Off-The-Beaten-Track Restaurants for cruise travelers to Livorno: reviews of Il Vernice, Pizzeria Sarda, Il Forte, La Botteghina and Hotel Palazzo Restaurant
Besides the restaurants, Enotecas and cafés in the historical city center or very close by, the Editor has also selected a handful that the cruise traveler may want to try if venturing into less known areas.
Trattoria La Botteghina in Livorno
Photo Courtesy of La Botteghina Management
Because some highlights and attractions in Livorno are not in the historic center, restaurants that are near these sites were also included. Some of these restaurants are not that far but are located in streets where the cruise ship passengers wouldn't normally walk, as there aren't any major attractions close by. Others are close to attractions or landmarks that are off the center like the ones in the south area of Livorno. We have selected both restaurants where traditional lunch is served and also a couple that famous for the quality of their light fares.
Il Vernice
(Nouvelle Tradition) - $$ to $$$
Well known and with an impeccable reputation, Il Vernice serves traditional cuisine (some slow cooked dishes) with a creative touch reflected also in the wine list - wine by the glass is an unusual option in Livorno. The modern décor with warm ethnic variations and excellent service create and wonderful ambiance.
In Vernice, Interior
Photo by Owner / Management
| WHERE: | South of Piazza XX Settembre |
|---|---|
| Prices: | Between €25.00 and €35.00 per person |
| Open: | Lunch: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm - 11:00pm |
| Address: | Via Sproni, 32 |
| Phone: | Fixed: 0586 21 95 46 |
| Website: | NA |
| Nearby: | Piazza XX Settembre, Piazza della Repubblica, Fosso Real. |
| NOTES: | Not far from the city center, Il Vernice is on a narrow street behind the Piazza XX Settembre and there is nothing close by (besides the square and the restaurant itself) that would attract the cruise ship passenger to go that far. |
| Not so Far: | Piazza XX Settembre, Piazza della Repubblica, Fosso Real. |
Pizzeria Sarda
(Pizza Al Fresco) - $ to $$
The very simple décor would never reveal the great quality of the pizzas served here with the bonus of a very quiet, shaded outside seating area. Also on the menu the famous Torta di Ceci and a great selection of antipasti. A truly off the beaten place for a light lunch.
Pizzeria Sarda, Al Fresco
Photo by Owner / Management
| WHERE: | South City Center |
|---|---|
| Prices: | Between €10.00 and €20.00 per person |
| Open: | Lunch: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm - 10:00pm |
| Closed: | Tuesday |
| Address: | Piazza Della Vittoria, 34 |
| Phone: | Fixed: 0586 88 96 63 |
| Website: | Pizzeria Sarda Facebook Page |
| Notes: | Even for those visiting the Church on the Piazza della Vittoria or enjoying the shaded gardens it is not easy to find that behind the church, hidden in a corner, fabulous Pizza is being served al fresco at Pizzeria Sarda. |
| Not So Far: | Piazza della Vittoria, Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, Teatro Goldoni. |
Il Forte
(Wine and Cheese) - $ to $$$
On a narrow but long street on the edge of the Venice Quarter, Il Forte is one of the most surprising restaurants in Livorno for a Quick Bite offering over 30 different kinds of cheese, all sorts of Prosciutto (including Spanish) and a wine list to match. All at affordable prices. Seriously worthwhile the off track walk if the cruise ship passenger is exploring this old quarter.
Il Forte, Delicacies
Photo by Owner / Management
| WHERE: | Venice Quarter |
|---|---|
| Prices: | Between €12.00 and €30.00 per person |
| Open: | Lunch: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm - 1:00 am |
| Closed: | Sunday |
| Address: | Via del Forte San Pietro, 32 |
| Phone: | Mobil: 338 453 9246 |
| Website: | www.ristoranteilforte.com |
| Nearby: | St. Catherine's Church, Via Borra, Fortezza Vecchia, Saint Ferdinand's Church. |
| Notes: | Like all Enotecas prices vary depending on the choice of wine as this can start as low as €5.00 for a glass and go as high as €100.00 for a bottle |
LA BOTTEGHINA
(Hidden Trattoria) - $ to $$
This family run Trattoria for locals is the place to have lunch when the cruise ship passenger is venturing south of the city center to visit the Natural History Museum. Great traditional cuisine with affordable prices - including a "Pranzzi di Lavoro" (fixed daily menu) and even Cacciucco. The desserts are a must.
Trattoria La Botteghina
Photo by Owner / Management
| WHERE: | South of City Center |
|---|---|
| Prices: | Between €15.00 and €25.00 per person |
| Open: | Lunch: 11:00am - 3:00pm | Dinner: Dinner: 7:00pm - 12:00am |
| Closed: | Sunday |
| Address: | Via Roma, 159 |
| Phone: | Fixed: 0586 80 51 10 |
| Website: | NA |
| Nearby: | Natural History Museum, Villa Fabbricotti. |
| Closed: | Discovered by IQCruising when visiting the Natural History Museum and exploring the gardens of Villa Fabbricotti, this both an Off Track and a Restaurants where locals have an affordable lunch. |
PALAZZO RESTAURANT
(Lunch with View) - $$$ to $$$$
The restaurant on the fifth floor of the Hotel Palazzo (the best in Livorno and one of the top in Italy) has a spectacular sea view set on luxurious classic décor. The cuisine has received mixed reviews as it doesn't share neither the fordable prices nor the typical recipes of the Livornese traditions. But the service is impeccable. A place to go for lunch on a special occasion.
Hotel Palazzo Restaurant
Photo by Owner / Management
| WHERE: | South Coast |
|---|---|
| Prices: | Between €40.00 and €60.00 per person |
| Open: | Lunch: 12:30pm - 2:30pm | Dinner: 7:30pm - 10:30pm |
| Closed: | NEVER |
| Address | Viale Italia, 195 |
| Phone: | Fixed: 0586 26 08 36 |
| Website: | www.accorhotels.com |
| Nearby: | Aquarium, Museum Fattori, Terrazza Mascagni. |
| Notes: | Amazingly, this is one of the Restaurant is the Hotel is one of the few places to have lunch (far from affordable) when visiting the highlights and attractions of Via Italia. |
