Where We Love to Eat
Our favorite spots for authentic Abruzzese cuisine
One of the greatest joys of living in Pescara is the incredible food scene. From family-run trattorias serving generations-old recipes to beachfront seafood spots and modern wine bars, we've discovered some real gems. Here are our regular haunts and special occasion favorites.
Our Favorite Restaurants
Il Ristoro Genuino
Self-Service Gastronomia
An amazing spot with a vast array of daily changing options! Il Ristoro Genuino offers fresh salads, pasta, and meat dishes that change every day, making it fun to visit regularly and discover new delicious offerings. The concept is simple and efficient - select what you want from the display and take it directly to your table. Perfect for a speedy, quality lunch without the wait.
What to order: Daily rotating selection of fresh salads, homemade pasta dishes, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, local specialties
Why we love it: Vast daily changing menu, fresh and genuine ingredients, quick self-service format, excellent value, fun to discover new dishes each visit
Price: € | Location: Via Nicola Fabrizi 24 | TripAdvisor: View Reviews
COCE - Brace e Cucina d'Abruzzo
Traditional Abruzzo Cuisine & Grill
This is THE place for authentic Abruzzo cooking! Their arrosticini are absolutely exceptional - cooked perfectly over the coals. The atmosphere is warm and modern with great rock music. Everything is made with local, zero-kilometer ingredients.
What to order: Arrosticini (a must!), pallotte cacio e ovo, chitarrina pasta with local sauces, pecorino cheese grilled on the brace
Why we love it: Best arrosticini in Pescara, warm atmosphere, authentic local flavors
Price: €€ | Location: Via Curtatone, 8 | Website: cocepescara.qromo.it
Ristorante Margherita in Centro
Traditional Trattoria & Pizzeria
A Pescara institution! This family restaurant brings traditional recipes from their original location in Elice to the heart of Pescara. Famous for their Pasta alla Mugnaia (a local specialty) and excellent wood-fired pizzas.
What to order: Pasta alla Mugnaia (their signature dish!), Pasta alla Pecorara, arrosticini, traditional Abruzzo antipasti, their pizzas
Why we love it: Warm family atmosphere, generous portions, authentic traditional recipes, great value
Price: €€ | Location: Via Piave 93/95 | Website: ristorantemargherita.it
It Tico
Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market
Located right across from the covered market, Ittico serves some of the freshest seafood in Pescara. The fish comes directly from local fishermen and it shows! The atmosphere is casual but the food quality is top-notch.
What to order: Pasta alla millina (local pasta specialty), daily fresh catch, seafood antipasti, brodetto (fish stew)
Why we love it: Incredibly fresh fish, welcoming service, great location, fair prices for the quality
Price: €€ | Location: Via Clemente de Cesaris, 8 | Website: itticopescara.it
Vin Amore
Enoteca & Wine Bar
Our go-to spot for aperitivo and casual dinners! Excellent selection of Abruzzo wines served with delicious arrosticini and traditional appetizers. The atmosphere is relaxed and perfect for catching up over good wine.
What to order: Arrosticini with wine, pallotte cacio e ovo, local wine flights, traditional antipasti platters
Why we love it: Great wine selection, perfect arrosticini, relaxed vibe, ideal for aperitivo
Price: €€ | Location: Via Cesare Battisti (center of Pescara)
Lido Aurora
Beach Club & Restaurant
A perfect spot to combine beach relaxation with excellent dining! Lido Aurora offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach along Pescara's waterfront, with comfortable loungers and umbrellas. The restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes inspired by Pescara's maritime tradition, including fresh arrosticini and homemade pizzas made with local ingredients.
What to order: Fresh seafood specialties, arrosticini, traditional pizzas, marinara-inspired pasta dishes
Why we love it: Perfect combination of beach and dining, beautiful waterfront location, excellent seafood, great for a full day out
Price: €€ | Location: Viale della Riviera 2 | Hours: Open daily 7:30am - 2:00am | Website: lidoaurorapescara.it
Grano Pastificio Urbano
Fresh Pasta Made to Order
A wonderful little spot for a quick, delicious lunch! Grano specializes in fresh pasta made to order with your choice of sauces. It's a simple concept done perfectly - watch them prepare your pasta while you wait. Inexpensive, fresh, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for when you want quality food without the fuss.
What to order: Cacio e pepe, fresh pasta with seasonal sauces, risotto with saffron, made-to-order pasta combinations
Why we love it: Fresh pasta made right in front of you, quick service, excellent value, perfect for a casual lunch
Price: € | Location: Via Roma 84 | Instagram: @grano_pastificio_urbano
Dining Tips We've Learned
Meal Times
Lunch is typically 12:30-2:30pm, dinner starts around 7:30-8pm (or later in summer). Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
Reservations
For nicer restaurants, especially on weekends, book ahead. Many locals prefer to call rather than use online booking. We use Fork for convenient local restaurant reservations.
Coperto
Don't be surprised by the "coperto" (cover charge) of €1-3 per person. This is standard in Italian restaurants and covers bread and table service.
Water
You'll be asked "naturale o frizzante?" (still or sparkling). Tap water is safe but not typically served in restaurants.
Coffee Culture
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink only! After meals, order an espresso. Standing at the bar is cheaper than table service.
Tipping
Service is usually included. Leaving a few euros for excellent service is appreciated but not expected. Round up for coffee at the bar.
Abruzzo Specialties You Must Try
These are the dishes that define Abruzzese cuisine. Don't leave without trying them!
🍢 Arrosticini
Skewered lamb grilled over coals. THE iconic Abruzzo dish. Best enjoyed with friends, cold beer, and mountain views. We eat these at least once a week!
🍝 Spaghetti alla Chitarra
Pasta cut on a special "guitar" tool, typically served with lamb ragù or amatriciana sauce. The texture is perfect for holding sauce.
🐟 Brodetto
Traditional Adriatic fish stew with tomatoes and local seafood. Each coastal town has its own version - Pescara's is excellent!
🧀 Pecorino Abruzzese
Aged sheep's milk cheese. Sharp, salty, perfect with local honey or mostarda. We always have some in our fridge!
🥘 Pallotte Cacio e Ovo
Cheese and egg "meatballs" (no meat!) in tomato sauce. A traditional peasant dish that's absolutely delicious.
🍷 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
The region's famous red wine. Full-bodied, fruity, and pairs perfectly with lamb and pasta. Our house wine!