Pisa, Italy, is widely known for its food that stays true to tradition and the many great restaurants. Filled with local ingredients and made from recipes passed down from generation to generation, Pisa is a true foodie destination. There’s something to satiate every palate in Pisa, with offerings of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
To help your trip planning go more smoothly, we’ve gathered a list of the best restaurants in Pisa, Italy. Featuring an array of family-owned restaurants, quick bites, and fine dining, you’re sure to find a mouthwatering dish that fits your budget and taste preferences.
About Pisa, Italy’s Food Culture
A combination of times when food was more scarce and diverse landscapes shaped Pisa’s food offerings is what captures the food culture of Pisa. Often noted for its “peasant cuisine,” this Tuscany city’s use of simple ingredients goes back to the middle ages. During this time, the lack of food created a need for flavorful dishes without a long list of ingredients. Thus, many meals included stale bread, beans, and other similar ingredients.
While Pisa is now agriculturally rich, the simplicity of its meals has remained. Etruscan-style meals have widely become associated with Italy, offering a nod to Pisa’s culinary history.
Top Pisa, Italy Restaurants
Below, you’ll find a list of restaurants at various price points to try on your next Pisa visit.
Trattoria Sant’Omobono
A local favorite, Trattoria Sant’Omobono offers traditional Pisan and Tuscan dishes using seasonal ingredients. Trattoria Sant’Omobono is found in the heart of Pisa, situated in a church from the 11th century. All the ingredients are sourced from a market a few steps from the restaurant, ensuring fresh food in every bite.
Expect various homemade pasta dishes with fresh pasta, regardless of the season. Try the local wine with your meal; it’s high-quality yet at a low price. The tiramisu is a favorite for many restaurant visitors if you have extra room for dessert.
Trattoria da Stelio
Set in a more casual environment, Trattoria da Stelio is a top choice for those who are okay with a long lunchtime meal. This eatery, run by Stelio, provides genuine local dishes you’d likely see served in an Italian home. On warmer days, you can enjoy a meal out on the sunny patio of this centrally located restaurant.
Open since 1965, Trattoria da Stelio is a lively place with a homey atmosphere. Each day, you’ll find an array of specials handwritten with chalk on a blackboard. Simple, traditional Tuscan meals are served here at low prices, including delicious soft ravioli and seafood stew packed with octopus morsels.
You may need to wait for a table, as this spot is a busy lunchtime trattoria frequented by everyone from students to tourists.
Numero 11
Also known as Numeroundici, this hidden gem provides an atmosphere that makes you feel at home while serving traditional Tuscan cuisine. Long benches and tables mean you’ll be seated amongst locals and visitors, ensuring you feel like you’re part of the community. In addition, this restaurant offers large portions of amazing food, making it the perfect spot to share a meal with friends and family.
This restaurant has a more casual environment; you’ll place your order at the counter and pick it up when it’s ready to eat. Afterward, you’re in charge of cleaning your own table at this self-service restaurant.
Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare Pisa
For a special treat or occasion, you can head to Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare Pisa. This restaurant has pricier food, yet the elegant décor and large portions are more than worth the cost. Expect to spend around $40 per person here, not including drinks from their extensive list.
Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare Pisa is a restaurant specializing in seafood, from fish soup to fresh pasta with mixed seafood. After your meal, you’ll be handed a complimentary digestif, adding to the high-end experience.
La Grotta
Set in a cave-like environment with a stone vaulted ceiling, this Pisan eatery offers a unique atmosphere and a cozy feel. La Grottais ideal for date night as it provides a romantic setting for meals. This intimate spot is primarily visited by locals, as it features simple and flavorful Etruscan dishes.
Try the Buffalo Mozzarella Ravioli with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts cream as your first course if available. Otherwise, they have an array of delicious pasta dishes for the first and second courses. Save room for dessert, as traditional sweet dishes like Panna Cotta are on the menu here.
Trattoria Pizzeria II Montino
There are some days when nothing will do but an Italian pizza. If that’s the case, you can satisfy your cravings with a visit to Trattoria Pizzeria II Montino. This restaurant has wood-fired pizzas that are made right in front of you. You won’t have to wait long for your food, making it an excellent option for days jam-packed with activities.
Other menu items include lasagna and roast beef, though you’ll want to purchase pizza if you’re heading here, as it’s the restaurant’s specialty.
Il Campano
Set in the heart of Pisa, Il Campano is a long-standing restaurant beloved by locals and travelers alike. It began many years ago as a grocery store, shifting to a small food shop after the war. Since then, it has become one of the most well-known Pisan restaurants.
Il Campano serves traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist, paying homage to Pisa’s infamous “peasant cuisine.” There are many dishes on the menu, though a few local favorites include Pappa al Pomodoro, a hearty bread soup with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, and Gnudi, a pillowy pasta served with butter.
The extensive menu also features 400 wines from the wine cellar to sip on while enjoying your meal.
Pane e Vino
Perfect for a light bite to eat and a glass of wine, Pane e Vino is a cozy wine bar with offerings of charcuterie boards. Stop by this spot to share a wooden board filled with fresh mozzarella, Italian cold cuts, and lively conversation.
A regional wine list and locally sourced produce make this eatery a must-try during a Pisa visit. Most of the seating is outdoors, so you can enjoy views of the plaza near Pane e Vino. You’ll also find Tuscany menu items here if you’re in the mood for a complete meal, like Pappa al Pomodoro and Tordello Lucchese, a ravioli-like dish with meat filling.
La Pergoletta
This romantic restaurant features foliage stretching from the middle of the dining room to the ceiling, creating a unique atmosphere. At La Pergoletta, you’ll find regional wines paired with creative dishes for an unforgettable meal. Even though the décor is elegant, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere at La Pergoletta.
There is an excellent variety of menu options, from pasta dishes to fish and steak entrees. This eatery even has a few offerings for vegetarians, including a Courgette Parmigiana with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. Other menu items include Homemade Ravioli Stuffed with Fresh Cheese and Pistachio and Linguine with Mixed Sea Fruit.
La Pergoletta is a mid-tier restaurant regarding prices, so expect to spend a little bit more than you would at a more casual joint.
Osteria dei Cavalieri
Osteria dei Cavalieri is a Michellin-star restaurant in the heart of Pisa. This eatery features friendly service, traditional menu items, and local wines. Fitted with a typical rustic Tuscan décor, this restaurant is a top choice for many. At Osteria dei Cavalieri, you’ll find large portions of delicious food at affordable prices. Each dish is elegantly presented, with sauces artistically spread across the plate.
Expect an array of items on the menu, ranging from hearty meat dishes to tasty fish plates. Some of the top menu items include the Tagliolini with Razor Clams and Fried Pasta with Tuscan Ham.
We hope sharing this Pisa restaurant guide with you will help inspire you to try new local eateries! Whether traveling with your significant other, family members, or friends, you’ll find the perfect eateries on this list. Prepare your taste buds and head to these best restaurants in Pisa for filling meals and delightful vino options.
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