🍯 Honey’s “I’d Go Back for This” Guide to Italy

A collection of meals, moments, and bites I would return for in a heartbeat…

There’s something about Italy that lingers… not just in the places you’ve seen, but in the flavors you can still taste long after you’ve left.

These are not just “recommendations.”

They are memories I would gladly relive.

And perhaps… someday, I will.

🇮🇹 Rome — Classic, Comforting, and Full of Soul

☕ Sciascia Caffè 1919

A cappuccino and a classic maritozzo—soft, pillowy, brioche bun filled with cream.

A simple start… but one that feels like stepping into Roman history.

🍃 Osteria dell’Ingegno

Their carciofi alla romana are tender, savory, and quietly perfect.

Paired with a lovely pasta… it’s the kind of meal that doesn’t try too hard—and doesn’t need to.

🍕 Emma

Artichokes again (because when they’re this good, why not?) — carciofi alla romana with a classic margherita pizza.

Comforting, familiar, and done exceptionally well.

🥧 Pasticceria Boccione (Jewish Ghetto)

The burnt ricotta tart… rustic, rich, and unforgettable.

One bite and you understand why people come back.

🍝 La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo

A perfect lunch stop—unpretentious and satisfying after a morning of wandering.

🍷 Osteria Pasta e Vino (Trastevere)

Ideal for a late lunch that turns into an early dinner.

Relaxed, cozy, and exactly where you want to linger just a little longer.

🇮🇹 Florence — Warm, Rich, and Deeply Comforting

🥐 Caffè Scudieri

A cornetto alla crema with cappuccino—soft, sweet, and the perfect morning ritual.

☕ Rivoire

Cappuccino with almond and pistachio cantucci, plus schiacciata alla Fiorentina.

Elegant, classic, and just indulgent enough.

🥪 I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti

The Beatrice sandwich—with artichoke cream—is unforgettable.

(And yes… worth choosing over Panetteria e Stuzzicheria de’ Neri.)

🍲 Osteria Pepò

The ribollita is deeply comforting, and the spinach-ricotta ravioli in butter and sage…

simple, rich, and just right.

🍝 Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco

Ribollita again (because Florence does it best), plus tagliatelle with artichokes.

With rustic bread to soak up every last bit—it’s a meal to savor slowly.

🍕 Lo Sprone

Margherita pizza and cannellini beans with sage.

Simple ingredients, beautifully done.

🍨 Gelateria dei Neri

Pistachio and yogurt gelato—creamy, balanced, and just sweet enough.

🍓🌿 Gelateria Pintucci

Strawberry basil gelato… fresh, unexpected, and perhaps the best in Florence.

🇮🇹 Venice — Light, Dreamy, and Full of Little Luxuries

☕🍰 Caffè del Doge

Cappuccino and tiramisu—simple pleasures, done beautifully.

🍋🍦 Gelateria Nico

Yogurt and limone gelato. Bright, refreshing, and truly unforgettable.

☕✨ Caffè Florian

A cappuccino here feels like stepping into another era—elegant, historic, and quietly magical.

🍪 Emilio Colussi (Colussi II Fornia LTD)

Their cantucci… perfection.

Simple ingredients, made with care—you can taste it.

🌿 Venice Restaurants I Would Gladly Return To

🍝 Osteria Bancogiro

Beautiful setting and thoughtfully prepared dishes—perfect for a relaxed evening.

🍷 Osteria da Carla

Warm, inviting, and quietly delicious. One of those places that just feels right.

🦐 Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Authentic Venetian seafood and deeply loved by locals.

Reservations are absolutely necessary.

🥕 La Zucca

Vegetable-forward dishes that are rich, creative, and satisfying.

Also requires reservations—plan ahead.

💛 Honey Note

These are the places I would return to… without hesitation.

Not because they were the most famous.

Not because they were the fanciest.

But because they made me pause.

They made me feel something.

And while I’m already dreaming of all the places I haven’t yet tried…

these are the ones that quietly whisper,

“Come back.”

With love,

🍯 Honey (MaryNell)

✨ PS: There’s something so lovely about remembering meals this way—not just what I ate, but how I felt while I was there. And perhaps someday, it will be just as sweet to return… and share a table, a bite, and a moment with someone who makes it all even more meaningful.