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Eating and drinking
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Restaurants
in the environs of the Leaning Tower are not good value (although the many
bars
and
cafA©s
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
baccalA 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/a?¬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 A la carte or choose from a welter of set menus starting at L30,000/a?¬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/a?¬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. Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Italy,
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