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Viareggio: Romano

Reviewed by: David from NY (moderator), review #256

When: 2001

Again, 3 sources recommended this restaurant and it didn’t disappoint, although this was probably the most expensive meal we had during our trip.

Romano is an upscale seafood restaurant. We went for lunch on a whim, dressed in shorts and sandals. The waiters were dressed much better than we were. The restaurant had a sort of pretentious atmosphere for my taste. As you step up, a sliding glass door magically opens up to allow you to enter…… the waiters brought over small stools on which they placed our backpacks – I’d imagine this is the standard procedure for ladies’ purses but it seemed a little weird for our backpacks. While we were there there was only one other patron. Perhaps it’s more of a place that people go to for dinner.

Delicious seafood salad, red mullet and tomatoes, fritto misto di pesce. I had fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with shrimp that struck me as a combination that didn’t entirely work. Excellent desserts, nice wine list (we had a good ’99 Panizzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano).

The other strange thing was that there was a tape of Aretha Franklin’s Greatest hits running in the background. It was weird to be eating this upscale cuisine on the Tuscan coast to the accompaniment of "Who’s Zoomin’ Who" and "Respect", with all due ... ah ... respect ... to Aretha J .

Reviewed by: Karen from PA, review #255

When: 2000

The best seafood I had in Italy. Recommended in the Carla Capalbo guide.

On a cool rainy evening we were the first to be seated. This was often the case as we'd arrive by 8 and it wasn't til 9 that the lights would dim and other patrons would arrive. Until I understood this I would wonder if we had chosen a good place at all! It was advantageous as we were large groups and needed some help with the menu.

It was here that I was brought a stool for my handbag and umbrella. This was also the only place we were able to order al a carte and also the menu degustazione del giorno. This makes the timing tricky as there are more courses in the degustazione. Romano made it seem easy. I don't recall all the tastes - the stuffed calamari were good as were the grilled shrimp and red mullet. Someone raved about the ravioli stuffed with lobster in a pink sauce.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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Viareggio: Romano

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