Coastal Tuscany Food Guide: Seafood, Herbs & Olive Oil
Timeless Wanderers: Posted February 12, 2026
What Makes Coastal Tuscany’s Food Unique
Coastal Tuscany blends traditional Tuscan cooking with vibrant Mediterranean influences, creating a cuisine that feels both rustic and refreshingly light.
Stretching from Livorno down to Grosseto, this shoreline has been shaped for centuries by small fishing communities whose daily catches define the local table.
As slow travellers, we find ourselves returning to this coast regularly — Viareggio being only 1/2 hour from our home in Lucca.
It’s just not for the scenery, but the way life revolves around simple, seasonal food.
Unlike the rich, meat-focused traditions of inland Tuscany, coastal dishes celebrate anchovies, mussels, sea bream, and calamari, often prepared with little more than olive oil, garlic, and fragrant herbs gathered nearby.
Meals are unhurried and meant to be savoured outdoors, with a glass of crisp Vermentino and the sound of boats in the harbour.
Here, food isn’t complicated — it’s local, honest, and deeply connected to the Mediterranean, which is exactly why we love coming back.
Table of Contents
Why Coastal Tuscany Is a Food Destination
Coastal Tuscany blends traditional Tuscan cooking with strong Mediterranean influences, creating a cuisine that feels both rustic and refreshingly light.
For centuries, small fishing communities along the Tyrrhenian Sea have relied on daily catches to shape their local dishes, building a food culture centered on freshness, simplicity, and seasonality.
Recipes are rarely complicated — grilled fish drizzled with local olive oil, seafood stews simmered slowly with tomato and garlic, and salads scented with wild fennel or rosemary.
From casual beachside trattorie in Castiglioncello to bustling harbours in Porto Santo Stefano, meals reflect the rhythm of the sea.
Here, food is deeply connected to place — olive oil, sun-ripened produce, fragrant herbs, and freshly caught fish come together to define everyday coastal life.
We can help you plan your dream trip to Tuscany, with a personalised itinerary designed just for you.
After more than 20 years of travelling to Tuscany—and loving it so much we decided to make it our home—we now live here and explore the region at a relaxed, local pace.
Planning a trip to Tuscany is exciting, but choosing where to go, how long to stay, and how to get around can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
We offer a personalised planning service that helps you decide exactly how to explore Tuscany, based on your travel style, budget, and pace.
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Signature Seafood Dishes
Cacciucco: Tuscany’s Iconic Seafood Stew
Cacciucco is the heart of Tuscan coastal cuisine, a rich fish and seafood stew originating from Livorno. Key elements include:
Mixed fish: Small local varieties like mullet, bream, or red gurnard.
Shellfish: Mussels, clams, and sometimes shrimp for depth.
Tomato base: Slow-simmered with garlic, onions, and local herbs.
Spices: A touch of chili for warmth, olive oil for richness.
Bread: Traditionally served over toasted Tuscan bread to soak up the broth.
Hearty yet balanced, Cacciucco celebrates the fresh catch of the day and embodies the coastal Tuscan lifestyle.
Grilled Fish & Shellfish
Coastal Tuscany is famous for its simple, flavorful grilled seafood. Popular choices include:
Orata (sea bream): Often grilled whole with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Spigola (sea bass): Delicate and meaty, perfect for a light coastal meal.
Shrimp: Quickly grilled to highlight natural sweetness.
Calamari: Tender and smoky when lightly charred.
Scallops: Cooked just enough to preserve their soft, buttery texture.
All are seasoned with fresh herbs, local olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, letting the natural flavors shine.
Typically served with seasonal vegetables or a simple salad, this style reflects the relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle of Tuscany’s coast.
Pasta with Seafood
Coastal Tuscany is a paradise for fresh seafood pasta lovers. Popular dishes include:
Linguine alle vongole: Tender linguine tossed with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili.
Spaghetti ai frutti di mare: A medley of seafood such as mussels, shrimp, and squid combined with spaghetti in a light tomato or olive oil sauce.
Pici with seafood sauces: Thick hand-rolled pasta paired with clam, shrimp, or fish-based sauces.
These dishes showcase fresh local seafood, fragrant herbs, and high-quality olive oil, offering a light but flavorful meal that captures the essence of Tuscany’s coast.
Fritto Misto & Small Plates
Fritto Misto is a coastal Tuscan favorite, offering a crispy mix of seafood and vegetables. Typical ingredients include:
Small fish: Anchovies, sardines, and smelts, lightly floured and fried.
Shellfish: Calamari rings and shrimp for a tender, crunchy bite.
Seasonal vegetables: Zucchini, artichokes, or bell peppers, fried to golden perfection.
Herbs & seasoning: Sea salt, lemon, and a drizzle of local olive oil enhance natural flavors.
Serving style: Often shared, perfect as an appetizer or light meal with a glass of crisp white wine.
Fritto Misto embodies the simple, sun-soaked enjoyment of coastal Tuscan cuisine.
Herbs & Olive Oil
Coastal Tuscany’s cuisine is defined by fresh, aromatic herbs and high-quality olive oil.
Common herbs include rosemary, sage, thyme, and basil, which infuse seafood, vegetables, and sauces with delicate, natural flavors.
Olive oil from the Maremma region is particularly prized — fruity, vibrant, and often used both in cooking and as a finishing drizzle.
Simple dishes like grilled vegetables, bruschetta, or lightly sautéed fish are elevated by these ingredients, highlighting the region’s philosophy: let the freshness of local produce shine.
Together, herbs and olive oil create the signature taste of sun-soaked Tuscan coastal cuisine.
Sweet Specialties & Coastal Treats
While seafood dominates savory dishes, the coast has its own unique desserts:
Cantucci and Vin Santo: Though more associated with Florence, these almond biscuits are widely enjoyed across Tuscany.
Ricciarelli variation: Some coastal bakeries offer softer, lighter versions.
Gelato & pastries: Coastal towns often showcase fresh fruit gelato and small pastries inspired by local citrus and almonds.
These sweets balance the savory seafood flavors and highlight Tuscany’s love of seasonal ingredients.
Coastal Markets & Daily Catch Culture
Along Tuscany’s coast, markets are at the heart of daily life, showcasing the freshest seafood and local produce.
From Livorno’s bustling Mercato Centrale to small harbors in Castiglioncello and Porto Santo Stefano, fish is delivered daily from local boats.
Shoppers can find mussels, clams, anchovies, and seasonal fish, often still glistening from the sea.
Vendors also sell herbs, vegetables, and artisanal olive oils, allowing visitors to experience the full flavor of the region.
Exploring these markets offers insight into Tuscan culinary traditions, seasonal rhythms, and the simple pleasures of eating with the freshest ingredients possible.
Cooking Classes on the Tuscan Coast
8 Highly Rated Places to Eat Along the Tuscan Coast
1. Osteria del Pesce (Viareggio)
Beloved seafood osteria in Viareggio offering classic fish dishes, seasonal seafood, and Mediterranean flavours. Perfect for lunch after a beach stroll.
2. Ristorante Trattoria Da Miro (Viareggio)
3. Il Porto Fish Restaurant Livorno (Livorno)
4. Ristorante Il Tegolo Livorno (Livorno)
5. Melafumo Livorno (Livorno)
6. Stuzzicheria di Mare (Livorno)
7. Osteria Del Mare (Livorno)
8. Porto di Mare (Livorno)
Dining Tips Along the Coast
Try seaside trattorias: Family-run restaurants offer the freshest seafood.
Ask for the catch of the day: Seasonal seafood is often the best choice.
Pair with local white wines: Vermentino and other coastal whites complement fish dishes.
Sample local olive oils: Drizzle over salads, grilled fish, or bread to taste the difference.
Enjoy a relaxed pace: Meals by the coast are leisurely, with a focus on savoring flavors and views.
Read this Next Viareggio with kids Family-friendly Activities and Tips
Markets and Farm-to-Table Experiences
Coastal Tuscany markets are vibrant hubs of seafood and fresh produce.
Livorno Mercato Centrale
Freshly caught fish and shellfish
Aromatic herbs and vegetables
Olive oils, bread, and local wines
Visiting a market in the morning allows travelers to see fishermen’s catches, sample local products, and even pick up ingredients for cooking classes or home meals.
Porto Santo Stefano, Viareggio & Elba Island
In smaller towns and islands, local stalls and family-run shops offer freshly harvested seafood, seasonal fruits, olive oils, and herbs. Sampling these products provides insight into daily life along the coast.
Seasonal Eating on the Coast
Coastal Tuscany food changes with the seasons:
Spring: Light seafood salads, fresh greens, and young herbs
Summer: Grilled fish, tomatoes, and fresh citrus desserts
Autumn: Squid, shellfish, and hearty seafood stews like cacciucco
Winter: Local soups, preserved fish, and root vegetables
Seasonality ensures that dishes are fresh, flavorful, and true to tradition.
Why Coastal Tuscany Food Matters
Food along Tuscany’s coast reflects its geography, climate, and Mediterranean influence.
Simple, fresh, and aromatic, these dishes showcase the region’s commitment to quality ingredients, seasonality, and culinary tradition.
Experiencing coastal cuisine is not just about taste — it’s about connecting with the sea, the land, and centuries of coastal life.
How to Get to the Tuscan Coast from Florence (Including Elba)
Florence makes an easy starting point for exploring Tuscany’s coastline — whether you’re heading to Livorno, Viareggio, or even Elba Island.
By Train (Easiest Option)
Florence → Livorno
Direct trains run frequently
Travel time: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Great for exploring Livorno’s seafood scene and harbour restaurants
Florence → Viareggio
Direct regional trains
Travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Ideal for beachside dining and relaxed coastal trattorie
Trains are affordable, comfortable, and the easiest option if you’re not hiring a car.
By Car (Best for Food & Flexibility)
Driving gives you access to smaller coastal towns, local seafood spots, and countryside agriturismos.
Florence → Livorno: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Florence → Castiglioncello: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Florence → Porto Santo Stefano (Silver Coast): ~2.5 hours
If your goal is discovering hidden seafood restaurants and coastal markets, a car makes a big difference.
Getting to Elba Island
To reach Elba Island, you’ll first need to get to Piombino.
Florence → Piombino
Train: ~2.5 hours
Car: ~2 hours
From Piombino, ferries run regularly to:
Portoferraio (main port)
Rio Marina
Cavo
Ferry time: 1–1.5 hours depending on route.
Elba is absolutely worth it if you’re exploring Tuscan coastal food — think fresh seafood, local wines, and a strong island fishing culture.
Our Tip
If you’re planning a Tuscan coast food-focused trip, we recommend:
Train for Livorno or Viareggio weekend escapes
Car rental for exploring the Silver Coast or combining mainland Tuscany with Elba
The coastline is relaxed and less crowded than Florence — and the food scene feels very authentic.
It is best to get a car rental in Florence or Pisa, to travel to Viareggio and Livorno where you will have more of a selection and better pricing.
To check prices and book, I recommend using Discover Cars which often have much better pricing or offer great deals at certain times of the year.
What Makes Elba Island’s Food Unique
While Elba is part of Tuscany, its cuisine feels distinctly island-inspired.
Surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the food culture here is shaped by fishing traditions, maritime trade, and a slightly wilder Mediterranean landscape.
Seafood dominates — octopus, anchovies, mussels, and small local fish are staples — but Elba also has strong peasant roots.
Simple dishes combine sea and land: tomatoes, capers, wild herbs, and excellent olive oil.
We love that Elba still feels slightly undiscovered — meals are simple, portions generous, and restaurants often overlook tiny fishing harbours rather than grand piazzas.
Unlike Florence’s hearty meat dishes, Elba’s flavours are lighter, saltier, and deeply seasonal.
Signature Dishes to Mention
Cacciucco Elbano
A local variation of Tuscany’s famous seafood stew, often slightly lighter than the Livorno version.
Polpo all’Elbana (Elba-Style Octopus)
Slow-cooked octopus with tomato, garlic, chilli, and herbs.
Schiaccia Briaca
One of the most interesting food stories — a dense, rustic cake made with dried fruit, nuts, pine nuts, and soaked in Aleatico wine.
Historically made by sailors because it lasted long voyages.
Aleatico Passito
Elba’s famous sweet dessert wine, often paired with schiaccia briaca.
Food Tours of Livorno
Frequently Asked Questions About Coastal Tuscany Food
1. What is coastal Tuscany famous for eating?
Coastal Tuscany is famous for fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, squid, and clams. Dishes often feature aromatic herbs, olive oil, and light, seasonal ingredients, highlighting the flavors of the Mediterranean.
2. What is Cacciucco?
Cacciucco is a hearty seafood stew from Livorno, made with a mix of fish, squid, shellfish, tomatoes, garlic, and red wine. It’s typically served with toasted bread and is a must-try dish along the Tuscan coast.
3. What seafood dishes should I try in coastal Tuscany?
Try dishes like linguine alle vongole (pasta with clams), spaghetti ai frutti di mare (mixed seafood pasta), grilled fish such as orata and spigola, and seafood salads with fresh herbs and olive oil.
4. What herbs and olive oils are used in coastal Tuscany?
Coastal cuisine features fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, sage, and thyme. High-quality Tuscan olive oil, especially from Maremma, is used generously to enhance both seafood and vegetable dishes.
5. Where can I buy local food on the Tuscan coast?
Visit markets like Livorno’s Mercato Centrale or local stalls in towns like Porto Santo Stefano. You’ll find fresh seafood, herbs, vegetables, olive oil, and pastries — perfect for tasting or taking home.
6. When is the best time to eat certain dishes on the coast?
Coastal cuisine is seasonal: spring features fresh greens and light seafood, summer highlights grilled fish and tomatoes, autumn brings squid and shellfish, and winter offers preserved seafood, soups, and hearty vegetable dishes.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
(Short Answer: Yes — It’s Still a Smart Idea)
Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit Tuscany, but it’s one of the smartest things you can have when travelling in Italy.
Even in a relaxed destination like Tuscany, things can go wrong — from delayed flights and lost luggage to medical issues, rental car damage, or unexpected trip cancellations.
And while Italy has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for visitors can still be costly without proper coverage.
As long-term travellers living in Italy, we’ve found SafetyWing to be a practical option for trips around Europe, offering coverage for medical care, travel delays, and lost belongings without complicated fine print.
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Final Thoughts
Exploring coastal Tuscany through food offers travelers a lighter, fresher perspective on Tuscan cuisine.
From grilled fish and seafood pasta to aromatic herbs and exquisite olive oils, every meal is a celebration of the sea and land.
By visiting markets, sampling seaside specialties, and dining in local trattorias, visitors experience authentic coastal Tuscan life in every bite.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – OMIO – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.
Other Favorite Food Regions
“What to Eat in Tuscany: Traditional Dishes, Seasonal Foods & Tips”
Florence Food Guide: What to Eat, From Bistecca to Ribollita
Siena & Val d’Orcia Food Guide: Pici Pasta, Pecorino Cheese & Tuscan Sweets
Lucca & Garfagnana Food Guide: Farro, Chestnuts & Traditional Tuscan Cooking
A Perfect Day Trip From Florence To Pisa And Lucca
Viareggio with kids Family-friendly Activities and Tips
Elba Island Travel Guide 2026: Best Beaches, Towns and Things to do.