondering if tipping is necessary in Italy if you are thinking about booking a villa in Italy as, depending on the culture, tipping can be seen as mandatory, nice but unnecessary, or even rude. So, what’s the story with tipping in Italy?