The Most Beautiful Restaurant in Italy

When it comes to dining in Italy, the choices are astounding with the scale and scope of meals available. Sometimes, making a decision boils down to the old real estate adage: Location, location, location. Just where would you expect to find the most beautiful restaurant in Italy? Classic Rome? Along the canals of Venice? In the hillsides of Tuscany or the fashionable streets of Milan? No, the most beautiful and world famous restaurant in a country of top choices is to be found in Sorrento. Ristorante ‘o Parrucchiano la Favorita has to be seen to be truly understood.

An unassuming facade gives no hint of the luxuries and variety of dining rooms within. It's almost as if the owners did not want you to discover the place. Beginning in 1868, yes 1868, this place has been a feast for the eyes and the taste buds due to the vision of Antonino Ercolano, a seminarian with a passion for food- and an eye for beautiful settings in which to relax and enjoy it.

We stumbled upon this amazing spot almost by accident. By this point in our trip, we were preparing ourselves to fly to Paris. We had one full day left before departing in the morning, so we wrapped up our touring by wandering the stunning avenues of the town. (Our trip report begins here. Rome is all you are led to believe it is by the travel writers! It is now one of my favorite travel locations.)

Sticking our heads inside and walking into the first two dining rooms, we knew we had to return the next day for our last dinner in the country. Reservations in hand, we awaited what we knew would be a very memorable evening. And was it ever!

Two official photos- the one at the top of the article and this one directly above.

Walking past room after room, each with its own unique personality, we ascended multiple levels until we reached the Lemon Garden. Have you ever dined inside a greenhouse? It's a wonderful experience! The lush greenery that only God could create mixes with the elegance of glass and metal to create something fresh and charming. 

Below are a few more shots of the different dining rooms:

Now, you would expect it would be very, very expensive to dine here- and you'd be wrong.  Ristorante ‘o Parrucchiano la Favorita was actually quite reasonable, only about $5-10 more per person than some of our other meals. Surprising, right?

Now, would the food match the show stopping surroundings? Most definitely. (You can see their menu here.) 

OK- just one more official photo.

The birthplace of Cannelloni. Yes, this is where it all began. For me, I had my share of pasta and was in the mood for something entirely different. I chose the grilled tenderloin with its very flavorful pink pepper sauce. The roasted potatoes that came with it were mouth watering. Just delicious. But in all honesty, the standout dish was the simple tomato and mozzarella cheese salad. Sometimes, the most common dishes are taken to the next level, and this was the case. The vine tomatoes were grown in their own greenhouse, and they are famous in the region for their robust flavor. With the perfect glass of wine, this starter dish was light and refreshing. 

In a restaurant that seated- I think I remember our waiter saying 800 - it was a well loved location for wedding receptions and corporate parties. Yet, in spite of its size, the place felt warm and intimate. The service was also warm and friendly in true Italian style. When you toss in two of your best friends, my wife and I had one more perfect evening. God's hand of blessing felt evident that night. I can't explain it, but if you have that personal relationship with him through Jesus, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

No, this wasn't a Dine or Ditch review like the other ones I've written for Disney locations, but I can say with all certainty and no reservation at all- Eat at this place if you ever get the chance!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

Snapshot of Florence

For the traveler or the armchair traveler, Italy conjures up some magnificent images- and for good reason! Florence is the gateway to Tuscany, and one of the most lovely areas in the country. This beautiful little valley is seen from our very, very, modestly priced room. High above it all, there was nothing special to see. But my camera was pretty active! No city lights, no views of cafes and tourists. Nothing. Just simple farmland and clusters of homes resting quietly among the beauty of God's creation. Perfection!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

The Italian Job 2

One of the wonders of Epcot's World Showcase is what's not seen. Upon entering one of the pavilions, it is quite easy to get lost in the "feel" of each nation. It's just what the Imagineers intended to happen! 

This seems to be especially effective in Italy.  Perhaps it is the fact that the buildings create a sense of three walls which embrace guests as they explore. Maybe its the gondolas on the lagoon giving a taste of Venice. (It certainly isn't an attraction! Not even a film!) Ah yes, perhaps it's the food! The smell of deliciousness wafting through the air.

The Via Napoli Restorante a Pizzeria is the latest addition to this small area, unfortunately I fear, completing the plans. Could it be more was planned? But of course!

When you look around for Disney concept art in books or on line, you usually find the expect views of Italy from the lagoon glancing toward the pavilion. Instead, as shown above, here's a nice image showing what could have been. A mix of Venice with a touch of Tuscany (off to the right side). The walls and turrets remind me of villages found all over: Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano (my favorite of all). Trust me, it was easy to spend days lost in the area, going from one beautiful village to another! 

Oh, what could have been! But isn't that the story of today's Epcot?
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Daydreams of Italy

In the heart of Tuscany lies a gorgeous little town: San Gimignano.

If you think California's Napa Valley is the place to go for vineyards and atmosphere to the maximum, you will be thrilled with all you see. The drive up to the town is nothing short of spectacular as each bend of the road brings new delights. Just stunning.

If you are brave enough to climb to the top of the higest tower, you'll be rewarded with a skyline unlike anything else in Italy. This is the uncrowded Italy of old, the one of romantic movies and novels that make you dream of places far away.

Driving in Tuscany is unlike anywhere else I have been, cars collide with motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians- where the rules of the road are there are no rules! Normally I would advise against driving here, but the views on the way to San Gimignano are worth the risk!
(Photos copyright Mark Taft.)