Welcome to Pisa!
This is a quick guide to the Food and Drinks scene of Pisa. The categories are roughly organized by the time of day a typical Pisan would frequent a particular location. Each location within each category will be listed by increasing distance from the Torre. Note: the Torre is a beautiful site that is must visit, but most of the best eating and non-tourist action takes place in Centro and Lungarno (along the Arno river).
Coffee: Third Wave Coffee, Pastries, and Places to Work
A quick espresso is easy to find anywhere in Pisa, but finding artisan coffee or a place to finish your presentation for this conference is not trivial, so you may like to seek these places out.
Cavalieri-Specialty Coffee
Wonderful, if slightly expensive, coffee at the stand-up bar. This is also the place to get a table and a pastry to do work and respond to emails.
*** Via Corsica 14, Via Corsica, 8a, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Filter Coffee Lab
Hippest morning spot, frequented by UniPi crowd. Great coffee and good pastries along with Avocado toast, &c. Downside is it can be very busy and seats are usually full, so do not count on being able to find a place to work.
*** Via Santa Maria, 30, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Caffe dell’Ussero
Coolest caffe on the river, with outdoor seating to take a coffee with your pastry/panino. “Founded in 1775”.
*** Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, 27, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Lo Sfizio
You are visiting here because the interior of Lo Sfizio is the most reliable place to find a table inside to do work on your laptop. The other advantage is their cash payment machine, which will allow you to make change of larger bills without drawing the ire of the commessi.
*** Borgo Stretto, 54, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Cioccorocolato
The best and most exciting pastries in Pisa are found here. Think a cornetto (~croissant) stuffed with fresh ricotta and figs. Worth the trek!
*** Via Giovanni di Simone, 10, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Cecina
Dating from the 13th century, Cecina Pisana is a simple savory chickpea “cake” eaten plain, or between bread/focaccia with or without toppings. This is a great quick lunch option if you do not have time for a sit-down meal.
Pizzeria Il Montino
You can sit down for pizza here, but it is easy to go inside and order a quick Cecina. Some in Pisa would argue against adding toppings to your cecina sandwich, maybe even refuse the request, but here you are safe to add garlicky eggplant, &c.
*** Via del Monte, 1, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Mickey’s 5&5 Cecineria
Because the owner is from Livorno (gasp!) he had to earn his stripes in the neighborhood by letting the Cecina do the talking. He is also OK with toppings and recommends his creation: “Cult”--Cecina, eggplant, dried tomatoes, and Pecorino Romano.
*** Via S. Martino, 86, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Pizza: Slices, Carry-Out & Dine-in
Pizza, like coffee, can be found on almost any street, but these are the places we recommend.
Slices
Ordering a whole pizza is the custom, but, for a lighter and quicker meal, good take-away slices can be found at: I Due Capperi (2 locations, one near torre and one near train station) or “Strapizzami Pisa” in Piazza Martiri della Libertà
Pizza Take-Away (or order in delivery)
La Taverna di Pulcinella
Perfectly executed Neapolitan style pizza just south of the river Arno with short wait time if you order over the phone/in person for “Porta Via”. Limited indoor and outdoor seating.
*** Via Garofani, 10, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Pizza&Pasta Gastronomia da Salva
Good delivery pizza at great prices.
*** Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 18, 56124 Pisa PI, Italy
Pizza “Dine-in”
Anima di Grano Pizzeria Napoletana
Pizzeria committed to the quality of their dough and sourcing of ingredients. The “Vesuvio Arriabiato” pizza is the one to try if you like spice and instagram likes (Base pomodoro San Marzono giallo dop, gorgonzola piccante, N’duja calabrese, Burrata Pugliese affumicata dop)
*** Via Domenico Cavalca, 15, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Gui Pizzeria & Bistrot
Very hip spot located Lungarno with creative pizzas, good negronis, and affordable wines.
*** Lungarno Mediceo, 15, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Ristorante Pizzeria Bella Napoli
This is a LOCALS ONLY spot, with authentic neapolitan+ fare. Pizzas, Gnocco Fritto, Parmigiana di Melanzane, and Spaghetti alle vongole all deliver, but take note that it is not in Centro, and be prepared for the staff to only speak italian.
*** Via del Borghetto, 44, 56124 Pisa PI, Italy
Fuori di Zucca
Tucked along an unassuming avenue, Fuori di Zucca is a bit of a trek from the torre, but the welcome glass of Prosecco and great pizza rewards those who make the walk.
*** Via Giordano Bruno, 53, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Cocktails & Aperitivi
There are many places to source an Aperol spritz or negroni, but Pisa is also home to locations that are raising the bar (pun intended) when it comes to offering other tasty libations.
Boston 27
Boston 27 is a bar in Centro that allows you to venture away from the classic Italian standards; here they execute a Tommy’s margarita and other classic cocktails at a high level. Not to be missed: 5 Euro Irish Coffee!
*** Via Domenico Cavalca, 27, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
JEFFER Cocktail & Friends
Located on Lungarno with outdoor seating, Jeffer is becoming world-recognized for their creative drinks & locally-recognized for it being an actual bar where you can visit solo and sit on a stool.
*** Lungarno Mediceo, 24, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Eleven Café - Cocktail Bar Pisa
Located south of the river in the locals only Piazza della Pera, Eleven executes delicious cocktails without pretense. A true local gem.
*** Piazza Chiara Gambacorti, 11, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Tagliere (Meat and Cheese Boards)
Not hungry enough for another full meal, but still hoping to try local products? These locations offer the best way to sample the meat and cheese of Pisa/Toscana..
I Porci Comodi
Always busy, and open throughout the day, I Porci Comodi has a wonderful selection of Meat and Cheeses that are shaved and cut to order. Sandwiches are also offered.
*** Piazza Evangelista Torricelli, 8, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Osteria La Mescita
For the “adventurous”--La Mescita offers Mista Salumi di Caccia (Mixed hunting meats, e.g. wild boar & deer) as well as Mista Salumi Toscani. Here we also find well executed traditional Tuscan dishes as well: Pappa al Pomodoro, Tagliolini al Tartufo, Tordelli Lucchesi al Ragu, Mezzi Paccheri al baccalà con Lardo di Colonnata.
*** Via Domenico Cavalca, 2, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
La Bottega del Parco s.r.l.
As local as it gets, the majority of the products featured here are made in il Parco Regionale Migliarino, just west of the city. Great stop if you are in need of nourishment after arriving at Pisa Centrale.
*** P.za V. Emanuele II, 56100 Pisa PI, Italy
Restaurants with Local Tuscan Fare
The culinary history of Tuscany is too vast for this space, so instead here is a list of restaurants that execute the MUST TRY TUSCAN DISHES nearly as well as an Italian nonna.
Il Canguro
Canguro is on the list due to it being a reliable restaurant near the torre. Their Bruschette Miste is non-traditional, but delicious, and their Peposo may be the best in the city.
*** Via Santa Maria, 151, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Griglieria Le Vettovaglie
Located in “The Youth’s Piazza” Griglieria Le Vettovaglie is on the more expensive side, but you are paying for the people watching while being rewarded with delectable dishes. ‘Tis the Season for Truffles, and their execution of taglioni with black truffles may be the best in the city. Other non-miss dishes–Polpo Croccante, Tordelli al Ragú, Ravioli di Gamberi.
*** Piazza delle Vettovaglie, 38, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Il Mercante
YOU ARE HERE FOR TRUFFLE SEASON! Call ahead to see if there are white truffles in-house that day, or either reserve your allotment one day in advance or be “forced” to eat black truffles in their pure form with just butter and tagliolini pasta or get fancy and order them shaved on a pasta carbonara. Other must try: Pappa al Pomodoro Con Burrata e Acciuga, Pici all’Aglione,
*** Via Mercanti, 14-16, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Ristorante Galileo
South of the river, Ristorante Galileo is beloved by locals and tourists alike. On top of an affordable wine list, the restaurant over delivers on the classics: Ribollita, Tortelli al Ragú Toscano (Tordelli Lucchese), Bistecca Fiorentina, as well as Livornese-style Baccalà
*** Via S. Martino, 6/8, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Panini
No need to go to Firenze for tik tok famous sandwiches, Pisa will satisfy your cravings and save you hours not having to wait in line!
L’Ostellino
Classic, near the Torre, for quick, creative, and delicious panini.
*** Piazza Felice Cavallotti, 1, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Panimo!
Screw All’Antico Vinaio; these are the sandwiches you need to try…order your panino on schiacciata with a glass of wine and take it into the piazza to enjoy. Highly recommend: Diabolik, Natalie Portman, or Robert DeNiro.
*** Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 29, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Gelato
Remember the Golden Rule of gelato–if it is uncovered and is holding its “peaks” above the cooling apparatus, it is not artigianale and therefore you’re missing out on a better option…most likely a few doors down.
Il Gelato di Toto
A chain, but one that has grown due to its quality and unique flavors, e.g. Castagnaccio.
*** Via Santa Maria, 149, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Gelateria Artigianale Rufus
High quality ingredients make this the perfect place to stop after your glass of wine and panino at Panimo! (see above)
*** Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 25, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Gelateri De’ Coltelli
The favorite of Michele Campisi, co-organizer of the conference. Introduce yourself to him in order to receive recommendations!
*** Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, 23, 56100 Pisa PI, Italy
La Bottega del Gelato
Bad name, but good gelato if you are having cravings post dinner and drinks because it is open until 12am. No one will judge you if you pair it with a Nutella filled doughnut from Bombolò next door
*** Piazza Garibaldi, 11, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
