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!
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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!

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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!

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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!

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

Pour Kids, Malvern

These Pour Kids make others look poor.




Deep-fried crumbed poached eggs, spicy chorizo, feta, frizee lettuce.

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!

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

Trattoria Mario, Florence

You’d be hard pressed to find a local in here, but who cares.



Widely recommended on the net, word of mouth, your mum… share a table with someone from another country or if you’re lucky enough, your own and grab a caveman sized Florentine steak, ragu and pasta sheets or possibly the most delicious, succulent and crispy skinned roast chicken ever.



Cracking joint if you can squeeze in.


4 / 5 yums!

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Where? Via Rosina, 2, 50123 Firenze, Italy
What? Around €5-10