L'amore Italian Restaurant

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Italy is the 4th most Visited Country in the World

lamore italian restaurant venice canalsDid you know that Italy is ranked fourth when it comes to the most visited countries in the world? It’s true! While there are several factors that likely attribute to this, one of the biggest factors is the food. After all, who doesn’t love authentic Italian cuisine?

However, there are also quite a few amazing sights that can only be seen in Italy. Keep reading to learn more about the Italian food and sights you are sure to encounter when visiting the amazing country.

The Food

Of all the different global cuisines, there is nothing that’s able to compare with the experience and taste of eating authentic, Italian home cooking. This food is a product of thousands of years of culinary innovation and wisdom and consists of recipes that have been handled down generation after generation.

However, something to note about Italian food is that authentic cuisine isn’t the Americanized version served in the United States today. Italian food is fresh, full of flavor and natural ingredients. This is why so many people travel to Italy just to experience the cuisine.

The Sights

There’s no question that the food in Italy is amazing; however, there are also amazing sights to see and experience on your trip to Italy. Some of tourist spots that are most highly rated by tourists include the following:

  • The Colosseum: This massive amphitheater is the biggest of its kind that was ever constructed during the Roman rule and it has a wooden floor that measured 83 by 48 meters. Beneath it is two levels of passages, cells, rooms and tunnels.
  • The Venice Canals: When you think of travel in Italy, chances are you imagine the gondola rides through the Venice canals. This is a mode of travel that has been used for centuries and something tourists enjoy.
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa: This tower is well-known across the globe and one of the biggest attractions for tourists in Italy.
  • Lake Como: This is considered one of the most scenic areas in Italy and the lake is fully surrounded by mountains and small towns.
  • Cinque Terre: A coastal region that’s distinctive due to the sheer cliffs and steep hills, this area overlooks the Mediterranean. There are 5 beautiful villages, including Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Mare that are available via walking paths and railroad tunnels.

If you are planning a trip to Italy, as you can see, there are more than a few things to experience. Be sure to keep the information here in mind as you travel your through this beautiful (and pretty tasty) country.

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3 Tips for Eating on a Budget in Italy

lamore italian restaurant dessertAre you planning a trip to Italy? If so, one of the most appealing factors is likely the food. After all – who doesn’t love authentic Italian food?

While the majority of restaurants have items that are reasonably priced, and in some cases, even inexpensive, some of the most common mistakes can make you blow your entire trip food budget quickly.

Here are three tips to help you keep on budget and enjoy all the amazing dishes Italy is known for.

Be Careful Where You Sit

Would you love a table with a water view or how about a just a table? Then you may have to pay for it.  While this can seem logical in locations such as cafes and bars, where the majority of Italians drink their coffee standing, it’s often the case in restaurants too.

On your bill, you will see this charge as “pane e coperto,” which means bread and tableware.” Don’t think you can get out of this either – the fee is inevitable – even if you never see silverware or bread.

Also, once you sit down at a table and order something, you have made the commitment to pay this. The good news is, it isn’t usually too expensive. While this charge should be listed on the menu or posted in the restaurant; however, if it isn’t make sure to ask. There are also some places that now waive this fee because the laws no longer require restaurants to charge this in some locations.

Not all Gelato is Priced Equally

If you’re going to Italy, you can’t leave before you have indulged in some of the famous gelato. This cool treat is virtually impossible to resist – especially on a scorching summer day. However, proceed with caution. Even in towns where there are more than a few gelaterie (gelato shops) the prices will not always be the same. Make sure to look at the menu carefully before you order. If there’s no menu posted, then be sure to ask “Quanto costa?”

Eat Local (Avoid Tourist Hot-Spots)

If you really think about this tip, it makes complete sense. The closer a restaurant is to an area known for tourism, the more likely the owner is to increase the prices. Because the majority of tourists are usually too tired or hungry to pay attention to normal prices, they don’t really make a fuss when they finally get the check.  If possible, get away from the most popular tourist areas. In some cases, just a few streets over will do.

If you really want to enjoy your trip to Italy, while enjoying all the delicious food and avoid going broke, then you need to follow the tips found here. This will help you get your belly full, without going broke.

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5 Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Italy

lamore italian restaurant travel tips to italyThe majority of tourists who visit Italy flock to the most well-known spots, such as Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. There’s good reason – these places are truly amazing and full of authentic restaurants, old-world hotels and historical landmarks.

However, if you have been to all these locations, or are just looking for a more unique experience, then you should consider visiting the five places on this list. They offer a traditional Italian experience and so much more.

1. Siena

If you want to take a step back to the medieval times in Tuscany, then Siena should be a must-visit on your places to see list. Siena is one of the loveliest medieval cities, and a trip you should definitely consider making – even if you are only going to be in Tuscany for a few days. The heart of Siena is central piazza, called II Campo, which is known for the famous Palio run, which occurs two times each summer.

2. Rimini

While there has been a settlement in this portion of Italy for more than 2,000 years, the coast  was only sand dunes until 1843. This is when the first bathing establishments were established next to the Adriatic. Today, the area is full of people, history, food and Roman relics. Approximately 95 percent of visitors to Rimini make the trek here for the boisterous, long (yet sometimes tacky) beachfront.

3. Parma

Stroll through the streets of Parma without a care in the world, after all, there are virtually no cars here. You can snack on the fresh prosciutto and aged parmigiana Reggiano, enjoy wine virtually everywhere you go, and on summer evenings you can even listen to amazing opera at the local opera houses.

The real questions to ask regarding whether or not you should visit Parma is – who wouldn’t want to visit the home of parmesan cheese?

4. Puglia

Puglia is located in the heel of Italy’s boot. It is full of beautiful and quaint small towns, with amazing architecture, such as the conical trulli and the Baroque of Lecce. The area is full of things to see, including historic churches, palaces, winding alleyways, slow food trattorias and more. If you have never been to this part of Italy, you should plan to see it during your next visit.

5. Portofino

This is a small village that stretches crescent shaped along the edge of a beautiful and calm bay. If you want to visit an amazing sea resort area, then you don’t want to miss Portofino. In addition to beautiful scenery, this area also boasts an ancient marine culture, and is a spot that is loved by famous personages, writers and artists.

If you are planning a trip to Italy, then you should put these five “off the beaten path” places on your list of places to see. You won’t regret it.

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Top 5 Most Romantic Spots in Italy

With so much to see, do and eat in Italy, where does a visitor begin?  For those looking for a romantic vacation to Italy, especially for the right spot to propose or for a first or second honeymoon, look no further.

Here are the five most romantic spots in Italy to visit on your next vacation.

1. Juliet’s Home

Built in the thirteenth century and recently renovated in the last century, this is the imagined romantic setting for Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy – Romeo and Juliet.  One of the biggest highlights of this spot is Juliet’s balcony where you can imagine her speaking her famous lines, “O Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou Romeo?”.  This is a great place to pop the question as she sure to moved by the ambience.  You can ask her right on the balcony!

2. Lake Como

The wealthy have been vacationing at Lake Como in Northern Italy since the Roman times.  Today, this area of Italy’s Lombardy region still caters to upscale clients looking for a luxurious and romantic spot to unwind.  When visiting Lake Como, you can expect five star restaurants serving delicacies like tripe, lake shad, and wild boar.

3. The Rose Garden

Located in Florence, the Rose Garden is in the prime spot to watch a magnificent sunset while taking in the luscious aroma of the flowers.  Located in Rome, you can easily find a variety of restaurants to choose from after your walk in the garden works up your appetite.

4. The Blue Grotto

On the coast of Capri Island, there is a sea cave called the Blue Grotto.  The cave is illuminated by sunlight streaming the water and creates a beautiful deep blue color.  This romantic spot can only be visited when the tide is low and the sea is calm. So if you’re a romantic adventurer, make this spot your romantic swimming hole for the afternoon.

5. The Love Walk

Considered the most romantic walk you can take anywhere in Italy, the Love Walk or Way of Love in Cinque Terre, is a romanic spot you do not want to miss on your trip to Italy.  This easy footpath winds along the sea cliffs and small villages with breathtaking views.  It’s about a twenty minute walk, but we suggest you take your time.  Afterwards, sample the local cuisine at nearby cafes and restaurants.

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3159 E Lincoln Dr
Phoenix , AZ 85016
Phone: 602.381.3159

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Our Hours

Lunch & Dinner
Mon – Thurs 11am–10pm
Fri 11am–10pm
Sat 4pm–11pm

Sun Closed
Happy Hour
Mon - Fri: 4:00pm–6:00pm
No happy hour on Saturdays
Credit for most photos: Kay W. Eskridge: Images By Kay

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