Verona is a historical Italian small city dating back more than 20 centuries. There is the famous "Arena" in the center of Verona , which is a Roman amphitheatre built nearly 2000 years ago and is still in use; it is famous for the opera and classical music performances given there in warmer months.
Verona is also famous for its Amarone and Valpolicella wines , made from local grapes dried for a few months before they are made into wine. They also produce the Ricietto which is a sweet red wine produced from the same grapes , dried for upto six months before they are processed. “Dal Forno” and “Quintarelli” are the best two producers of this top quality wine , but there are hundreds of other wineries with their own vinyards producing these high alchohol slightly sweet but still dry red wines. You may try to reserve to visit one of these wineries, enjoy the beauty of the vinyards, taste their wine and buy some of their top vintages. Another famous dimension of Verona is the food.There are a few Michelin starred restaurants in and around the city; however we shall mention some restaurants without them.
LOCANDA CASTELVECCHIO
Castelvecchio is well known for its trolley of the meat selection and also of the trolley of the desert; but their pasta is out of this world too. In autumn months you may opt for their pasta or risotto with wild porcini mushrooms. They also have their “al dente” red risotto cooked in Amarone wine. Or , you may go lighter and create a porcini tasting three course menu for yourself with raw, grilled and pan cooked porcinis with a splash of grated parmesan on each dish.The wine list and the cellar downstairs are both impressive with some top French wines too, in addition to the usual Valpolicella suspects. The desert trolley is not to be missed with the bitter chocolate cake taking the pole position.
TRATTORIA AL POMPIERI
This very central trattoria has a great selection of cold cuts. They are all cut in front of you fresh as you order , by an exclusive cold cut chef. You may also order steaks by the kilo to be cooked as per your choice ; however “well done” is not an option!My preference is their extraordinary pasta dishes. I do not mind ordering three pasta dishes in a row to make up my lunch or dinner. Replacing one pasta dish with an Amarone risotto may also be considered. After this carbonhydrate bonanza, one should still reserve some appetite for one of their local deserts. The wine list is full of top Valpolicellas and Amarones to choose from. A half liter sweet Ricietto is also recommended to go with the local desert of your choice and the local biscotti.
ANTICA BOTTEGO VINO
This is a wine bar with great food. It has the largest cellar of wine in Italy. Their wine book is at least two inches thick. It has anything from a 50 euro Superiore to a 10000 euro Petrus, not to forget a few pages each of Giuseppe Quinterallis and Dal Fornos. Depending how many you are , you may consider one of many magnums and double magnums on the wine menu. The hard to find Alzero has many vintages listed in their big book of wines. The food is very meat-centric, however they do serve the local Amarone risotto. They have an Italian Brie on the menu, melted in the oven in the original box , and served with fresh black truffle shavings. Their mixed local berries in ginger sauce may be a light ending to your wine and dine treat.
PONTE DEL PIATRA
Like many other beautiful cities, Verona has a river dividing the city into two. Ponte del Piatra is next to the bridge by the same name. If you are only two,you may reserve one of the few small tables in the balcony overlooking the river. Their home made pasta selection is very much recommended , as well as their by the kilo steaks to be grilled to taste. The wine list is predominantly local with all kinds of Superiores , Amerones and Riciettos.
GABBIA D'ORO
Gabbia D'Oro is " the " hotel to stay. It was built in 1323 as the town's first clock tower in the center. A few centuries later it
was converted into a hotel. It has 27 rooms of all sizes and with completely different decorations , designed to not to alter the centuries of history of the building. You see rock blocks ,steel and wood columns and slabs everywhere, jointly carrying the five level building. I recommend you to stay at 406 with its private and secluded small terrace. 406 also has the most lovely inside walls , highlighting the 700 years of preserved history in a properly architechtured way. The hotel has an outstanding service and an extraordinary breakfast served in the very nice breakfast room. They have a tea menu consisting of a long list of the rarest of all teas,a buffet with a selection of fruit,cheese , fresh savory and sweet cakes ; you may order your egg dish of your choice.And, the waiter does "wait"! One may come in warmer months for a few days of stay here, enjoying an evening concert at the Arena and a few good dinners , all walking distance from Gabbia D’Oro.