DON’T eat at places where a nonna is put in a display case to roll pasta. 

DO avoid shops that sell anything with David or Colosseum iconography–for that matter, anywhere that capitalizes on the imagery of any major art piece or building. 

DON’T sit in major piazzas for coffee or aperitivo; have your coffee at the counter or go elsewhere. The price difference will be major. 

DO steer clear of anything marketed with “Dolce Vita”, “Bella Ciao”, “Pane, Vino, e Amore”, or any of their variations. 

DO avoid gelaterias where the gelato is piled high like a mountain (or neon–we feel like that goes without saying).

DO beware of menus with “deconstructed” classics–especially tiramisu. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

DON’T eat at restaurants where the menu reads like an infinity scroll. If they’re offering carbonara, pasta al pesto, spaghetti alle vongole, and tagliatelle al ragù, they’re all going to be bad–trust us.  

DON’T take rides in horse carriages; we’re no longer living in the ‘40s people. 

DO avoid restaurants with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and a “buttadentro”, the host that tries to lure you in from the street. 

DON’T eat at restaurants where plates of food are showcased outside the restaurant or where the menus have pictures. 

DO look for Slow Food and Gambero Rosso stickers on the windows and doors of restaurants–these organizations are pretty good markers of quality. 

DON’T take large tours around city centers; these streets aren’t built for 15+ groups! (Also beware of bike tours.)

DO travel to places off-the-beaten path. Need recommendations? We’ve got you.