The Le Marche dining experience is simply majestic. Delicious food, amazing prices, unique settings. Find out where to eat for a fresh fish lunch or magical dinner!
Dinner in the garden - Montefiore dell'Aso
The variety of food available in Le Marche is one of the features that distinguishes it from other regions. Le Marche has an abundance of fish (thanks to over 180km of coastline with the Adriatic sea), and the Sibilini mountains provide a place for cattle to graze on natural grass. Wild foods and animals are also plentiful; wild boar, deer and rabbit, truffle and mushrooms can all be found amidst the woodland and forests.
Due to the vast variety of wonderful local produce, there is also a huge variety of restaurants in Le Marche. Chalet fish restaurants on the beach and restaurants with a unique view are in abundance.
In each medieval town and village there are food choices in abundance, with restaurants often serving their local specialty dish, using seasonal produce, along with homemade digestifs at the end of the meal.
There are virtually no ‘chains’ of restaurants in Le Marche, (with the exception of McDonalds). The vast majority of restaurants are family owned, and it is not uncommon to find out that nonna (grandma) was the chef of your meal. In Italy, everyone knows that grandma is always the best cook in the family and people take great pride and passion in their cooking.
So… with such variety, where should you go to eat?
There is honestly such a variety of restaurants and places to eat that I still have so many to discover and try out myself. However, based on where I have been, I want to give you a few recommendations of beach restaurants and restaurants with a view where I have a great experience.
Eat on the beach
Cozzaro Nero
Il cozzaro nero provides a wonderful easy going dining experience. Eat some of the freshest fish, with a glass of wine and your feet in the sand. The relaxed vibe combined with the beautiful beach chalet setting puts this place high on my list. An amazing price of what you get. Order, pay, and receive your food and wine in the space of just 5 minutes. Then find a seat, relax and enjoy your meal looking out at the sea with your feet in the sand.
photo credits @ Facebook ilcozzaronero
Koko Beach
If you are looking for a classic fish dining experience on the beach then Koko beach is a great choice. It was refurbished not long ago with a fresh and modern feel. Extremely friendly staff (say hi to Eleonora and Mauro from me), high quality food, drinks and beach views. Choose from a variety of dishes that incorporate the freshness of the fish with delicious flavours that make your mouth burst with flavour.
photo credits @ Facebook kokobeachandrestaurant
Cristal beach
A very relaxed, family owned restaurant, right on the beach in Cupra Marittima. The perfect place for a relaxed family lunch. Sit inside or outside. Very family friendly with a little playground to the left and a view all the way to the sea. The food here is always extremely fresh and never disappoints. I must recommend the pasta scoglio (pasta with shellfish) and the frittura. Some of the best in my opinion.
During the summer they offer sun beds, making it the perfect place to send a day at the beach or have a little after lunch siesta.
photo 2 credits @ cristalbeach.it
Ristorante da Giacchetti
Situated in Porto Novo, this restaurant is famous for its position right on the pebbly beach. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to reserve ahead in the summer, however if you are planning to spend a day in Portonovo then it is the perfect place to try out Marche’s famous dishes; Moscioli and Stoccafisso.
photo credits @ Facebook ristoranteDaGiacchetti
Dine with a view
Papa Sisto
The perfect restaurant for an evening out with a special person or family. The view over the coastline of Grottammare is simply breathtaking. A wonderful variety of delicious food, including steak, pizza and pasta. This is the perfect spot for a romantic date or special evening to be remembered. I would recommend going here perhaps on a weekday when it is not so busy for optimal service.
photo credits @ restaurantguru.com & tripadvisor.com
Pepe nero
The chef and owner Michele has managed to create a really special and magical dining experience in the little hilltop village of CurpaAlta. Dine under beautiful fairy lights outside, or under old arches with a quirky artistic vibe indoors. Both settings create a wonderful, unique experience. With a set menu, Michele’s sons will take great care of you tending to every request. Michele loves to experiment with his dishes and no matter how many times I have been, the food never gets boring. Set menu, set price, and wine in abundance, what’s not to love?
photo 2 credits @ trivadvisor.com
Dea Flora
Looking for a very unique dining experience? Why not dine in the vineyards! Dea Flora offer the possibility the have a candlelight dinner in the middle of the vineyards. As a romantic dinner of family event, this experience is simply unique. Book in advance and prepare for delicious food and an overall memorable evening.
photo credits @ Facebook deaflorarestaurant&relax
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