ITALY (EMILIA-ROMAGNA)
ravenna
Ravenna, known for it's stunning mosaics, is the type of city that we love to visit. It is walkable, has a great selection of restaurants, and has that smaller town charm. It’s easily accessible by train from Bologna, but not necessarily on everyone's itinerary (and therefore not overrun with tourists!). We assume most people will bypass this lovely city on their way to Rimini or other nearby beach towns, or even as they go explore San Marino. That means it’s a gem to enjoy for the rest of us.
where to eat
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
Located in the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate - and there you’ll find Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking building that houses this restaurant. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. The service is excellent, as is the food. While all of their options looked amazing, we opted for the seafood tasting menu and it didn't disappoint. The squid was perfection and the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had! Great for a date night!
We stumbled upon this restaurant/fish market/shop while attempting to have lunch at Il Portolano Trattoria (owned by the same people). They were fully booked for lunch so we followed the guy that was rolling a cart from the market to the restaurant back to the market! It is a casual spot for a quick bite! We were craving fried calamari and it did not disappoint. One of the best we’ve ever had. The weather was stellar that day so we dined al fresco.
We stumbled upon this restaurant/fish market/shop while attempting to have lunch at Il Portolano Trattoria (owned by the same people). They were fully booked for lunch so we followed the guy that was rolling a cart from the market to the restaurant back to the market! It is a casual spot for a quick bite! We were craving fried calamari and it did not disappoint. One of the best we’ve ever had. The weather was stellar that day so we dined al fresco.
We stumbled upon this restaurant/fish market/shop while attempting to have lunch at Il Portolano Trattoria (owned by the same people). They were fully booked for lunch so we followed the guy that was rolling a cart from the market to the restaurant back to the market! It is a casual spot for a quick bite! We were craving fried calamari and it did not disappoint. One of the best we’ve ever had. The weather was stellar that day so we dined al fresco.
what to see
what to see
basilica di san vitale
Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
The Arena is famous, and rightfully so. It was built in 30 A.D. and is still in use today. It’s extremely impressive and really cool to have right in the middle of town. If you’re able, check out a live show that they have in the warmer months of the year.
Sneak a peek at Juliet's Balcony early in the morning before anyone is there. A bit of a tourist’s delight, the balcony itself wasn’t even constructed until the 20th century. Admittedly, this is not something up our alley, but this is a main draw for the city. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Check the times as the gate to the courtyard is locked during non-operating hours.
A bit outside of the city center (but not too bad for those willing to get in a good walk!), this garden built in the Renaissance Era has the best vistas of Verona. It’s worth the climb up the terraces to get an incredible view of the city!
the arena
name
name
So nice we ate there twice! Vicolo Battisti offers an entire menu dedicated to pizza and the other to Piemonte specialities. We opted to visit twice so that we could try both. The weather was delightful so we dined alfresco where they line the street with tables. The staff is young, hip, and helpful. The food was excellent. Reservations recommended.
So nice we ate there twice! Vicolo Battisti offers an entire menu dedicated to pizza and the other to Piemonte specialities. We opted to visit twice so that we could try both. The weather was delightful so we dined alfresco where they line the street with tables. The staff is young, hip, and helpful. The food was excellent. Reservations recommended.
hotel name
where to stay
where to stay
We stayed two nights at this beautiful bed and breakfast run by two super sweet ladies. The property is charming with thoughtful decorations, large rooms, and a delicious breakfast. The property is close to all of the main attractions, restaurants, and the mercato coperto. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Definitely book in advance as it seems to fill up fast!
helpful resources
helpful
resources
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