Eating & Drinking

In Viareggio seafood predominates, as on the Versilia coast in general. The resort specialises in cacciucco, a hearty fish soup, with other delights ranging from the catch of the day to grilled seafood, baked seabass, rock-octopus and stir-fried shrimps. The seafront restaurants are particularly appealing. Any stroll can end with sipping reviving drinks in the historic Gran Caffe Margherita on the seafront. The resort also boasts a number of stylish, creative and gourmet restaurants, including Michelin-starred affairs. Also see our beach club suggestions in the Forte dei Marmi beachlife section above.

This legendary Art Nouveau café has moved with the times and serves versions of classic Tuscan dishes either in the historic dining room, or in the quiet garden behind. Beside the dining room is a trendy bookshop.
Address: Via Regina Margherita 30, 55049 Viareggio

Tel: 0584 581143
Web: www.facebook.com/MargheritaGranCaffe

Founded in 1874, this bathing establishment has moved with the times and offers a pool bar - and a summery sushi beach restaurant which mixes Japanese dishes with more typical Italian seafood feasts.
Address: Passeggiata di Viareggio, 55049 Viareggio

Tel: 0584 1660853
Web: www.bagnobalena.it

This theatrical Michelin-starred restaurant finds favour with visitors and locals alike, thanks to its rooftop setting and the cuisine itself. The menu blends international gourmet dishes with more local favourites, with pricey tasting menus centred on meat or seafood. Specialities include roast scallops, crab-stuffed ravioli, beef tartare and roast pigeon.
Address: Piazza Giacomo Puccini, Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, 55049 Viareggio

Tel: 0584 401806
Web: www.ristoranteilpiccoloprincipe.it

Set close to Piazza Marconi in neighbouring Forte dei Marmi, Caffè Principe is a perennially popular café made for people-watching. It sits on its laurels but remains a favoured spot for the smart set, at any time of day. The café can take you from breakfast to nightcaps. Come for a breakfast brioche, an Aperol Spritz or an affogato al caffè (a dessert made by dunking vanilla ice cream in espresso coffee) but prepare to pay well over the odds, even by local standards.
Address: Caffe Principe, via Carducci 2, 55042 Forte dei Marmi

Tel: 0584 89238
Web: www.principefortedeimarmi.com