Plan a visit
You have a wonderful opportunity to visit your son/daughter in Italy or London, sharing in their experience abroad as a family. We ask that parents planning a visit schedule it for AFTER the student’s first 3-4 weeks in the program, when orientation and arrival programs are complete. During the first weeks of the semester, getting used to their surroundings, meeting people and establishing a routine are essential for students abroad, and they can do so more successfully if they make progress independently. They also absorb much more information if they know that they alone are responsible for that information. We do, however, encourage parents to visit, and below we provide information that will be helpful in your planning.
Getting there
Accommodations
Restaurant Recommendations
Events & Museum Information
Getting to Italy
Traveling to any of the SAI Italy cities is relatively simple because all have major airports, some with direct flights to and from the United States. SAI has made arrangements with Waldorf Travel of California to offer SAI students and their families the lowest available airline tickets to Italy. Waldorf Travel has handled SAI student flights for over 12 years and is very familiar with the best travel rates and arrival procedures for all SAI cities.
Waldorf Travel
5316 SE Sherman St.
Portland OR 97215
E-mail: info@waldorftravel.com
Toll free: 800-328-7266 or
Te: 503-233-4053
Those visiting Milan will fly into Milano Malpensa airport. Milano Malpensa is approximately 45 minutes from the city center, and taxi rides can cost upwards of 80 euro depending on traffic. An alternative is taking the Malpensa Express, a very convenient train that goes from the airport to a central Milan metro station, Cadorna, in little more than a half hour. There are very clearly marked signs in the arrivals area of the airport indicating where to purchase tickets (€11 one way) and where to catch the train, which departs every half-hour. You can then take a reasonably-priced taxi ride from the central Cadorna metro stop to your destination.
Linate City airport is another option for flights arriving from other parts of Europe. It is connected with the public transportation network and you can ride the X73 airport-city express bus for €1. Taxis have a minimum fare of €12 and are a good option as well.
Those visiting Florence should fly into Peretola Florence airport. The city center is only fifteen to twenty minutes from the airport depending on traffic, and taxi rides should not exceed 25-30 euro.
Those visiting Rome will fly into Fiumicino airport. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs between 40 and 50 euro. Those looking to save money can take the Leonardo Express train to Rome’s central train station, Roma Termini. Signs in the arrivals area of the airport clearly indicate where to purchase tickets and where to catch the train. The ride lasts a half hour and the cost of a one-way ticket is 11 euro.
Getting to London
SAI has made arrangements with Waldorf Travel of California to offer SAI students and their families the lowest available airline tickets to Italy. Waldorf Travel has handled flights for SAI for ten years and is very familiar with the best and cheapest travel rates to London.
Waldorf Travel Service
5316 SE Sherman St.
Portland OR 97215
E-mail: info@waldorftravel.com
Toll free: 800-328-7266 or
Te: 503-233-4053
We suggest arriving with 200 Euro/GB Pounds in cash to pay for taxis, trains, food and other immediate needs.
Renting Cell Phones
Florence: Families and friends of SAI students in Florence can rent cell phones from Student Cells, whose main Italy office is located down the street from the SAI Florence office. Their address is Corso dei Tintori 29R. Information and rates can be found at www.studentcells.com.
Accommodations: Florence
FIVE STAR
San Firenze Suites
Drenched in the atmosphere of historic Florence, San Firenze Suites & SPA offers guests the ideal place for a unique and exclusive experience of the city. San Firenze Suites & SPA overlooks the historic Piazza San Firenze, in the heart of the old city, adjacent to Piazza della Signoria and just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and the principal monuments of Florence. This hotel is just a few blocks from Florence University of the Arts Corso Tintori building. Hotel offers studios (w/kitchenette), and one bedroom+ suites. When emailing to make reservations inform the hotel that you are from SAI to receive a discount.
Lungarno Hotels
Hotel Lungarno, the Continentale, the Gallery Art Hotel, and Lungarno Suites are five-star hotels in Florence run and owned by the Ferragamo family. They are all located near the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of Florence. They are modern, chic, and ideal for those guests looking for truly luxurious accommodations. See website for locations and to choose which hotel best suits your tastes.
Westin Excelsior
Named on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold Lists. Guests can expect the excellence in quality and services that all Westin hotels provide. Located on the Arno river very near Florence’s main museums, churches, and shopping areas.
Piazza Ognissanti
Named on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold Lists. Located in an 18th century palazzo that has been fully restored. Guest rooms combine modern comforts with original frescoes. Located on the Arno river very near Florence’s main museums, churches, and shopping areas.
Four Seasons Firenze
The hotel is an art-filled Renaissance palazzo located in a centuries-old private park. A true oasis in the heart Florence. All that you would expect of the Four Seasons.
FOUR STAR
Borghese Palace Art Hotel
The hotel is housed inside the Borghese Palace and a few steps from the Bargello Museum. This hotel is in an ideal location if you enjoy staying in an extremely central location but want to be in a residential neighborhood.
Hotel Baglioni
Grand Hotel Baglioni preserves the charm and elegance typical of the Florentine tradition but is also equipped with all the most modern comforts, creating a perfect balance. Grand Hotel Baglioni is almost directly across the street from the train station, near many shops and restaurants. The hotel’s décor is enriched with a contemporary flair.
Hotel Brunelleschi Firenze
This completely reconstructed hotel is located in the middle of the historical downtown area of Florence, overlooking Brunelleschi’s Duomo. Its location is ideal: it is near all of Florence’s major museums and churches, as well as the city’s main shopping district and other tourist attractions.
Hotel Minerva
This exclusive 4 star hotel is situated in the central Santa Maria Novella Square. Grand Hotel Minerva is one of the most prestigiously appreciated and well-known hotels in Florence. The hotel has 102 elegantly furnished styled rooms with a view of either the piazza or the Santa Maria Novella cathedral.
Hotel Monna Lisa
The palazzo in which the hotel is located, originally a convent, is located in a residential neighborhood near Piazza Santa Croce. From Hotel Monna Lisa, you are within walking distance of Florence’s main squares, churches, and monuments, as well as many restaurants.
Hotel Pierre (near the Ponte Vecchio) SAI Discount
Situated in the historical center, this hotel is an oasis of relaxation, comfort and professional service. It is central to all of the city’s major attractions and, housed in a medieval building dating back to the 13th century, it is indeed a historical landmark in itself.
THREE STAR
Hotel Athenaeum (near Piazza San Marco/Piazza Libertà) SAI Discount
Hotel Athenaeum has 60 rooms, a conference room, a restaurant, a bar and a private garage.
Hotel Botticelli (near the Central Market) SAI Discount
This small hotel is situated in a delightful 16th century building.
Hotel Cellai (San Lorenzo area) SAI Discount
An intimate and charming atmosphere, high quality comfort and traditional Tuscan hospitality.
Hotel River (near Santa Croce ) SAI Discount
The buiding is in florentine style perfectly refurbished saving the charm of a traditional maison of end of XIX century combined with all the modern conforts, such as free wifi.
Hotel Villa Carlotta
SAI Discount
TWO STAR
Hotel Santa Croce (near Santa Croce )
SAI Discount
Florence Luxury Apartment Rentals
Windows on Italy: www.windowsonitaly.com
Visiting parents receive an 8-10% discount when they reserve accommodations with SAI’s partner Windows on Italy. The agency offers a range of accommodations from luxury villas to lovely central apartments. In order to benefit from the discount, instead of completing their online booking form, you must email them directly first to inform them that you have been referred to them by SAI.
Accommodations: Siena
For all accommodations in and around Siena, please consult the website: www.hotelsiena.com
BUDGET
Youth Hostel, Ostello della Gioventu’ Giudoriccio
MID-RANGE
UPSCALE
Grand Hotel Continental
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Accommodations: Sorrento
FOUR STAR
THREE STAR
TWO STAR
B&B’S
Accommodations: Rome
TWO STAR
Hotel Cisterna
SAI Discount
THREE STAR
Hotel Trastevere
SAI Discount
Hotel Cesari
SAI Discount
Hotel Spring House (Best Western)
FOUR STAR
FIVE STAR
Accommodations: Milan
FOUR STAR
Hotel La Spezia
SAI Discount
Residence Desenzano
SAI Discount
THREE STAR
Hotel Minerva
SAI Discount
Accommodations: London
FOUR STAR
The Goodenough Club
Provides good value accommodation – what they call a ‘home from home for visiting academics and those in related professions”.
23 Mecklenburgh Square
Tel: 020 77694727
Sidney Hotel in Victoria
Within minutes, Victoria Tube/Train (Gatwick Express) and Coach Station(s) and Pimlico Tube Station all are in walking – distance. quiet, good value London hotel.
68-76 Belgrave Road | Victoria, Westminster
Tel: 020 78342738
Thistle Hyde Park Hotel
Located near Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the four star Thistle Hyde Park Hotel dates back to Victorian times. It is within easy walking distance to Notting Hill Gate. This West End hotel offers an elegant setting and a comfortable base for shoppers, with Harrod’s, Selfridges and Oxford Street all nearby.
90-92 Lancaster Gate
Tel: 0871 376 9022 / +44 845 305 8322
THREE STAR
Premier Inn
A chain of London hotels; good value; many locations.
Restaurant Recommendations: Florence
LOW-BUDGET
Trattoria Mario
Via Rosina (near Piazza del Mercato Centrale)
One of the most famous restaurants in Florence. Fresh ingredients will be found here – they don’t even own a freezer! Family style seating, low prices (pastas 3 Euro). Open only for lunch Monday-Saturday 12pm-3pm. Fridays they do a great fish lunch.
Moyo
Via de’ Benci 23r
In the evening it becomes an aperitivo bar with and continues to serve cocktails into the night with a loungy-feel, but during the day, Moyo serves everything from pasta to hamburgers to big salads for very reasonable prices.
’Ino
Via dei Gergofili 3
A fabulous panino shop with authentic, fresh, gourmet meats, cheeses, and condiments. One of our favorite places.
I Fratellini
Via dei Cimatori 38r (near Piazza Signoria)
I Fratellini (the little brothers) is a small wine and sandwich bar where locals working in the city center like to go for lunch. Excellent sandwiches for €2.50. No seating (gather on the street with the locals to eat).
Nerbone
This trattoria/sandwich shop is for meat lovers. It’s located in the middle of the bustling Central Market (Mercato Centrale). Since 1872 Nerbone has been serving Florentine favorites like bollito, lampredotto, and trippa and is popular with market workers and locals. Get the bollito sandwich with salsa verde. Be prepared to stand in line and fight for a table.
Sandwich Cart near American Express officeVia Dante Alighieri
This cart has been serving sandwiches to Florentines for years and is very popular with locals, especially the employees of a nearby courthouse. Bollito with salsa verde sandwich is the most popular.
REASONABLY-PRICED
GANZO
Via dei Macci 85r
Ganzo, the restaurant run by Apicius staff and students, is particularly reasonably-priced for FUA and Apicius students because of meal vouchers that can be purchased prior to and during the semester—ask SAI staff about the vouchers if you are interested.
GustaVino
Via della Condotta 37R .. Comfortable restaurant and wine bar, just a block from Piazza Signoria. Extensive wine cellar and they will help you select a great wine with dinner. Creative Tuscan food and friendly staff.
Ristorante del Fagioli
Corso dei Tintori 47r
Tel. 055244285
Very reasonably-priced and delicous simple, high-quality Tuscan fare. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday only. The family who owns and runs the restaurant is wonderful; the brothers serve the food and their adorable father is in the kitchen.
Coquinarius
Via delle Oche 15r
Tel: 05572302153
Classic, deliciously prepared Italian food with a twist. The antipasto platter for two and the desserts are well worth ordering. They also have a fantastic wine list—if you’re unsure, ask the wait staff for suggestions because they’re extremely well-versed when it comes to vino.
La Beppa Fioraia
Via dell’Erta Canina 6
Tel: 0552347681
Great Tuscan food in a really fun atmosphere in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Florence, San Niccolò.
Buca dell’Orafo
Via dei Girolami
Tel: 055213619
One of the best typical Florentine restaurants in the city. All dishes, from the abundant antipasti to the variety of pastas to the incredible meat, are made to perfection.
Acqua al 2
Via della Vigna Vecchia 40r
Tel: 055284170
Italian food with modern flair, excellent tagliata and mirtillo steak. Very “touristy” but quality remains high.
Da Ruggiero
Via Senese 89r (outside of Porta Romana)
Tel: 055220542
A favorite among Florentines. High-quality, traditional food, prepared simply.
Trattoria Quattro Leoni
Via dei Vellutini 1r (Piazza Della Passera)
Tel: 055218562
Famous Florentine restaurant opened in 1550. Serves traditional dishes. Walls are decorated with pictures of the many VIPs who have visited over the years.
Osteria delle Belle Donne
Via delle Belle Donne 16r
Tel: 0552382609
Traditional dishes, great lunch spot, characteristic atmosphere.
La Vecchia Bettola
Viale Ariosto Ludovico 32r (near Piazza Tasso)
Tel: 055224158
Traditional Florentine food, great atmosphere, family-style seating.
Il Santo Bevitore
Via di Santo Spirito 64r (near Ponte alla Carraia)
Tel: 055211264
Traditional food with modern flair; extensive and impressive wine list.
Enoteca Le Barrique
Via del Leone 40r
Tel: 055224192
Found on a small side street in the quiet neighborhood of San Frediano, Le Barrique boasts contemporary Italian cuisine in a very cozy ambiance.
Osteria Tre Panche
V. Pacinotti Antonio 32r (10 minute walk north of Four Seasons and Piazzale Donatello)
Tel:055583724
Traditional Florentine food with modern flair. Excellent food. Outside of city center. Restaurant only has 3 tables so reservations are necessary.
Baldovino
Via S. Giuseppe 22r (next to Santa Croce Church)
Tel: 055241773
Baldovino’s anything-you-want menu, which offers creative pasta dishes alongside traditional Neapolitan pizzas, big salads and one or two more exotic dishes, is a great choice for those who want a large assortment. Tuscan crostini, ribollita, and the famous Florentine steak are among the traditional Florentine dishes you can find on the menu. Great ambience and friendly staff.
EXPENSIVE
Alle Murate
The restaurant is also a small museum featuring a famous, recently restored fresco of Dante. Located near the Bargello. Excellent 5 course tasting menu for special occasions (90 Euro pp).
Cavolo Nero
Via dell’ Ardiglione 22
Tel: 055294744
Italian food and wine bar great for special occasions.
Cibreo
Via Andrea del Verrocchio
Tel: 0552341100
This restaurant has two different options depending on how much you want to spend: Cibreo and Cibreo Café, located around the corner from one another. The kitchen is the same, but Cibreo Café offers fewer dishes. The cuisine is typically Tuscan, but owner Fabio Picchi gives it a very personal, cutting-edge interpretation.
PIZZA
La Pizzeria del Caffè Italiano
Via dell’Isola delle Stinche 11/13r (near Santa Croce and Via Torta)
All pizza is “cotta al legno” (cooked in wood fire in brick oven). There is a choice of only three pizzas, and they are all fired to perfection: margherita, marinara, and Sicilian.
La Lampara
Via Nazionale 36r
Tel: 055215164
Serving pizza since 1952. All pizza is “cotta a legna” (cooked in wood fire in brick oven).
Good for big groups (lots of space).
Il Pizzaiuolo
Excellent pizza, Naples-style. Great prices. Reservation recommended.
Via dei Macci 113r
Tel: 055241171
Antica Porta
Excellent pizza and appetizers cooked Campania-style (southern Italy).
Their specialty is pizza with burrata (mozzarella made with butter on the inside—beyond delicious).
Via Senese 23 (outside Porta Romana)
Tel: 055220527
Vico del Carmine
The ex-owner of Pizzaiuolo opened this restaurant where the pizza is just as good as and, actually, superior to that of Pizzaiulo. The focus is not only on fantastic pizza but also on seafood dishes from Campania.
Via Pisana 40-42r
Tel: 0552336862
Ciro & Sons
Beautiful, historic restaurant with delicious pizza, including a “Pizza D.O.C.” The restaurant is “touristy” but pizza quality remains excellent.
Via del Giglio 28r
Tel: 055289694
Gusta Pizza
This casual pizzeria offers traditional Neapolitan pizza at a very affordable price.
Via Maggio 46r
Tel: 055285068
CAPPUCCINO
Italian Bar
Corner of Via Magliabechi and Corso dei Tintori
Located next to the main FUA building, Italian bar is a great place to go for a cappuccino and pastry in the morning. The owners are very friendly and are as much a reason to stop by in the morning as the coffee.
Roberto Cavalli’s Giacosa Bar
Corner of Via della Spada and Via Tornabuoni Best cappuccino in town. Excellent pastries, fast but delicious “stand up” lunches, 7pm aperitivo hour.
Bar Gilli
Piazza della Repubblica
One of the oldest and most famous Florentine bars. Delicious cappuccini. Renowned pastries and chocolate. 7pm is also aperitivo hour.
APERITIVO
Many Italian bars and pubs offer aperitivo, pre-dinner drinks with complementary appetizer buffet. Aperitivo hour usually starts at 7pm.
Le volpi e l’uva
Piazza dei Rossi 1 (Cross Ponte Vecchio and make second right into Piazza Santa Felicita. Continue straight and the wine bar will be on the left.)
Without a doubt the best wine bar in Florence (and, in our humble opinion, in the world). Wines by the glass, cheese and meat plates, and other delicious small dishes. Ciro, Emilio, and Riccardo, the owners, are amazingly knowledgeable and a lot of fun.
Moyo
Via dei Benci 23r (near Santa Croce)
Bar with young Italian crowd. Aperitivo 6pm-10pm. Drinks until 2am.
Noir
Lungarno Corsini 12r (corner of Ponte Santa Trinita)
Aperitivo from 7pm, open until 2am. Young Italian crowd, great buffet.
Negroni
Via de’ Renai 13r (near Ponte alle Grazie)
Good drinks and snacks for the 7pm aperitivo hour.
La Dolce Vita
Piazza del Carmine
Young Italian crowd, small buffet, great drinks.
DOLCI AND GELATO
Roberto Cavalli’s Giacosa Bar
Corner of Via della Spada and Via Tornabuoni
Excellent pastries, renowned bakery.
Bar Gilli
Piazza della Repubblica
One of the oldest and most famous Florentine bars. Renowned pastries and chocolate.
Grom
Via delle Oche (tiny street near Duomo)
Fresh, authentic gelato (in terms of ingredients and methods).
Geleteria dei Neri
Via dei Neri 20r
Decadent creamy flavors are the specialty.
Carabè
Via Ricasoli 60r
Sicilian gelateria with an amazing variety of flavors, especially during the summer. You’ll find everything from chocolate and hazelnut to fig, prickly pair, and almond. One of our favorites.
Perché no?
Via dei Tavolini 19r
Impressive variety of delicious flavors. They also have a cone cup—perfect for those who still like a spoon even when they get a cone.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD
Angels Restaurant
Via del Proconsolo 29/31 (near Duomo)
Tel: 3493629859
American-style brunch on Sundays from 12pm-3pm.
Rose’s
Via del Parione 26
Tel: 055287090
Sushi restaurant (dinner only). Italian dishes for lunch.
Haveli
Best Indian food in Florence. Beautiful décor.
Via Fratelli Rosselli 33r (behind Santa Maria Novella train station, near Porta al Prato) Tel: 055/355695
Tijuana
Decent Mexican food and the best you’re going to find in Florence. Fun atmosphere.
Via Ghibellina 156r
Tel: 055 2341330
Sushi
There are actually a number of very good sushi restaurants in Florence, many of which do take-out. They include Kome (Via dei Benci 41r, Tel. 0552008009), Wabi Sabi (Viale dei Mille 53 and Via Porta Romana 80r, Tel. 055587779), and Aurora (Via Ghibellina 61r, Tel. 0552466892). Another very good but very expensive sushi restaurant is Momoyama (Borgo San Frediano 10r, Tel. 055291840).
Restaurant Recommendations: Siena
For general restaurant information, please consult: www.hotelsiena.com/ristoranti-siena.html
SIMPLE OPTIONS
Trattoria La Torre
A genuine experience near Piazza del Campo; a wonderful selection of fresh pasta dishes and local meat favorites – the owner is a bit of a character.
Via di Salicotto, 7
Tel: 0577 287548
Osteria del Gatto
An out of the way osteria with simple ambiance and great dishes.
Via San Marco, 6
Tel: 0577 287 133
MID-RANGE OPTIONS
Boccon del Prete
Menu contains a variety of local and more inventive dishes, typical locale with lots of character.
Via di San Pietro, 17
Tel: 0577 280388
Taverna di Cecco
Quaint restaurant with a selection of hearty and typically Tuscan dishes.
Via Cecco Angliolieri, 19
Tel: 0577.288.318
Nonno Mede
Large portions, good pizza, wines and a wonderful view.
Via Camporegio, 19
Tel: 0577 247966
Il Pomodorino Pizzeria
Great view, excellent pizzas, salads and specialty beers with a nice ambiance.
Via Camporegio, 13
Tel: 0577 286811
SPECIAL OCCASION
Osteria Le Logge
Regarded as one of Siena’s best restaurants, Le Logge offers an ever-changing menu of innovative dishes and an extensive wine list.
Via del Porrione, 33
Tel: 0577 48013
La Taverna di San Giuseppe
Wonderful dishes and wines with a great atmosphere and exquisite presentation.
Via Giovanni Dupre’ 132
Tel: 0577 42286
Antica Osteria Da Divo
Excellent menu with a suggestive atmosphere offering an exceptional dining experience.
Via Franciosa, 25
Tel: 0577 286054
Ristorante Il Mugolone
One of Siena’s historic restaurants offering traditional many Tuscan favorites.
Via dei Pellegrini, 8
Tel: 0577 283039
Restaurant Recommendations: Sorrento
Il Buco Restaurant
Great quality food. casual dining, great service.
II Rampa Marina Piccola (Piazza S. Antonino), 5
Tel: 081 8782354
Restaurant ‘o Parrucchiano
Garden setting.
Corso Italia, 71
Tel: 081 878 1321
Caruso Restaurant Museum
Placed in the historical center of Sorrento, this restaurant is known for its refined and delicious kitchen.
Piazza Sant’Antonino, 12
Tel: 081 8073156
Ristorante Bagni Delfino
Looks out on the golf of Naples; great seafood.
Via Marina Grande, 216
Tel: 081 8782038
Photo Food & Drinks
This gallery / restaurant is just outside the main shopping area close to some of the grander hotels in the town. Fresh food, modern and stylish decor.
Via Correale, 19
Tel: 081 877 3686
Taverna Azzurra
Restaurant famous for fish since 1930 and with a terrace on the beach.
Via Marina Grande, 166
Tel: 081 8772510
Restaurant Da Cataldo
Located in Marina Grande, the old fishing harbor, this restaurant is for those who adore fresh fish & traditional Campania recipes.
Via Marina Grande
Tel: 081 87821.70
‘O Canonico Restaurant
Canonico offers professional service and a well-prepared traditional cuisine that incorporates only the freshest ingredients. The pappardelle ai frutti di mare (fresh broad noodles with seafood) and the pezzogna in crosta (local fish baked in a salt crust) are both delicious. The wine list is extensive.
Piazza Torquato Tasso, 5
Tel: 081 8783277
Vela Bianca
Fresh fish, well presented and cooked with some imagination.
Via Marina Piccola, 11
Tel: 081 8781144
Zi ‘Ntonio Mare
Beautiful setting.
Via Marina Grande, 44
Tel: 081 8073033
La Basilica
Located in the heart of historic centre of Sorrento between St.Antonino sq. and Tasso main square, La Basilica represents more than authentic Mediterranean cuisine: it embraces the true Mediterranean lifestyle. The restaurant offers an informal and pleasant ambience with decor inspired by nearby Vesuvius, with fiery-colored paintings of the erupting volcano.
Piazza Sant’Antonino, 12
Tel: 081 8073156
Da Filippo
Lots of locals dine here.
Via Ceserano, 5
Tel: 081 877 2448
Il Leone Rosso
Good food in a buzzing atmosphere, fresh local Sorrentine food.
Via Marziale, 25
Tel: 081 8073089
Osteria Del Buonconvento
Wood fired pizzas.
Via B. Donnorso, 5
Tel: 081 8773637
L’Antica Trattoria
Fresh pasta, beautiful surroundings.
Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani, 45
Tel: 081 8071082
L’Abate
Via San Cesareo, 23
Tel: 081 8072525
La Lanterna
Traditional Italian style family restaurant, good food, good service, lively atmosphere and reasonably priced.
Via San Cesareo, 23
Tel: 081 8781355
Ristorante Tasso
Great pizza, lovely terrace.
Via Correale, 11
Tel: 081 878 5809
Re Food
Sleek, modern restaurant with an Italian feel, homemade pasta, steaks and a specialty in fresh seafood.
Via Accademia, 10
Tel: 081 878 1480
PIZZA
La Fenice
Casual, healthy portions, they even have gluten free pizza (must be ordered in advance).
Via degli Aranci, 11
Tel: 081 8075647
Sant’Antonino
Delightful outdoor location, great food (pizza, pasta, seafood) and a truly fantastic service.
Via Santa Maria delle Grazie, 6
Tel: 081 8771200
Da Gigino
Family run trattoria, stonebaked pizza, fresh fish and homemade pasta.
Via degli Archi, 15
Tel: 081 877 3446
Il Pozzo
Via Tasso, 30
Tel: 081 877 4876
Da Franco
A very casual environment – plastic cups and cutlery and benches (You may have to share your table). Delicious pizzas served on trays.
Corso Italia 265
GELATO
Bouganvillea
Corso Italia 16
Tel: 081 8781364
Primavera
Corso Italia 142
Tel: 081 8770385
Pollio
Corso Italia 172
Tel: 081 8772889
Restaurant Recommendations: Rome
ROMAN/ITALIAN CUISINE
Gusto Osteria
Via della Frezza, 16 (Center)
Tel: 06/3226273
Maccheroni
Very popular among the Romans, Maccheroni serves typical Roman cuisine and has a fun atmosphere.
Piazza delle Coppelle, 44 (Center)
Tel: 06/68307895
Osteria Romana
Tradition, roman cooking and history here go together to offer to our guests an unique atmosphere. The true roman cooking, difficult to find, has been handed down from generation to generation. Every week day, ore then the tipical roman courses, you can find some recipes of the old roman cooking.
Via di San Paolo alla Regola 29 (Campo di Fiori)
Tel: 06 6861917
Cantina del Vecchio
In the fascinating maze of ancient streets in the historic centre of Rome close to Piazza Navona, the restaurant and wine bar Cantina del Vecchio serves fine food and wines to locals and visitors alike.
Via dei Coronari (Center)
Tel: 30 06 6867427
Crudo
Alberto Ciarla’s restaurant lies on the San Cosimato square, in the old and popular Roman neighbourhood of Trastevere, near the local grocery market. Ciarla’s creative interpretation of traditional Roman recipes together with his search for rare seafood dishes have led to the unique creations which are served in his restaurant.
Via degli Specchi (Campo di Fiori)
Tel: 066838989
Ditirambolo
Piazza della Cancelleria, 74-75 (Campo de’ Fiori)
Tel: 06/6871626
Il Bacaro
Traditional Italian cuisine
Via degli Spagnoli, 27 (Pantheon)
Tel: 066872554
Papetto
Great outside area to sit and simple Italian home made cuisine. Nice place to get out of the center.
Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 91/A (Monteverde)
Tel: 06 5376668
Da Augusto
Osteria in Trastevere with very good home cooking as if you being served by nonna.
Piazza da Renzi, 15 (Trastevere)
Tel: 065803798
Checco er Carettiere
Our “Checco er Carettiere” is a historical restaurant in Trastevere run by the Porcelli family since 3 generations. On our menu, among many other traditional dishes, you can still find dishes we served in those first years: Broccoli soup, pasta with chickpeas, pasta Matriciana style, gnocchi and also oxtail, Roman style meat rolls, tripe and fried cod.
Via Benedetta 10 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06 5800985
Alle Fratte di Trastevere
The restaurant Alle Fratte di Trastevere is situated in the heart of the pictoresque neighborhood located on the banks of the river Tiber called Trastevere. Our cuisine is inspired and in continous evolution with dishes from the tradition of the Naples area as well as typical roman dishes.
Via delle Fratte di Trastevere 49 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06 5835775
PIZZA
C’era Una Volta
Piazzale Dunant, 13 (Monteverde)
Tel: 06/536278
Pizza Re
Via di Ripetta, 14 (Piazza del Popolo)
Tel: 06/3211468
La Montecarlo
Vicolo Savelli, 13 (Corso Vittorio Emmanuele)
Tel: 06/6861877
Pizzeria da Baffetto
Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 (Piazza Navona)
Tel: 06/6861617
VEGETARIAN
Il Margutta
Via Margutta, 118 (Center)
Tel: 06/32650577
Arancia Blu
Via dei Latini, 65 (San Lorenzo)
Tel: 06/4454105
QUICK BITES
Frontoni
Via S. Francesco a Ripa, 128 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5812436
La Renella
Via del Moro, 15 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5817265
Lo Zozzone
Via del Teatro Pace, 32 (Piazza Navona)
Tel: 06/68808575
Mordi e Vai…
Via della Lungaretta, 90/F (Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5809213
AMERICAN
Hard Rock Café
Via Veneto, 62/a (Center)
Tel: 06/4203051
INDIAN
Sitar
Via Cavour, 256/A (Termini)
Tel: 06/4884004
Shanti
Via Fabio Massimo, 68-70 (Prati)
Tel: 06/3244922
Jaipur
Via S. Francesco a Ripa, 56 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5803992
CHINESE
Ci-Lin
Via Fonte D’Olio, 6 (Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5813930
Hang Zhou (da Sonia)
Via San Martino ai Monti, 33/c (Monti)
Tel: 06/4872732
JAPANESE
Hamasei
Via della Mercede, 35/36 (Center)
Tel: 06/6792134
Kisso
Via Firenze, 30/31(Forum)
Tel: 06/47824677
GREEK
Ouzeri Taberna Greca
Via dei Salumi, 2 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5816378
LEBANESE
The Kebab House
Via Natale del Grande, 17(Trastevere)
Tel: 06/581986
MEXICAN
La cucaracha
Via Mocenigo, 10 (Vatican)
Tel: 06/39746373
Charro Café
Via di Monte Testaccio, 73 (Testaccio)
Tel: 06/5783064
El Pueblo
Via Pieralice, 34-36 (Vatican)
Tel: 06/631855
THAI
Salathai
Via Topino, 33C(Trieste)
Tel: 06/85302284
VIETNAMESE
Thien Kim
Via Giulia, 201 (Campo de Fiori)
Tel: 06/68307832
GELATERIA
Giolitti
Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40 (Pantheon)
Tel: 06/6794206
LATE NIGHT SWEETS
La Bottega dei Crepes
Vicolo del Cinque, 40 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06/5810060
Restaurant Recommendations: Milan
APERITIVO & AFTER DINNER
Even the stars of fashion are not immune to the allure of a good aperitif. The cocktails most in demand at the moment are those served in the bars of the city’s most exclusive hotels, where the models and foreign designers stay while in town for the shows.
Hotel Fours Seasons
Classic, luxurious, chic
Via Gesù, 8
Bar Magenta
A traditional Milanese meeting place, an ideal stop-off for an aperitif or night-cap. A raucous and very busy brasserie bar with bench seating in the center. Favoured by the scions of Milanese high-society. Self-serve sandwiches and light snacks.
Via Carducci 13
Roialto
One of the best places to go for happy hour. The crowd mainly consists of employees of RAI, designers and graphic artists.
Via Piero della Francesca, 55
Gattopardo Café
A de-consecrated chapel which has sacrificed its holy past on the altar of trendiness.
Via Piero della Francesca, 47
Le Biciclette
Post-modern decor and efficient service, friendly encounters and courtesy of the exhibits by artists and designers. Excellent brunch on week-ends.
Via Torti Corner of Via Conca del Naviglio
Julien Café
This pulse point of the fashion scene is always full, frequented by creative professionals, models and advertising people. It is characterised by Framed partitions lit by innumerable tiny lights, velvet and by its many small tables and chairs. You can get a bite to eat quite late, the crowd permitting! A card reader is on hand on Wednesday nights and 60’s night is on Thursdays.
Via Carlo Maria Maggi, 6
ATM
Formerly the ticket office of the Municipal Transport Authority, the offices are now a post-modern and Baroque bar, with a breathtaking view of the city’s traffic. Frequented by foreigners and creative types. Serves snacks, sushi and original drinks with rock and pop music in the background.
Bastioni di Porta Volta, 15
Old Fashion Café and Just Cavalli Caffè
Wednesday Nights are International Nights at the Old Fashion.
Parco Sempione located behind the Triennale Modern Design Museum
Bhangra Bar
Great drinks and Indian finger foods make this an interesting apertivo point. Thursday nights are international nights with discounts for foreigners.
Corso Sempione, 1
Nhow Hotel
Design hotel with a cool aperitivo. A must for design lovers!
Via Tortona 35
RESTAURANTS
Bianco Latte
Near to the US Consulate and one of Milan’s most prized parks, Giardini Pubblici (Public Gardens) this Italian creamery is your one stop culinary paradise: it offers a selection of fresh salads, piadine (Italian flat-bread sandwiches), hot dishes and daily specials but don’t to forget to treat yourself to an ice cream or a home-made/baked goody.
Via Turati 30
Da Ilia-Trattoria Toscana
Popular among Foreigners and Italians alike. Make a reservation!
Via Lecco 1
Dogana del Buongusto
Dine in this wine bar/restaurant where it seems like time has stopped many years ago.
Via Molino della Armi, 48
Obika
Craving Mozzarella? Concept centered around Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, a mix of traditional recipes and quality Italian artisanal products. Try Obika located in the heart of elegant Brera, Malpensa’s Terminal One and downtown also in the Rinascente’s Food Court next to the Duomo.
Brera Location: Via Mercato 28 corner via dei Fiori Chiari.
Officina 12
Great Pizza, great drinks, great atmostphere
Naviglio Grande 12
Osteria Conchetta
Traditional dishes at reasonable prices. Close to NABA.
Via Conchetta, 8
Osteria dell’Operetta
Great for dinner with friends who want to try Milanese cuisine: Specialities include a giant cottoletta (breaded veal cutlet) Saffron risotto or Ossobuco (veal shanks). Open late for dinner (until 2am).
Corso di Porta Ticinese
Osteria di Porta Cicca
Dine along the canals in a modern elegant restaurant with a traditional menu revisited for today’s times.
Ripa di Porta Ticinese 51
Rosso di Brera
Traditional favorites in an intimate settings. Prices are good for considering the expensive Brera address.
Via Marco Formentini, 7
SanVittore
One of the few restaurants in town where you can eat late, kitchen open until 2am! Specialty: meat dishes. Prix fixe menu. Also great for aperitivo or dinner with large groups!
Viale Papiniano, 16 Milano – Metro 2 Sant’Agostino
Sant’Eustorgio
Good restaurant with good pizza.
Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, 6
Trattoria Madonnina
Great Value Restaurant in the Navigli area close to NABA and student residences with local dishes.
Via Gentilino 6
Trattoria Milanese
Serving hearty northern pastas and some of the best risotto and ossobuco in town since 1933.
Via Santa Marta, 11
Torechietto
Optimal traditional cuisine rich in masterfully prepared regional specialities.
Via A. Sforza, 47
Mamma Burger
Craving a great burger before catching the train? Try one of theirs to cure your homesickness.
Via Vittor Pisani 14
Viola
Wine bar & restaurant that matches phenomenal wines with great dishes.
Via Pavia
Osteria del Binari
Parents coming to town? Take them here and eat classic Milanese cuisine in their garden.
Via Tortona 1
Trattoria Toscana
An oasis amidst the hustle and bustle with a spacious garden rimmed by the historical houses of Porta Ticinese. One of the very trendiest places to be at the moment.
Corso da Porta Ticinese, 58
The Food Court @ the Rinascente
Top floor over-looking the Duomo, from traditional Italian to continental, sushi to panini, they’ve got it all!
Corso Vittorio Emanale
Ristorante Jubin
Huge Chinese restaurant in the heart of China Town.
Via Paolo Sarpi 11 (ang Via Bramante)
Tel: 0233106728
Giulio Pane e O’jo—Osteria romana
Open late never on Sundays. Book at least a week in advance..Impossible to get a table!
Via L Muratori 10
Tel: 025456189
Torre di Pisa – Trattoria Toscana
Good Tuscan Food outside of Tuscany
Via Fiori Chiari 21/5
Boccino
Chic, hip, great terrace, tasty, simple cuisine & good pizza.
Via Tortona 21
Tel: 02 89415562
Bussarakham Thai Restaurant
One of the only all Thai places in Milan. Good food but small portions.
Via Valenza
Tel: 02 89422415
La Tradizionale
Trendy, Pizzeria-grill. Excellent choice for pizza or a nice cooked meal. Feels like Christmas in Summer and Mid Summer’s Night Dream in winter. Beautiful set-up. Good food, good value.
Via Bergognone, 16 tel.
Tel: 02 42292026
Corso Como Café
Carla Sozzani’s place began as a chic and refined cafè. Now it’s the most important fashion place in Milan. Sozzani’s Gallery: artists, designers, famous fashion photographers exhibitions. Sozzani shop: the most fashionable. Luxurious and tranquil restaurant. Italian – world fusion cuisine. Ideal for quiet business lunch, more animated in the evening.
Corso Como, 10
Armani Via Manzoni
Multifunction store “The Armani Empire.” There, you will find Emporio Armani men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, Armani Fiori flower shop supplied by Christian Tortu, Armani Profumi fragrance bar, Armani Libri international bookstore, Armani Casa forniture and decorating space, Emporio Armani Caffè and Nobu bar & restaurant.
Via Manzoni, 31
Shambala
Trendy, Asian. It’s the most fashionable and the most frequented ethno-chic restaurant at the moment. The menu and the decor reflect the cosmopolitan nature of the staff in the kitchen (Asian, Vietnamese and Pacific).
Via Ripamonti, 337
Cracco
Where fine dining, wines and design meet: a gastro-visual experience. Traditional Milanese dishes served in a contemporary way. Two star Michelin restaurant.
Via Victor Hugo 4
Ristorante Savini
Dine inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II / Via Ugo Foscolo 5
El Brellin
A history lesson at dinner: Restaurant housed in an old Milanese wash house with an impressive historic interior. Outdoor eating area during warmer months. Sunday Brunch 12:30-15:00. Refined yet pricey.
Vicolo dei Lavandai / Alzaia Naviglio Grande 14
PIZZA
Brick Oven
Good pizza (very big!) (also in other locations)
Via Marsala, 2
Fratelli La Bufala
With various locations around Milan and now the world Fratelli La Bufala has a good selection of Neapolitan pizzasLocations
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 16
Viale Sabotino, 1A
Corso Sempione, 30
Galleria San Carlo-Corsia dei Servi
Via Fiamma, 4
Rosso Pomodoro
Taste the Neapolitan tradition so good it’s also made itself successful all around Italy as well as London!
Largo La Foppa, 1
Via Molino delle Armi, 47
Viale Sabotino 19 (corner Porta Romana)
Coke Pizzeria
A place for pizza and only pizza, one of the best in town!
Via Pavia 10
Piccola Ischia
One of the most acclaimed pizzerias in Milan, it’s always on every top ten list!
Via Morgagni 7
ORGANIC PIZZA
Bio Solaire
Huge Restaurant & pizzeria.
Via Valtellina 29, Milano (MM3 Maciachini)
Via Terraggio 20, Milano
Eco Pizza
Organic pizza for take-away
C.so di Porta Ticinese 76
Via C. Battisti 1, Milano
Pizza e Natura
Organic pizza for take-away
Via San Marco 12, Milano
QUICK BITES NEAR THE DUOMO
Peck
Upscale gourmet delicatessen, shop and café in the center of Milan.
Via Spadari 9
Luini
There is almost always a line for delicious panzerotti, freshly baked hot pockets filled with cheese and tomato sauce, prosciutto, or onions and olives.
Via S. Radegonda, 16
Panini della Befi
The best sandwiches in town and the only ones recommended by the Milan Program Coordinator.
Via Beccaria 4
ARTISAN ICE CREAM
Crazy Ice
A ecclectic array of assorted flavors ranging from traditional to the avant-garde.
Via Paolo Paoli 4
Grom
“Gelato as it once was.” This is their motto and you’ll understand the long lines on a hot Summer’s day or even a sunny day in Winter!
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 51
Via S. Margherita, 16
Corso Buenos Aires, 13
Amorino
Fine artisan Gelato in the heart of Brera in a Parisian-style Boutique.
Via Fiori Chiari 9
Chocolat Milano
In the kingdom of ice cream, chocolate reigns here. Try all sorts of different flavors of Chocolate from milk chocolate to Chocolate with Hot Pepper! Amazing!
Via Boccacio 9
Tre Gazelle
If you are strolling around the Duomo you can stop for a gelato at one of the center’s best gelaterie on the pedestrian street.
Corso Vittorio Emenuele II, 22
Rinomata Gelateria
This gelateria is over a hundred years old with over 40 flavors this is the Naviglia area’s number one ice cream shop.
Ripa di Porta Ticinese 1
Gelateria Orsi
Original “old school” recipes since 1936 around the corner from NABA.
Via Torricelli 19
Riva Reno
One of the best, with Internet access, but make sure you buy an ice cream.
Viale Col di Lana 8
Cremeria San Marco
Grab a cup or a cone and stroll around Brera.
Via San Marco 14
Restaurant Recommendations: London
TBA
Events & Museum Information: Florence
Those who plan to visit a significant number of museums while they are in Florence (which SAI highly recommends!) should consider purchasing a Friends of the Uffizi card (www.amicidegliuffizi.it). A family pass (valid for two adults and two children up to 18 years of age) costs 100 euro. Even if you plan to stay for only a week, entrance fees to Florence museums are rather high (often 10 euro and sometimes higher), and you will probably end up saving a significant amount if you choose to purchase the pass.
There is also a free reservation service run by Firenze Musei, the organization that runs the majority of Florence’s state museums. From the States, dial +39.055.294.883, or 055.294.883 from Florence. There is no fee; you simply tell the represenatative where you would like to go and when and they give you a reservation number which you present at the reservation desk of the museum. Hotels can also make reservations for you.
For a comprehensive list of exhibitions and events going on in and around Florence, we suggest consulting the online version of Florence’s English-language newspaper, The Florentine, www.theflorentine.net.
Events & Museum Information: Siena
For general information about the city of Siena and surrounding areas:
www.terresiena.it/index.php?lang=en
www.discovertuscany.com/siena/
www.comune.siena.it
Museums in Siena
Siena has many interesting museums worth visiting. For more information, please consult each musuem’s website.
Events & Museum Information: Rome
If you want to see any concerts, Rome Soccer Team Game, this is the ticket agency link. Hit the link on their website for the english language page: www.listicket.it
All Museum shows/hours in Rome: www.exibart.com
Great indoor/outdoor music: www.auditorium.com
Chiostro
Located just behind the Piazza Novona
Scuderia
Located behind the Fountain of Trevi near the Quirinale(Presidential Palace). It provides great views of Rome as well as an excellent exhibit space
The Palazzo Ruspoli
Located on the Via del Corso has great exhibits
Complesso Vittoriano
Located between the Roman Forum and the Vittorio Emannuele Monument
Notte Bianca
If you head to Rome during the 1st weekend of September, check out the an all-city music and art celebration
General City Information
For any maps of the area you can visit google maps and select the city you are looking for, which has great street level and satellite images: http://maps.google.it/maps
Rome City Map
Great general city information, events, museum hours, restaurants, etc.: www.romaturismo.it/v2/en/main.asp
Events & Museum Information: Milan
Official City of Milano Tourism portal: www.turismo.comune.milano.it
Updates on events and shows on CIAO MILANO: www.ciaomilano.it
Must Sees (book early online)
Cenacolo Vinciano (The Last Supper)
Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2 (corso Magenta)
Pinacoteca di Brea (The Brera Academy): Among the finest art academies in Europe. Visit the permanent collection
Via Brera, 28
La Triennale di Milano
Viale Alemagna, 6
Triennale Bovisa
Via Lambruschini,31
Museo del Duomo di Milano
Piazza Duomo
Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace): Rotating temporary exhibits.
Museo Teatrale alla Scala
Largo Ghiringhelli 1, p.zza Scala
Salone del Mobile: Milano’s world famous furniture fair. The world descends upon Milan to see the latest is furniture and product design.
Fashion week: The best labels of Italian fashion houses show off.
Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
Via Santo Spirito, 10/ Via Gesù
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
Via Manzoni, 12
Museo Diocesano
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 95
Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia “Leonardo da Vinci”
Via S. Vittore
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana – Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Piazza Pio XI
Museo Sant’Eustorgio
Piazza S. Eustorgio, 3
Museo Casa Mazoni
Via Morone
Societa’ per le Belle Arti ed Esposizione Permanente
Via Filippo Turati
Soccer Game @ the San Siro Stadium (Stadium Meazza)
Inter info and tickets
AC Milan info and tickets
Events & Museum Information: London
TBA