The better restaurants in La Spezia aren’t always the most popular. Why? Because we have an influx of tourists who go to the more obvious and convenient places. Many of the great restaurants are down the little side streets or a few minutes walk from the city. It’s a shame to miss out on these fabulous places, so keep reading!
I’ve already written another article on our favorite La Spezia Restaurants. This was based on the overall menu, service, and atmosphere. But if you’re specifically on the hunt for a great pasta or pizza in La Spezia then this is the list for you!
In this Insider Guide blog post, I will share our pick of the places to go in La Spezia for the best pasta and best pizza.
Best Pizzeria - La Spezia
Pizza bread dates back thousands of years, but in its modern-day format (with toppings of cheese and tomatoes), we have to thank the people of Naples. Today it’s almost impossible to walk any street in Italy without stumbling on a pizzeria.
La Spezia has dozens of pizzerias and there are many that are decent. But there are a few standouts that deserve a special mention.
Margherita e Le Sue Sorelle
Price Range: €€ – €€€
Location: Hills of La Spezia
Address: Via Montalbano, 69, 19123 La Spezia, Italy
Tel: 348 073 7314
Margherita e Le Sue Sorelle is a traditional Italian trattoria style restaurant specializing in Pizza and local Ligurian flavors. If you think this sounds typical, or ordinary, then you’d be very wrong.
This beautifully presented trattoria is in the hills of La Spezia and well worth the 10-minute drive out of town. It’s a must if you’re seeking a creative, but still truly authentic pizza experience. The humble charm and hospitality of the owners and hosts (Alessandro and Barbara) is beyond comparison and for this (and many) reasons it’s become one of our favorite eateries in La Spezia.
Food For Thought: We had the idea that Margherita e Le Sue Sorelle was named after a Nonna, or to honor a family member (the restaurant has after all been in the family for over 50 years). But we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the name is a creative touch, paying homage to the famous Margherita pizza. I think they are trying to convey the idea of a family of pizzas, each with its own unique flavor. By personifying the pizzas, the owners have created a memorable and distinctive identity that sets them apart from the more ordinary restaurant names that you’ll find all over Italy.
The menu at Margherita e Le Sue Sorelle includes all the usual suspects (Napoletana, Diavola, Quattro Formaggi, and other classics) but Alessandro has skillfully crafted a more sophisticated taste experience with a thin, but airy and crunchy charred pizza base.
There is also an elaborate craft beer menu and wines from around Italy. Thankfully, Barbara is generous with sharing her knowledge and helping choose a suitable wine to accompany your meal.
Foods to Try
Alessandro’s menu is unmistakenly Italian, and the flavors are familiar but delicately refined and balanced. Take for example his version of the anchovy and caper pizza (Futuro di Napoli). Instead of an intense salty punch (not usually my favorite pizza), Alessandro has respected the traditional ingredients but created a more sophisticated and harmonious flavor experience.
For a lavish experience, try their Supergoloso which comes served with a whole buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala).
Pizzium – La Spezia
Price Range: € – €€
Location: Near Piazzetta del Bastione
Address: Via Manfredo da Passano, 43, La Spezia, Italy
Tel: 0187 186 7130
Since moving to Italy, we probably eat more pizza now than ever before. Partly because the choice for non-Italian food is limited, but also because we’re on a mission to find the best pizza. Do you feel sorry for us yet? LOL.
So, I’m not going to be foolish enough to ordain Pizzium as the best pizza in Italy, but it’s certainly amongst the best pizza in La Spezia!! They pay homage to Neapolitan pizza (with a traditional dough that is free of added sugars and fats) but make a statement with their creative toppings.
Coming from Australia, I’m open to fusions and interpretations of classic dishes, so that’s why I rate Pizzium.
Foods to Try
The reason we like it so much is because of the ‘Regional’ pizzas with fresh ingredients that reflect the flavors of the different parts of Italy.
If you’re feeling like an adventure, try the Lazio with zucchini flowers or the Umbria with Norcia sausage. Because I just can't get enough chili, I usually find myself drawn to the spicy Molise!
Did you know: You might be surprised to hear that the choice of drink to accompany a pizza in Italy (for most Italians) is usually…a beer!
These beers often complement the flavors of local pizzas. For example, a crisp, light lager pairs well with a simple Margherita, while a darker, more robust beer can stand up to a pizza laden with strong flavors like spicy salami or gorgonzola.
Other Options for Best Pizza in La Spezia
Pizzium is a chain restaurant and can be found in various cities in Italy. If you want something more local, then here are some alternative pizzerias in La Spezia:
- Tra Monti al Mare. €€. Serving wood-fired pizza in the hills of La Spezia. The pizza base is Neapolitan style. They have a large selection of pizza flavors, but somehow, we always seem to get either the Salsiccia e Friarielli or a Diavola Special!
Tra Monti e Mare 2.0
Tra Monti e Mare 2.0 is off the beaten path and probably not well known by tourists. In our opinion that makes for an even better Italian experience, AND the staff are really friendly and welcoming.
You can get there via the stairways (e.g. the Scalinata Lazzaro Spallanzani). It’s an upward climb that will take about 15 minutes. But you get some great views and the satisfaction of working up an appetite!
The number 13 bus from Via Chiodo is also a good option! Otherwise, if in doubt catch a cab from the harbor or train station for around €10.
- Viva La Vida. €€. Viva La Vida is a lively modern restaurant and bar, and it has a great atmosphere. The pizza here is made into artwork and with a traditional Neapolitan dough.
The other thing we love here is their cocktails. If you like a sour cocktail, then I’m sure you’ll be impressed by their authentic Paloma with a slice of dehydrated fruit and salted rim!
I must admit that this is probably a more touristy restaurant with slightly higher prices, but regardless, this deserves to be on the list of the best pizza in La Spezia.
- La Pia Centenaria. €. For a more traditional pizza, it’s hard to go past this La Spezian favourite. This is also a great place to try farinata (chickpea pancake) or a dessert focaccia. This is also one of our favorite restaurants in La Spezia.
If you want to continue sampling Ligurian flavors and experiencing more of the local food culture, then these are a few of the foodie tours that you may find interesting.
Best Pasta in La Spezia
The typical La Spezia pasta dishes often contain Ligurian seafood. But if you want to eat truly traditional pasta (something that can be considered La Spezia pasta), then this is a simple dish of testaroli and pesto. Testaroli is a flat pasta that is usually cut into square or diamond shapes that are kind of airy in texture. It’s not a typical pasta and I would almost say it’s more like a pancake. It’s not a pasta dish that I particularly like, but that’s not to say that you won’t enjoy it.
Another version of this dish is trofie al pesto which is a Ligurian pesto pasta dish from Genoa. Trofie, aren’t common outside Italy but they are small, twisted shapes kind of like little boats.
Osteria Giobatta – La Spezia
Price Range: €€-€€€
Location: Old Town, Near the public gardens
Address: Corso Cavour, 36, La Spezia, Italy
Tel: 0187 913847
La Spezia has lots of traditional (and modern) restaurants serving pasta as ‘primi piatti’ (first course). It’s hard to say where to get ‘the best’ pasta in La Spezia but at a push, I would have to go with Osteria Giobatta.
Osteria Giobatta is a traditional local restaurant that evokes ideas of 1920s glamour in an elegant European bistro-style restaurant.
The Osteria is easily located on Corso Cavour and has excellent quality cuisine and a small but authentic menu with Ligurian pasta dishes at its heart. So, they get top marks for serving freshly made traditional pastas.
Foods to Try
Our favorite pasta here is pansotti (triangular-shaped pasta that is filled with ricotta, herbs, and chard or spinach). The pansotti are served with a walnut sauce known as salsa di noci. This is a simple but decadent dish that is hard to beat.
I am also a big fan of the taglierini with mussels. These mussels come straight from the Gulf of La Spezia. You can visit the mussel farms by boat and experience the ancient traditions for yourself. (The tour also includes a pesto making demonstration… and tasting!!)
Local Culture: Mussel farming is an ancient tradition here, and the Gulf of La Spezia (including Lerici and Porto Venere) is famous throughout Italy for the quality of its mussels! Most restaurants will have some kind of mussel dish and they will typically come stuffed (muscoli ripiene) with cheese and mortadella.
Other Options for Best Pasta in La Spezia
Here are some alternative restaurants in La Spezia that serve excellent pasta:
- Vicolo Intherno Restaurant. €€. This busy restaurant is close to the markets and down a side street. You can eat inside, but on a warm day the cozy alley is a nice alfresco option. This family-run restaurant specializes in typical dishes including Ligurian trofie pasta al pesto! But to take a deviation from local pasta dishes, I recommend the paccheri (large tube-type pasta) with swordfish ragu.
- Da Luigi in Piazza. €€. This is right next door to one of our favorite places to get coffee and pastries (La Casina). There’s a Sardinian chef at work here, (so not typically Ligurian, but don’t let that deter you from this genuine Italian pasta experience). The fregula (small balls of pasta like couscous) is why I’m recommending this place. It’s a lavish seafood pasta dish that is tasty and satisfying. Da Luigi’s doesn’t skimp on portion size, and consistently serves some of the best food in La Spezia!
- Antica Osteria Dei Camalli. €€-€€€. For something a little different, this osteria has dishes that are based on ancient recipes that have been carefully reconstructed for the modern diner. The ravioli and gnocchi are dishes dating back to the 1800’s!
- Amo Ristorante and Cocktail Bar. €€ – €€€. Could I be leaving the best until last? Amo Ristorante is definitely among our favorite La Spezia restaurants. I have no hesitation recommending this modern Italian gem. With top-tier food and welcoming service (all at respectable prices), Amo stands out from the crowd. For seafood, don’t ignore their Spaghetto del Mare, and for a meat dish, I recommend the pasta stuffed with lamb (Cappellacci ripieni).
Important Advice: For more casual eateries like cafés, you can just walk by and request a table. Typically, the wait staff will be accommodating. But for restaurants in Italy, it’s considered polite (and sometimes necessary) to make a reservation.
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Wrap Up
La Spezia has many great options for pizza and pasta and we certainly haven’t tried all the restaurants. But this list is based on experience and is our pick of the best places to eat in La Spezia for Pizza and Pasta!
We continue our culinary journey here and look forward to trying other pizza and pasta restaurants in La Spezia, so stay tuned for more foodie recommendations!
