Each time I travel to Italy I enjoy finding new places to eat. I also like to visit old favorites. One of the restaurants I look forward to visiting again is located near St. Peter´s.

I often receive requests for places to eat in Italy. There are only a few that I say are absolute musts. There are others that should be avoided. Here is a brief recap of one my experiences.

We had returned to Rome as the first stop of three week trip to Italy. We stayed near the Vatican and visited several pizzerias, ristoranti, etc. The neighborhood was wonderful. Our sons could walk down the block and get a gelato, while we sat on the balcony and watched them.

We were in Rome for our wedding anniversary and decided that something upscale was in order. It was a perfect plan. Les Etoiles was just around the corner. It touts its rooftop view of St. Peter's and elegant atmosphere. We made reservations, explained in Italian that it was our anniversary, dressed appropriately, and arrived as they opened.

Once the staff realized that we were Americans we were seated looking at a nearby apartment's laundry. There would be no dramatic views of St. Peter's for us.

We asked to be moved. We were told that there was no other tables available. The place was entirely empty except for one Italian couple. We left.

Fortunately we found a delightful place. I would recommend that for a great meal you should visit Ristorante Venerina, Borgo Pio, # 38. We had a fantastic meal and were treated extremely well by the staff. We spoke to the staff in Italian, but other visitors who did not were treated courteously. The food was creative, but not pretentious. This is a good wine list. We were the first to arrive and among the last to leave, never feeling rushed.

My husband had the pasta with black truffles as one of his dishes. It was fantastic! The owner treated us to espresso and after dinner drinks.

The Ristorante Vernerina is air conditioned, but there is a small, lush garden area also. It is at Borgo Pio, #38. Due to its proximity to St. Peter's, buses stop very close, and taxis will be able to find the Ristorante Vererina easily. Parking in the evening was readily available.