The best Italian pizzerias and restaurants La Spezia

One hundred years old and still popular with locals and tourists alike. Since Madame Pia opened her store in 1887, the pizzeria has never been empty! The specialty here is a slice of pizza and a slice of farinata on the same plate. Quite a hearty meal! Alternatively, you can order antipasti, pizette(round pizzas that fit on a small plate), focacce with cheese, chestnut cream or Nutella! The management has opened other establishments in La Spezia, one in Sarzana, one in Monterosso and one... in London.

A table not to be missed! The well-appointed dining room and beautiful terrace overlooking the market square are just as suited to business lunches from neighboring offices as they are to gourmet dinners. The chef's cuisine is of the highest quality, with an original touch of refinement, never neglecting fresh local produce. Examples include gambas on foie gras escalope, puff pastry with purple potatoes and Santa Margherita prawns, and chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies.

Here's a little osteria that's over a hundred years old (opened in 1905), but there's nothing infernal about it - quite the contrary! A regular clientele regularly descends the few steps that lead to the two vaulted rooms down the street, where you're always sure to find the flavors of a plentiful traditional cuisine at fair prices: stuffed anchovies, minestrone, tripe and several local specialties such as stuffed mussels. While the atmosphere in this old-fashioned cellar is warm and welcoming, the place is nonetheless noisy. The staff speak French.