Eat in Forte dei Marmi: Where Food Meets La Dolce Vita

Eat in Forte dei Marmi: Where Food Meets La Dolce Vita

Forte dei Marmi, nestled between the Alps and the sea, is not only a visual feast but a culinary one too. This elegant Tuscan beach town offers a sophisticated dining scene, blending traditional Italian flavours with a modern flair. Whether you’re savouring seafood by the water or indulging in fresh pasta in a shady piazza, eating in Forte dei Marmi is always an occasion.

Beachside Elegance

One of the most iconic ways to dine in Forte dei Marmi is at a beachfront restaurant. Locals and seasoned visitors flock to Bagno Piero or Gilda, a storied beach club and restaurant with an unbeatable view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The menu champions fresh, local ingredients with dishes such as raw scampi, spaghetti alle vongole, or the classic fritto misto. Expect white tablecloths, elegant service and an excellent wine list, all just steps from the sand.

Hidden Trattorias and Chic Courtyards

In the town centre, narrow streets reveal charming trattorias where seasonal menus change daily. Caffè Principe, which is owned by the fashion house Prada, is a great  place to spend a morning people spotting.  Osteria del Mare is a firm favourite for its grilled octopus and lemony seafood risotto, while Ristorante Lorenzo, a Michelin-starred institution, offers refined regional cuisine with a focus on perfect technique and top-quality ingredients.  The locals flock to Orlando for the best wood-fired pizzas in Forte dei Marmi.

The hidden courtyard of Hotel La Serena offers a cool and calm setting for a laid back aperitivo. La Serena hosts DJ nights where hotel guests and locals mix under the cool shade of the pine forest.

Local Specialities to Try

Forte dei Marmi’s food culture is rooted in Tuscany’s coastal bounty. Expect menus rich in clams, mussels and amberjack, but also traditional inland delicacies like pappa al pomodoro, gnudi, and beef tagliata. Don’t leave without trying torta co’ bischeri, a sweet pie filled with rice, chocolate and pine nuts – a Versilian favourite.

Dining at La Serena

Guests staying at La Serena, Forte dei Marmi’s most stylish boutique hotel, need not go far to enjoy exceptional cuisine. The hotel’s restaurant is a calm and creative space that reflects the artistic character of the hotel itself. Dishes are seasonal and elegant, with a menu that balances classic Italian flavours and contemporary presentation. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast under the gingham parasols or a candlelit dinner by the pool, the experience is elevated by thoughtful details and refined service.

A particular highlight is the hotel’s curated wine list, drawn from small producers across Italy and kept in its atmospheric wine cellar. It’s the perfect place for an aperitif or to linger over dessert.

Drink in Forte dei Marmi: Where to Sip in Style

Whether you’re after a classic spritz at golden hour or a well-crafted negroni in a chic lounge, Forte dei Marmi offers plenty of places to drink in style. The town has a long-standing tradition of relaxed glamour and its drinking scene is no different, blending effortless elegance with beachside charm.

Aperitivo Culture

Aperitivo is a ritual here. As the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, locals and visitors alike spill out into cafés and bars. Caffè Morin, set just back from the beach, is a popular early evening spot. Order a prosecco or a local Vermentino, served with generous snacks – olives, focaccia, salted almonds – and settle in to people-watch.

Another classic is Almarosa, beloved for its artistic cocktails and relaxed patio setting. Their signature rosemary and grapefruit martini is a local favourite.

Beach Clubs and Sundowners

By day, the beach clubs are serene escapes, but by late afternoon, they begin to buzz. Bagno Annetta and Bagno Bruno offer glamorous bar services right on the sand, serving everything from cold Franciacorta to fresh coconut water. Settle into a white linen beach tent and toast to the good life with a spritz in hand.

After-Dinner Drinks and Dancing

For a true Forte experience, no evening is complete without a drink at La Capannina di Franceschi, one of the world’s oldest nightclubs. Still family-owned, it serves up a nostalgic blend of live music, vintage décor and flowing drinks. Whether you’re sipping champagne or dancing to a live band, it’s a night out that captures the soul of the town.

Evenings at La Serena

Back at La Serena, evenings unfold at a more relaxed rhythm. The hotel bar, nestled between the lounge and the garden, is the ideal setting for an elegant drink. With interiors curated as carefully as the cocktail list, it offers a refined yet relaxed place to unwind. Expect classics with a twist – a cucumber-infused gin and tonic, a barrel-aged negroni or a prosecco spritz made with seasonal fruit.

It’s a favourite of hotel guests, many of whom enjoy sipping poolside before heading out into town. Whether it’s a quiet nightcap or a pre-dinner drink, the La Serena bar captures the effortless sophistication that defines Forte dei Marmi.