Mocambo Bar in Taormina

To see and be seen is always the top priority in Italy, and Taormina is no different. The best place in Taormina for evening people-watching is the Mocambo Bar in the 9th of April Piazza (Piazza IX Aprile). There's live music every night and the iced tea with lemon granita is a must-have. There's even excellent coffee and wine to be had for 3 Euros a glass. The gelato isn't half bad either. Try it on a brioche, the Sicilian way.

Giada's Roman Favorites

Giada de Laurentiis has her own website and social network: giadadelaurentiis.com. Among the event calendar, blogs and occasional recipes are Giada's worldwide favorite restaurants and hotels. Naturally, the Modern Traveler is most interested in her Roman favorites. Three hotels that Giada recommends are the Hotel de Russie, Grand Hotel de la Minerve (near the Pantheon) and the Boscolo Hotel Exedra (Piazza della Reppublica). Her restaurant choices are even more interesting. For cafe life and excellent pastries, she recommends Caffe Greco on the Via Condotti. Ciampini is her choice for gelato and chocolate croissants, and Gusto makes her list for pizza and antipasti. Giada is never wrong when it comes to food, so Buon Appetito!

Ban on Eating Near Public Monuments in Rome

A recent ruling in Rome has banned all snacking near major monuments like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon! If you are caught dribbling your gelato on something famous, be prepared to pay a fine of about $80. The ban is in effect until October, when the tourists go home. Yet another reason to visit Rome after the high season!

Travel and Leisure Suggests Gelato

In the "Ask Travel and Leisure" section of the magazine's July 2008 issue, a reader wants to know where the best gelato in Rome is. Well, we all know that pretty much anywhere in Italy has great gelato. But some places have a serious following. Travel and Leisure recommends (based on food expert Faith Willinger's picks) Il Gelato di San Crispino located at the Basilica di San Giovanni (56 Via Acaia) and also near the Trevi Fountain (42 Via della Panetteria). For tartufo, a chocolate gelato masterpiece, head to Tre Scalini in Piazza Navona (#30-35).

Washington Post Food Critic Highlights his Favorite Eats in Rome

Tom Sietsema, a Washington Post food critic, lets us in on some local dining secrets. He sends us to Il Tordo Matto, 30 minutes from Rome, Ristorante Ditirambo in Piazza della Cancelleria and Il Gelato Di San Crispino, located just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain. All three promise to be rich in regional flavors and native traditions. The Modern Traveler's only complaint about his recommendations? He claims that Rome is not known for its great restaurants! As if!

What's Rome without Gelato?

You will certainly be tempted by gelaterias on every corner in Rome. But not every gelateria is created equally. One gelateria that you must visit is conveniently near the Pantheon. Ice cream and antiquities? What a wonderful combination. Giolitti, located at Via Uffici del Vicario #40 (head north on Via del Pantheon and turn right) is a sight of great wonders. There are countless gelato and sorbetto flavors in combinations you have only dreamed about. To order your gelato to go, pay first at the register (cono piccolo-small cone; cono medio-medium; cono grande-large) and then push your way to the front of the gelato counter, hand the man behind the counter your receipt, and in your most clear and confident voice, tell him the flavors that you want in Italian. Everything is labeled, of course. If you'd like to sit down, there are certainly tables available. It will cost you more, but you can order all sorts of exciting gelato creations from the menu. Buon Appetito!