Restaurants in the environs
of the Leaning Tower are not good
value (although the many
bars
and
cafés benefit from the
views). A few blocks south, around
Piazza Cavalieri and Piazza Dante,
you'll find predominantly local
places, many with prices
reflecting student finances.
Although most kitchens serve up
standard Tuscan fare, you'll also
find Pisan dishes, including
baccalà
alla Pisana (dried cod) and
plenty of seafood.
Bruno , Via Bianchi 12 (tel
050.560.818). Outside the historic
centre, northeast of the Leaning
Tower, this traditional antica
trattoria is known for its
top-notch, and pricey, Pisan
cuisine. Closed Mon eve &
Tues.
La Grotta , Via San
Francesco 103 (tel 050.578.105).
Comfortable, quiet old osteria in
a cave-like setting, with the
motto "wine, bread and
company". Locals crowd in at
the benches to sample unfussy
Tuscan nosh. Closed for lunch and
all day Sun.
Mensa Universitaria ,
Via Martiri. Student refectory off
Piazza Cavalieri; the cheapest
meals in town. Closed Sat &
Sun eve, and mid-July to mid-Sept.
La Mescita , Via Cavalca
2. This small restaurant in the
warren of the Piazza Vettovaglie
market is an academic institution,
patronized by students and
professors alike. Set menus
(including vegetarian) from
L35,000/?18.08. Closed Mon, and
Tues & Wed lunch.
Osteria dei Cavalieri ,
Via San Frediano 16 (tel
050.580.858, www.toscana.net/pisa/odc
). Outstanding quality, with
English-speaking staff and a calm,
fresh atmosphere. The fish is
exquisite, Tuscan meat and game
dishes are expertly prepared, and
their vegetarian options are
excellent. Eat à la carte or
choose from a welter of set menus
starting at L30,000/?15.49. Closed
Sat lunch & Sun.
Al Ristoro dei Vecchi
Macelli , Via Volturno 49 (tel
050.20.424). Acclaimed as Pisa's
best restaurant, with a wide range
of sophisticated, innovative takes
on Tuscany's gourmet traditions -
choose from meat or fish set menus
for upwards of L50,000/?25.82.
Closed Sun lunch & Wed.
Lo Schiaccianoci , Via
Vespucci 104 (tel 050.21.024).
Wonderful, if tiny, upper-midpriced
fish and seafood restaurant in an
hard-to-reach location east of the
station. Closed Sun.
Taverna Kostas , Via del
Borghetto 39. Longstanding local
favourite, offering a mix of Greek
and Mediterranean cooking, as well
as Pisan seafood. Closed Sun lunch
& Mon.
Il Vecchio Dado ,
Lungarno Pacinotti 21 (tel
050.580.900). Quality pizzeria on
the waterfront with a friendly
welcome, classy food (the fish
dishes are excellent) and lively
atmosphere. Closed Wed & Thurs
lunch.
