The 5 Best Restaurants in Pisa

Pisa

If you're planning a trip to Pisa, you probably know it’s a great city to explore in a single day, you can easily see the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower, and the main sights in a few hours. If you're currently putting your itinerary together, check out our blog for more tips and advice on travelling around Italy.

Making the most of your visit is key. Alongside planning your sightseeing, it's well worth knowing where to stop for lunch. If you want to explore Pisa and the surrounding area at your own pace, hiring a car gives you total freedom to get around.

To save you scrolling through endless reviews, at DoYouItaly we have picked 5 of the best restaurants in Pisa so you can enjoy authentic Italian food without the hassle.

1. Primo Pasta and Street Food

If you want a great meal in Pisa without spending hours sitting in a restaurant, Primo Pasta and Street Food is a brilliant choice. It serves up classic Italian favourites in a relaxed, quick format, ideal for a quick bite while sightseeing.

You can build your own plate by picking your pasta, sauce, and even the portion size. On top of pasta, they also offer main courses (secondi) and desserts.

Address: Vicolo del Tidi, 24, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy

2. TrattoriaSant’Omobono

Right in the heart of the historic centre, Trattoria Sant’Omobono is a fantastic spot if you want to sit down and enjoy traditional Italian cooking. Its central location makes it easy to fit into your route, especially after a morning of sightseeing.

The menu focuses on classic Italian comfort food, with plenty of pasta dishes and local recipes. It is a great option if you are looking for a relaxed meal in a spot that feels genuinely local.

It works particularly well for a day trip, you can cover the main sights in the morning and stop here to recharge before carrying on with your afternoon.

Address: Piazza S. Omobono, 6, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy

3. Osteria dei Cavalieri

For something a bit more special, Osteria dei Cavalieri is well worth keeping in mind. Tucked away in the historic centre, it serves delicious Italian dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

One of its main draws is the chance to enjoy authentic local cooking just a short walk from the main tourist crowds.

The menu features a great range of fresh pasta, meats, and classic Tuscan specialities. The real star of the show, though, has to be their freshly made, homemade pasta.

Address: Via S. Frediano, 16, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy

4. La Pergoletta

La Pergoletta is another top spot to add to your list when deciding where to eat in Pisa. It focuses heavily on traditional Tuscan cooking, making it ideal if you want to sample proper regional flavours. It is also a popular haunt for locals, which is always a great sign of genuine Italian food.

Tuscan cuisine is all about simple, rustic recipes made with top-quality ingredients. While visiting Pisa, it is definitely worth stopping here to try some regional dishes rather than sticking to standard tourist areas.

Address: Via delle Belle Torri, 40, 56100 Pisa PI, Italy

5. Ristoro Pisano

If you are looking for a casual spot with a local feel, Ristoro Pisano is a great option. It allows you to enjoy traditional Pisan cooking without spending hours at the table.

When you only have a few hours to explore Pisa, choosing a central spot that serves proper local food helps you make the most of your day.

Address: Via Santa Bibbiana, 1, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy

What to Eat in Pisa

Picking the right restaurant is important, but knowing what to order matters just as much. While pizza and pasta are absolute musts on any trip to Italy, the food scene in Pisa and wider Tuscany has plenty more to offer.

One local dish you have to try is cecina pisana, a thin, savoury pancake made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It is a very popular street food in Pisa and a dead simple way to try something a bit different.

You will also find a whole host of pasta recipes and dishes featuring classic Tuscan ingredients. And, of course, no meal is complete without finishing off with a proper Italian gelato.

Pisa in a Day: How to Plan Your Visit

If you only have one day, planning your route in advance helps you make the most of your time. Start in the cathedral square (Piazza dei Miracoli), home to Pisa's most famous landmarks.

After seeing the Leaning Tower and the surrounding monuments, walk down into the historic centre. You will find plenty of lunch options there, making it the ideal spot to take a break before carrying on.

Throughout the afternoon, stroll through the old town streets, head down to the River Arno, and explore some of the city's quieter spots.

If you choose to hire a car in Pisa, you will also have the freedom to explore more of Tuscany during your trip. Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano, and the region's quaint countryside villages make fantastic day trips from Pisa. Check out DoYouItaly's car hire options in Pisa to pick the best vehicle for your journey.

Enjoy Pisa Through Its Food

Pisa is about far more than just its famous Leaning Tower. While you can see the main landmarks in a relatively short time, spending a few hours trying the local food gives you a completely different perspective on the city.

From traditional trattorias and authentic Tuscan restaurants to more casual spots, you will find plenty of choices to suit every taste and budget. After a good Italian meal, all that is left to do is to carry on exploring the streets of Pisa and make the most of every minute of your trip.

If you are planning a wider road trip through Tuscany, hiring a car is a great way to travel with complete freedom and combine Pisa with other destinations in the region. It allows you to build your own itinerary and discover not only the iconic cities, but also the picturesque villages and rural landscapes that tourists often miss. Head over to DoYouItaly to compare car hire options and start planning your trip around Italy.