Da Maruzzella, Milan

A place that wouldn’t be classed with the Dolce & Gabbanas of the food world, but certainly deserves to share the same catwalks. It’s Milan’s Sofia, only tastes at least 6 times better. Probably because it’s got the heart of real Italian cooking and not a western pacemaker.



Diavola – tomato, mozzarella, spicy sausage. Thin base, ample crust, sliced snag that has a bit of bite.



Maccheronicini Mediterranei – chunks of swordfish, eggplant and a thick tomato based sauce clinging to the pasta.



Filetto al pepe verde – good cut of steak topped with a green pepper sauce.



Homemade tiramisu – I’m jealous, and I want more.
 


Pannacotta – how it should be done.

A big, brash, bustling family restaurant. Reasonably priced too, a place you’d happily revisit.


4 / 5 yums!
------
Where? Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan, 3 20129 Milan, Italy
What? Around 10-15€

Osteria Sottoriva, Verona

Rustic, quirky. It’s so chilled and laid back it might as well be horizontal.



Mr Ed is an interesting meat. Thinly sliced horse, lean yet tender, with cherry tomatoes, with a light drizzle of balsamic. Goes well with an Italian red.



Baked lasagna




Dolce: apple cake, lemon tart, coffee cream cups



A simple place, with simple food paired with beautiful wine.


4 / 5 yums!

------

Where? Via Sottoriva 9/A, 37121 Verona, Italy
What? Plates 8-15€

No Name Coffee Shop, Venice

It’s a wee bit squeezy in this standing room only coffee bar. Talk about space optimisation. But if you can get in, a smashing coffee will knock you right up. Not in the pregnant kind of way.

3 / 5 yums!
------
Where? 4665C, S. Marco, Venice, Italy

Trattoria Dalla Marisa, Venice

It’s the kind of place where you’ll get stares as if you’ve walked into an old western bar with fishnets, hot pink lipstick, an afro perm and a corset. And you’re a dude.



But if you can stand the awkward stares, take the 45 odd minute gentle stoll from St Mark’s on a trail where the number of tourists progressively drop off and the number that don’t speak English increases. Right on the outskirts of Venice, a little local treat by the water awaits.



Real family food, straight from the mind and hands of mamma in the kitchen. The menu is compact, but completely satisfying. A choice out of three pastas to start, a meat and side for main, and an espresso to finish.





A real piece of Venice on 3 courses for 15€. Simply cooked with love.

4.5 / 5 yums!
------
Where? Cannaregio, 652 30171 Venice, Italy
What? Lunch 3 courses for 15€

Bistrot de Venise, Venice

When in Venice… do as the Venetians do. Eat at home. Eating out is expensive.

 

But if you did have to splurge, spend your tourism dollars into this place that won’t leave you feeling like all you’ve done is plump up the economy.



Alfresco is where the atmosphere is, nestled in a quiet alley backing up to canal, its just a bit of romantic Venetian tranquility.





3.5 / 5 yums!

------

Where? Calle dei Fabbri 4685 30124 Venice Province of Venice, Italy
What? Mains €30+

Bar Pasticceria Piccioli, Florence

Stand up coffee and pastries to go. Very cute.




3 / 5 yums!

------

Where? Borgo Ognissanti, 118 Rosso, Firenze

Nerbone, Florence

This market stall has apparently been here since 1872. Looks like it’s had at least a few paint jobs.



The menu might as well be from those times. I like the bread rolls, the kind with a bit of a “stale” rubbery crust yet medium dense on the inside, sandwiching roast beef or roast pork, slathered with the roasting juices. Very effective.

No need to change the formula for the roast meats, just like si olden times.

3.5 / 5 yums!

------

Where? Farmacia del Mercato Centrale, Via dell'Ariento, 87-r, 50123 Firenze, Italy
What? Around €3

Trattoria Pandemonio, Florence

That five week trip in Europe can start to take its toll and bring out those tears you last felt when you let go of your mummy’s hand at the shopping mall as a youngster.

One place to get your momma fix is here at Pandemonio, where this restaurant’s momma will treat you just like one of her own.

What better way to make you feel like home with some home style cooking you been craving.



Tagliatelle parri, salsiccia e pecorino – tagliatelle with leek, pork snag and pecorino

 

Garganelli co’t sugo della Mamma – pasta and a deep, rich meat sauce



Meatballs with beans, tomato sauce and sage



Sauteed chicken breast in “Marsala”



Risotto with creamed scrimps

 

 

Make trip to see Momma. A place you could definitely call home.

4 / 5 yums!

------

Where? Via del Leone, 50/r, 50124 Firenze, Italy
What? Pastas €10-20, Mains €20-30