Where to eat in Viareggio: 9 secret spots only the locals know about
Street food and typical Viareggio cuisine: goodbye to tourist menus
Viareggio is famous for its seafront promenade, Art Nouveau buildings, and Carnival parades. But if you ask a local where they go to eat when they want “the real thing,” they will rarely point you to a restaurant with tablecloths and a menu translated into four languages.
At the Petit Hotel, we love to pamper our guests not only with a good breakfast, but also with the right advice. That’s why we have selected seven of our favorite places where the cuisine sets the pace of the city, far from sky-high prices and mediocre dishes.
Pizzeria Rizieri: The best cecina in Viareggio
Don’t just call it farinata. At Rizieri, cecina is a sacred institution. Cooked in copper pans and served in bread or flatbread, it has a crust that borders on perfection. It’s the place where generations of Viareggio locals have stopped for a “cinque e cinque” (bread and cecina).
Insider tip: Few frills, lots of substance. Be prepared to wait in line, it’s worth it.
Paninoteca Adone: The temple of gourmet sandwiches in Versilia
Before the term “gourmet” existed, Adone was creating masterpieces. With over 70 varieties and a legendary baguette designed specifically for their ingredients, this is the perfect place for a quick but unforgettable lunch. It’s proof that a sandwich can tell the story of a region better than a three-course dinner.
L’Acciuga Fish Market: Fresh fish at the Central Market
Want to eat fresh fish while immersed in the real life of the city? Head to the market square. At L’Acciuga, choose your fish directly from the counter and they will cook it for you on the spot. Fried or grilled, you can sit at informal tables and breathe in the salty, authentic air of Viareggio.
Paninoteca Nonna Ede: Tradition with a touch of sweetness
Located in a quiet area, Nonna Ede offers carefully prepared gourmet sandwiches with table service. The atmosphere is that of an informal dinner among friends.
Don’t miss: Save room for their sweet sandwiches. A dessert that will make you feel like a kid again.
From Siriano: Much more than a kebab
Mr. Androm does not run a simple ethnic restaurant; he runs a cultural bridge between Viareggio and Damascus. The shawarma is prepared with fresh meat every day, the falafel is crispy and fragrant, and the babaganoush is simply poetry. It is a must for those seeking spicy and authentic flavors.
La Barchina del Fritto: The ritual of fried food on the pier at Viareggio
If you don’t eat fried fish while sitting on the pier, you haven’t really been to Viareggio. La Barchina (which means “the little boat”) is the original restaurant that started the tradition.
Pro Tip: Go there for lunch in the middle of the week. You’ll avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy the sound of boats returning to port while savoring hot, crispy fried fish.
Buetto Idea Gastronomia: Just like at grandma’s house
The latest discovery that is already a classic. Buetto is the place to go when you’re in the mood for comforting flavors. Traditional dishes from Viareggio made with love, fair prices, and that feeling of being “part of the family.” It’s the cuisine that was missing, perfect even for takeaway for a picnic in the pine forest.
Pizzeria La Rusticanella: The ritual of pizza by the slice
If you ask anyone from Viareggio where they had their snacks during their teenage years, they will answer: at La Rusticanella. It is a historic pizzeria, small and without too many frills, where the pizza by the slice is thin, crispy, and tasty. It is a must for those who want a quick but legendary snack.
Insider tip: Get a mixed tray and go eat it in the nearby Pineta di Ponente. It’s the ultimate Viareggio experience: shade from the pine trees, the scent of resin, and the unmistakable flavor of their red pizza.
La Fauzia: The myth of the “Bomba” and the ritual of happiness
If you ask someone from Viareggio what happiness is, they will probably answer with two words: Fauzia’s Bomba. More than just a pastry shop, this place is an institution that has spanned generations since the post-war period. Founded by the legendary Mrs. Fauzia—a woman who became a legend for her character and skill—it is the place where the “bomba” (a soft, fried doughnut covered in sugar) has become a collective ritual.
It’s not just street food, it’s a piece of Viareggio’s history that you eat hot, fresh out of the oven, inevitably getting covered in sugar. It is the reward after a day at the beach or comfort on a winter evening.
Insider tip: Follow the aroma that fills the area and remember, coming to Viareggio and not stopping by Fauzia’s is like not seeing the Carnival: you would be missing a piece of the city’s soul.
Why choose these places?
The answer is simple: authenticity. In none of these places will you find “tourist prices,” but only the quality that the people of Viareggio demand for themselves.
Staying at the Petit Hotel also means this: having a key to discover the truest and most delicious side of our city.
Would you like to find out how to reach these places from our hotel? Ask us for a personalized map when you arrive!
