Rome and Barcelona
I'm going to be in Rome and then Barcelona for spring break for the first time and I was hoping I could get some pointers on where to head for some excellent food. I will be on a student's budget so I'm not looking for the expensive restaurants—more just good honest food that represents where I'm visiting. Any advice would be much appreciated, and if anyone knows of anything must-see that I won't find in a travel guide I'd love to hear about that too. Thanks!
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
7 Comments:
Barcelona: There's a place called Ginger that serves one of the best chicken and rice dishes I've ever had in my life. Its not paella, more like arroz con pollo. They have a great selection of tapas and wine and great prices.
Also, for a good start, head to Taller de Tapas, which also has a great selection of tapas.
But for best variety, head to the main market on Las Ramblas. So many great meats, cheeses, wines, breads. You may end up there for several hours!
ROME:
Head to Trestavere for pizza and suppli (fried rice balls). There's a few pizza places near one another. One of them is Pizzeria Ivo. Again, for a market experience, head to Campo de'Fiori to pick up cheap eats and people watch. Seems like any place around there is great!
For a lazy day, walk around Villa Borghese, take a nap under a tree, and enjoy the peace and tranquility. Then, head over to The Library restaurant (Vicolo della Cancelleria) for a fantastic meal.
Enjoy your travels. Myself, I'm headed to Rome in one week!
Juman23 at 1:33PM on 03/17/09
I don't have advise on where to eat but I do want to warn you to be very careful with your valuables in both of these cities...especially in Barcelona.
Thieves of all ages. A money belt (not a fanny pack) is perfect. We ate at small restaurants with no advance planning and enjoyed the food. Have a great trip.
elaine nan at 1:45PM on 03/17/09
We blogged about Barcelona, which is wonderful, a tremendous sense of design to it, not just the Gaudi things. Some of these are inexpensive: http://stlouiseats.typepad.com/st_louis_eats_and_drinks_/2007/01/barcelona_tapas.html
http://stlouiseats.typepad.com/st_louis_eats_and_drinks_/2007/02/barcelona_snack.html
And do not miss the big market on the Ramblas. Fabulous, and a good place to nibble.
lemons at 2:18PM on 03/17/09
Thanks so much for the help. Ive already read a bit about Las Ramblas which looks absolutely fantastic. I'll definitely check out all the places mentioned. Thanks for the advice about pickpockets Ive also heard quite a few stories and will be sure to be careful, I grew up in Asia so I should be pretty well versed in that regard.
ReubenClamzo at 2:46PM on 03/17/09
Also, watch out for anyone selling roses. One of those people blocked my view as he shoved the roses in my face as I was sitting at a restaurant. Next thing I know, my camera's gone. They are slick.
Juman23 at 4:09PM on 03/17/09
las ramblas is the best, there are little counters where you can get a sampling of whatever is available. it's a great city, be sure to get to the gaudi park (the name escapes me) .... take some beautiful serano ham, a loaf of their great bread and some fruit and wine and have a picnic. it's an amazing place..... wild parrots flying everywhere.
pooch at 9:50PM on 03/17/09
First thing is avoid the Ramblas area for eating - the food is overpriced and a long way from being the best in Barcelona with the exception of la Boqueria market:
http://www.barcelonatravelogue.com/ramblas-barcelona/
Instead head to El Born, although it can be hit and miss, but I'd definitely recommend Senyor Parellada as the food is authentic Catalan and very cheap for what you get.
http://www.barcelonatravelogue.com/barcelona-restaurants/review-senyor-parellada/
My favoite restaurant in Barcelona is Restaurante Carmen near Sants station. It's unpretentious, untouristy and specializes in grilled meats, but may be too pricy for you - it's not expensive, but not cheap cheap :)
If you like Indian food then check out El Gallo Kiriko (C/ Avinyó 19), which is really cheap and right on the old city wall - it's a popular place for students, so might suit you well.
Finally, most restaurants have a Menu del Dia, which offers a limited menu during week days. Usually they are around 8-10 euros, but I saw one the other day for just 5 euros including wine, though I can't say how good the food is for that price.
Avoid tapas - I love them, but they add up if you want to fill up. But if you do want to go for tapas then head for some of the Basque tapas bars in El Born which are really good - I love then one opposite Estacio de Franca, but can't remember it's name at the moment. Again, full of locals, so very gebuine.
Barcelona Travelogue at 10:20AM on 03/18/09