Versilia & Beyond: Between Gastronomy and Culture, Here is Our Exclusive Guide

Welcome to Versilia: a perfect microcosm where the whispered luxury of the coast meets the wild nature of the hills and the refined art of the towns. To help you experience Tuscany like a true insider, we have selected our favorite spots. No tourist traps here: only the bars, restaurants, and trattorias that we truly love and frequent.

Insider Tip: This guide is a living organism, constantly updated. Bookmark this page and check back before booking your next dinner!

Morning: The Breakfast Ritual

In Italy, breakfast is not just the first meal of the day: it is a small ritual of pleasure, a slow awakening. In Versilia, you will find that this ritual changes character from town to town, and even from bar to bar. Here is where to start your day on the right foot:

In Camaiore

• Bar del Dotto: Stop by the pedestrian center for an impeccable espresso or a creamy cappuccino. If you love artisanal chocolate, this is your temple. [see on google map]
• Pasticceria Lorenzo: Located on the main thoroughfare, it is the ideal choice for a gourmet pastry breakfast, where tradition marries modern techniques and refined presentations. [see on google map]
• Pasticceria Rossano: Located opposite the stadium, it is a local institution—not only for its extraordinary quality and overwhelming courtesy, but also for the (proverbial!) generosity of its brioches. [see on google map]

In Viareggio

• Galliano: Located on the historic promenade, it is a must-visit to taste the legendary budino di riso (rice pudding pastry, also available in a gluten-free version). [see on google map]
• Patalani: Head toward the market square for their historic bomboloni (Italian doughnuts). Their secret? They are baked, making them incredibly light yet delightfully indulgent. [see on google map]

In Pietrasanta

• Pasticceria il Duomo: If you prefer a savory note in the morning, this is the place for you. It offers a wide selection of savory as well as sweet brioches, to be enjoyed while admiring the vibrant atmosphere of the artists' square. [see on google map]

In Forte dei Marmi

• Da Valé: A timeless legend. Sitting here means tasting their irresistible, iconic hot savory focaccine, while leaving just enough room for a cream-filled bombolone. [see on google map]
• Caffè Principe: Established in the 1930s and recently renovated by the Prada Group, this historic café is the epicenter of elegance for a couture breakfast or a chic aperitivo to see and be seen. [see on google map]

Lunch or Dinner: Where Are We Heading Today?

Whether it is a romantic dinner by the sea, a refined tasting menu, or a lunch in a trattoria nestled among olive trees, Tuscany never fails to surprise. From the sea to the hills, dining in Versilia is a continuous journey between contemporary elegance and recipes handed down from generation to generation. Here you will find extraordinary spots offering high-end signature cuisine in locations full of charm.

Signature Flavors Between Sea and Plains

• Il Merlo (Lido di Camaiore): Contemporary luxury. Chef Angelo Torcigliani combines gastronomic excellence with elegance. The cuisine is solid, technical, and tied to the best local ingredients. An elite experience (prices included) that rivals the most celebrated tables on the coast. [see on google map]
• La Dogana (Capezzano Pianore): Suspended between sea and mountains. A beautiful location and excellent cuisine. A restaurant run like a family, with Daniele as your host. For the wine selection, let yourself be guided by Cristian’s expertise—it is always a wonderful surprise. [see on google map]
• Buonamico (Viareggio): A historic and reliable landmark in Viareggio, where seafaring tradition is served with elegance and consistent quality. [see on google map]
• Emilio e Bona (Vado di Camaiore): An address beloved by insiders for its authentic flavors, careful selection of raw ingredients, and the warm hospitality typical of great Tuscan tables. Don’t miss the tordelli with meat sauce!  [see on google map]

Meat and Pasta in Camaiore

• Da Alan: The ultimate destination for those who cannot do without selected cuts of meat, masterful dry-aging, and precision grilling.  [see on google map]
• Ristopasta: Dedicated to true lovers of homemade fresh pasta made to perfection, paired with rich, traditional sauces executed with a contemporary touch. [see on google map]

The Spirit of the Harbor and the Beach (Viareggio & Environs)

• Santa Monica (Viareggio): Sincere and refined. At midday, it is frequented by shipowners, crews of mega-yachts, and shipyard professionals. That is because its cuisine is straightforward—just like the people of Viareggio! [see on google map]
• Portus (Viareggio): Gather here at 6:00 PM for an aperitivo while watching the sun dive into the sea, then stay for dinner. All the catch comes directly from the Viareggio fishermen's cooperative. It doesn't get fresher than this. [see on google map]
• La Risacca (Viareggio): The seafood restaurant of Bagno La Perla. Tables right on the beach, the scent of sea salt, and a curated seafood menu: the very essence of a summer dinner. [see on google map]
• Bagno Sauro (Viareggio): Stella is at the helm in the kitchen, guaranteeing home-cooked meals tied to tradition. An absolute must-try: the legendary cozze ripiene alla viareggina (Viareggio-style stuffed mussels). [see on google map]
• Basilico Fresco (Torre del Lago): A relaxed atmosphere and that endless vacation feeling. The owner recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the culinary Oscars; his seafood dishes will win you over. [see on google map]

The Must-Visit Pizzerias

Pizza in Versilia? It is all about ancient grain research and gourmet toppings using premium ingredients.

• Apogeo (Pietrasanta/Forte dei Marmi): Much more than a pizzeria, it is a true research laboratory for long-fermentation doughs. Multi-award-winning and unmissable. [see on google map]
• Grano Vivo (Lido di Camaiore): Here, pizza meets its ultimate contemporary expression. A sacred respect for digestibility, surprising textures, and excellent attention to gluten-free options. [see on google map]
• I Sogni Appesi (Camaiore): Great pizza and a perfect location for a relaxed family evening out in Camaiore’s main square.  [see on google map]
• Cenami (Massarosa): A historic and authentic landmark for those seeking tradition and time-tested quality. [see on google map]
• La Tana Del Gusto (Pieve di Camaiore): A small, cozy hideaway where pizza is strictly cooked in a wood-fired oven. It is also the ideal spot for an informal aperitivo featuring rich platters of local cold cuts and cheeses. [see on google map]

In the Cool Hills (Authentic Trattorias)

When the coastal air gets too warm, retreat to the hills, where tables are made of wood, the breeze is refreshing, and the flavors become intense.

• Osteria Candalla (Camaiore): A fairytale setting. Tables are set up along the river, nestled among the rocks and greenery of an ancient mill. The atmosphere is magical, cool, and incredibly romantic. [see on google map]
• Antico Frantoio (Nocchi): Rustic-chic charm. Housed in an old olive oil mill with exposed stone walls and historic millstones. The cuisine modernizes Versilian tradition with elegance, focusing on land-based ingredients. [See on Google Maps]
• Trattoria Il Sorriso (Pedona): Perched on the hills of Camaiore, it welcomes you with breathtaking views and the true, authentic flavors of the region. Perfect for escaping the summer heat. [See on Google Maps]
• Trattoria Il Mattarello (Torcigliano): Everything here is strictly homemade. Their panzanelle served with local cold cuts are out of this world, as are the fresh pasta dishes. The road up is winding, but the view and the food make every curve worth it. [See on Google Maps]
• Ristorante Bernardone (Nocchi): A timeless classic for anyone seeking the truest Tuscan authenticity, the legendary Versilian tordelli, and old-school warm hospitality. [See on Google Maps]
• Osteria Le Terme (Massaciuccoli): Tradition and innovation blend in this venue, which offers an excellent seasonal menu of meat and fish (try the spaghetti with mussel ragù or the red potato ravioli with sage). It boasts a monumental wine list featuring around 700 labels. [See on Google Maps]
• Trattoria la Pieve (Pieve di Camaiore): From pizza to peposo (Tuscan beef stew), from fried mushrooms to homemade tordelli. The atmosphere is pleasantly casual, the kitchen is mindful of local sourcing, and the portions are decidedly generous. Exactly what you expect from a true, authentic Tuscan trattoria. [See on Google Maps]

Inclusive Dining: Intolerances and Conscious Choices

For us, sitting down at the table is a joy that should bring everyone together, without anyone having to compromise on taste. Here are the specialized spots that are well worth a detour:

• MareMare (Lido di Camaiore): By the sea and 100% Gluten & Lactose-Free. A restaurant right on the beach with a kitchen completely free of gluten and dairy. Artisanal fresh pasta, ultra-crispy fried seafood, and excellent tortelli stuffed with langoustines and prawns. [See on Google Maps]
• Pasticceria Oro Nero (Viareggio): An artisanal paradise for celiacs. Here you will find spectacular gluten-free pastries, croissants, and even a phenomenal pain au chocolat. [See on Google Maps]
• Sementis Bakery & Sementis Ristorante (Pietrasanta): Two landmark spots for organic, entirely plant-based, and gluten-free cuisine. Traditional dishes are reinterpreted with a vegan twist, showing immense creativity and flavor. [See on Google Maps]
• La Volpe e l’Uva (Pietrasanta): A venue that dedicates rigorous care and research to gluten-free dining. Their own house-made bread, focaccia, and fresh pasta guarantee a full menu in total safety. [See on Google Maps]
• La Posteria (Viareggio): A delightful spot that combines typical products from the Garfagnana region with a wide and carefully curated vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free selection. [See on Google Maps]

• AV Gluten Free (Forte dei Marmi): The famous Florentine brand has opened a branch in Forte: the perfect place for a sudden craving for stuffed Tuscan schiacciata in total gluten-free safety. [See on Google Maps]

Michelin-Starred Versilia

We close this roundup by dedicating ourselves to absolute excellence, designed for those who want to treat themselves to a memorable gastronomic experience. A region that has always been accustomed to beauty could only excel at the table: Versilia shines in the Michelin Guide with extraordinary restaurants capable of combining exclusive atmospheres, avant-garde research, and impeccable technique.

The Stars of Viareggio

• Il Piccolo Principe (2 Michelin Stars): The ultimate choice for a romantic evening. Chef Giuseppe Mancino offers an elegant and creative cuisine, served in intimate, refined settings with a breathtaking view of the promenade. [See on Google Maps]
• Romano (1 Michelin Star): The longest-running Michelin star in Italy. The Franceschini family carries forward an essential cuisine full of character, specialized in seafood but masterfully integrating land elements with flawless balance. [See on Google Maps]
• Lunasia (1 Michelin Star): Art and the avant-garde. Located in the glamorous heart of the Principino, Chef Luca Landi blends classicism and innovation into colorful, theatrical, and surprising dishes. Every course is a small painting. [See on Google Maps]

The Stars of Forte dei Marmi

• Lorenzo (1 Michelin Star): A legend of hospitality. Excellent fish, an imposing wine list, and old-school service. The famous tableside, hand-whipped mayonnaise prepared right in front of you is an experience within the experience.  [See on Google Maps]
• Bistrot (1 Michelin Star): Colonial style and an open kitchen. Helmed by Chef Andrea Mattei, it is the landmark for lovers of contemporary seafood. Enjoy jazz notes in the background and a monumental cellar for bespoke private dinners.  [See on Google Maps]
• La Magnolia – Hotel Byron (1 Michelin Star): Luxury by the pool. Chef Marco Bernardo offers a cuisine born from Mediterranean tradition, built on the purity of ingredients. In summer, dining in their garden is unforgettable.  [See on Google Maps]
• Lux Lucis – Principe Forte dei Marmi (1 Michelin Star): Evolution on the Roof Garden. A spectacular sea view meets the sophisticated cuisine of Chef Valentino Cassanelli, who creates a dialogue between the aromas of the Tuscan coast and the flavors of his homeland, Emilia.  [See on Google Maps]
• Sciabola – Hotel St. Mauritius (1 Michelin Star): The newcomer of the year. Guided by Chef Alessandro Ferrarini, it wins guests over with a colorful, fun menu based on impeccable technique and great respect for the raw ingredients. [See on Google Maps]

A memorable culinary journey deserves an equally extraordinary stay.