Eating by the sea in Tuscany. The best beachfront restaurants selected by Gambero Rosso

Here’s the Versilia (Lucca), with its sandy beaches and the charming Forte dei Marmi; the Pisan coast, less touristy and cooled by pine forests, much appreciated for family holidays; the Etruscan Coast (province of Livorno), where spectacular cliffs alternate with hidden coves and sandy stretches, and where you can find delightful fishing villages such as Castiglioncello, Rosignano Solvay (famous for its bright white sand), San Vincenzo, Baratti and Populonia; finally, the unspoilt Maremma, in the province of Grosseto, possibly the wildest part. As for the Tuscan archipelago, Elba, like Giglio, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giannutri, and Gorgona also offer postcard-worthy views and a cuisine that relies on an incredible basket of resources (from fish to meat to vegetables, and of course, wine).
If you’re craving a lunch or a sunset by the sea, eating and drinking well to superbly, here are some places that make braving the scorching Aurelia road (if travelling by car along the coast) absolutely worthwhile.

Eating by the sea in Tuscany. The best beachfront restaurants selected by Gambero Rosso

Alicina Hosteria

As of 2024, Alicina has moved to the seafront of Porto Ercole, in a contemporary-designed space

with several outdoor tables, where the menu alternates the restaurant’s great classics, such as “rigatoni all’amatriciana sbagliata” and the “riccio non riccio”, with new recipes. The wine cellar features wines, Champagne, and local producers, rewarding virtuous wineries. Young and friendly service.

Alicina Hosteria – Porto Ercole (GR) – l.mare A. Doria, 4 – 0564 1540096 – Facebook

Il Bucaniere

Pure “Pierangelini spirit” in the dishes of this seaside venue, a place to enjoy in every season. In the kitchen is Fulvietto, son of the great chef, a passionate fisherman before being a chef, obsessive in sourcing ingredients and surgical in preparation: the sea holds no secrets for him. A purist, he creates dishes of substance and taste. On the Tyrrhenian coast, he is currently one of the most distinctive representatives aiming to exalt the catch without convoluted cooking or ego excesses. A couple of meat dishes are also available. Attentive and warm service. The wine list includes exclusive labels and true gems.

Il Bucaniere – San Vincenzo (LI) – v.le G. Marconi – 335 8001695 – ristoranteilbucaniere.com

Filippo Al Mare – Bagno Roma

Filippo Di Bartola is one of the most well-known figures in Versilia’s contemporary food scene, ever since he opened his first namesake restaurant in Pietrasanta’s historic centre over 15 years ago. The format has evolved, and now, besides the main location on Via Padre E. Barsanti, 45, there’s this delightful beachfront venue in a historic beach club with a view you can imagine. Filippo’s style hasn’t changed – if anything, it’s become more relaxed, simpler, suitable for the setting, always using top-quality ingredients. Excellent drinks.

Filippo Al Mare – Bagno Roma – Pietrasanta (LU) – loc. Marina – v.le Lungomare, 35 – 0584 20909 – bagnoromafiumetto.it

Gabbiano 3.0

A privileged view of the Marina harbour, refined décor, warm tones, carefully selected oriental pieces, soft lighting, and a sea view: an elegant and sophisticated setting. The experience is shaped by chef Alessandro Rossi’s creativity and study of the Maremma, blending sensations, flavours, and aromas of the sea, land, and garden. Examples include prawns, kohlrabi, Sichuan pepper and salted lemon, or squid tagliatelle with seaweed custard and double chicken consommé (pictured). Rich and prestigious wine list. Professional, dynamic, friendly, impeccable staff.

Gabbiano 3.0 – Grosseto – fraz. Marina di Grosseto – via Porto Turistico, 11 – 0564 337812 – ilgabbianotrepuntozero.it

La Dogana by Enoteca la Torre

The partnership between Enoteca la Torre group and La Dogana beach resort continues successfully. Here, on the splendid terrace, you can enjoy refined contemporary cuisine, alongside a more casual offering (for lunch and aperitifs) from the revamped “Doganino”, featuring relaxed vibes and internationally inspired cuisine signed by Ricardo Takamitsu. Rudy Travagli, highly experienced, curates the impressive wine list. Thoughtful and efficient service.

La Dogana by Enoteca la Torre – Capalbio (GR) – fraz. Chiarone Scalo – s.da di Graticciaia – 0564 1830669 – dogana.enotecalatorre.group

Il Merlo

Angelo Torcigliani is a chef inspired by French cuisine but grounded in the produce and refined taste of his homeland. The menu’s clean, balanced dishes are based on Tyrrhenian seafood, with a single meat course (crispy egg with truffle, “agnolotti del plin” with three roasts, Bresse chicken and morels). The sea is best expressed through his spaghetti with boneless fish and shellfish. Homemade bread and focaccia are dangerously good with artisanal olive oil. At the entrance, a display case with the day's catch. In summer, dinner is served on the beachside patio at sunset. Extensive wine list, reflecting Torcigliani’s French passion.

Il Merlo – Camaiore (LU) – loc. Lido di Camaiore – v.le S. Bernardini, 660 c/o Bagni Ariston – 0584 1660839 – ilmerlocamaiore.it

Molo G Osteria Portuale

The soul of the venue is in the name – located in a former shipyard, this relaxed spot with a lovely terrace and garden overlooks the lagoon, with tables on the pier that you can reach by boat. Relaxed atmosphere with nautical décor. Small daily menu Elban-style, written on the chalkboard, with contemporary notes and some classics. A few vegan options also available. Wine list dedicated to the island, 100% organic or biodynamic.

Molo G Osteria Portuale – Elba (LI) – loc. Portoferraio – v.le T. Tesei, 33 c/o cantiere navale Esaom Cesa – 0565 915024 – mologosteriaportuale.myadj.it

Oasi

A showcase on the sea, right on the beach, with a stunning view. Elegant and refined dining room, nautical décor in soft tones. Mirco Martinelli loves the sea and expresses it through dishes that preserve simplicity and freshness. All creations come strictly from quality catch, always elegant. In the dining room, Mirco’s wife Valeria exudes professionalism and harmony. Rich and refined wine list.

Oasi – Follonica (GR) – via Italia, 227 (ang. via dello Sparviero, 1) – 0566 260008 – ristoranteoasifollonica.it

L’Oste Dispensa

Good eating, by the sea. L’Oste Dispensa is a true journey through flavours dedicated to the catch from the Orbetello lagoon, with forays into Maremma meats and cheeses. High-level homemade pasta, and the mains are a triumph of freshness. Honestly priced menu varies according to catch availability. Good wine list. Interesting selection of coffee, liqueurs, and spirits. Friendly and courteous staff in a relaxing seaside atmosphere.

L’Oste Dispensa – Orbetello (GR) – fraz. Giannella – s.da prov.le Giannella, 113 – 0564 820085 – ostedispensa.it

La Perla del Mare

The keyword here is elegance – of chef Deborah Corsi and her dishes. Her cuisine is grounded in solid classical roots, reinterpreted with modern finesse and creativity. Being on the beach, it’s a must to honour the sea in all its forms – shellfish, crustaceans, and line-caught fish – all of the highest quality and respected by the chef’s refined, precise, and original touch, with an artistic eye for presentation. She even manages to lighten up the traditional “cacciucco”. Her husband Emanuele manages the dining room with great professionalism. Lovely coffee selection.

La Perla del mare – San Vincenzo (LI) – via della Meloria, 9 – 0565 702113 – laperladelmare.it

Il Piccolo Principe at Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte

There are places that never cease to amaze, even when they’re a solid reference point. Il Piccolo Principe (Three Forks in the Ristoranti d’Italia 2025 guide), led by chef Giuseppe Mancino for over twenty years, is one such place. A coastal benchmark (and beyond) thanks to a cuisine that surprises and brings out the best of seaside clichés and Tuscan tradition. Expect Asian influences and nods to Campanian tradition, the chef’s homeland. A few years ago, the dining room moved to the seafront level, where the elegant team operates smoothly in the reclaimed space. Wine list in constant evolution. On the beautiful terrace between sea and pool (the restaurant’s historic location), you’ll find perhaps the best cocktail offering in Versilia. And the breakfast alone is worth the stay.

Il Piccolo Principe del Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte – Viareggio (LU) – p.zza G. Puccini, 1 – 0584 4011 – ristoranteilpiccoloprincipe.it

La Pineta

Going to La Pineta means taking a break cradled by the sound of the waves in a “shack” in a privileged location where you can literally taste the sea breeze in your dish. The Vanni twins, Roberto and Giovanni, offer attentive service. Owners Andrea and Daniele Zazzeri, respectively in the dining room and kitchen, proudly maintain the style and passion of their father Luciano. Extensive and deep wine cellar, with special focus on emerging local producers.

La Pineta – Bibbona (LI) – loc. La Marina – via dei Cavalleggeri Nord, 27 -0586 600016 – lapinetadizazzeri.it

Cover photo from Il Bucaniere