3 Best Restaurants in Pisa, Tuscany

Apricot walls hung with etchings of Pisa make this small, single-room restaurant warmly romantic. Husband and wife Damiano and Sandra Lazzerini have been running the place for two decades, and it shows in their obvious enthusiasm while talking about the menu (fish is a focus) and daily specials, which often astound. The scampetti gratinati al forno con pomodorini e basilico (oven-baked prawns with basil and tomato) delights. Seasonal ingredients are key throughout the menu; Sandra works wonders with tartufi estivi (summer truffles), artichokes, and market fish of the day. Remember to save room for desserts as they are scrumptious.

Pisa is an incredibly multicultural city, as evidenced by restaurants like this one, which serves the best Middle Eastern food in town. The tables are a little close together, but the atmosphere is lively, and you'll find all the classics—from falafel to hummus—as well as a delicious dessert of ricotta mousse with homemade quince jam. 

This charming, white-walled restaurant, a few steps from Piazza dei Cavalieri, serves up exquisitely grilled fish dishes, pleases vegetarians, and prepares tagliata for meat lovers. Three set menus, from the sea, garden, and earth, are available, or you can order à la carte. For dinner there's an early seating (around 7:30) and a later one (around 9); opt for the later one if you want time to linger over your meal.