Introduction
The family that runs Hotel Giardino in Lacona introduces this guide to Elba’s cuisine and dining scene. The hotel is set in a 30 000 m² pine park only a few metres from Lacona’s long, sandy bay . Rooms are simple but comfortable (air conditioning, TV, safe, private bathroom; some with patio or balcony), and guests are welcomed with homemade breakfasts and dinners featuring Elban and Tuscan dishes . Lacona’s central position makes it easy to reach Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio and Marina di Campo in 10–15 minutes . This guide presents the island through local eyes: typical dishes, recommended restaurants and excursions.
Elban cuisine
Typical dishes
Elban cookery blends the island’s maritime and rural traditions. It uses simple ingredients—fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, olive oil and herbs—to create hearty stews, soups and baked goods . Some representative dishes include:
| Dish | Key ingredients & notes |
|---|---|
| Stoccafisso alla Riese | Dried cod slowly stewed with onions, tomatoes, basil, parsley, green peppers, olives, pine nuts and capers; emblematic of Rio Marina . |
| Gurguglione | Vegetarian stew of peppers, aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes and onions sautéed with olive oil and basil; originally lunch for miners and farmers . |
| Cacciucco all’Elbana | Robust fish soup with mixed “poor” fish (octopus, cuttlefish, rockfish, mullet, mussels) cooked in tomato and chilli and served with garlicky toasted bread . |
| Totani ripieni | Calamari stuffed with breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley and sometimes cheese, baked or braised . |
| Polpo lesso & Zerri fritti | Boiled octopus dressed with oil and lemon; tiny blue fish fried whole . |
| Palamita sott’olio | Fillets of bonito cooked and preserved in olive oil and herbs; often served with beans and onions . |
| Sburrita di baccalà | Broth of salted cod, bread and garlic with chilli and nepitella (wild mint) . |
| Bordatino | Thick peasant soup of cannellini beans, cavolo nero and polenta . |
| Schiaccia briaca | Sweet flatbread with raisins, pine nuts, nuts, almonds and Aleatico wine . |
| Castagnaccio & Schiacciunta | Chestnut-flour cake with walnuts and pine nuts; yeasted sweet bread . |
Elba is also known for wines (Elba Bianco, Ansonica, Elba Rosso, Aleatico DOCG) and products such as honey, olive oil and goat cheeses .
Frequently asked questions about dishes
- Is gurguglione vegetarian? Yes—it’s considered Elba’s vegetarian dish; many restaurants offer gluten‑free pasta and dairy‑free desserts .
- Are there vegan options? Restaurants like Magn’Etico Bistrò (Porto Azzurro) have fully vegetarian/vegan menus. Many traditional eateries can adapt dishes on request .
How the list of restaurants was selected
The recommendations come from local experience, guest feedback and recent guides such as Gambero Rosso (2023), Puntarella Rossa (updated May 2024), 2025 local guides and a feature in Food & Wine . The intention is not to rank establishments but to offer a broad overview: historic trattorias, gourmet restaurants, agriturismi, oyster bars, seaside pizzerias and vegetarian venues .
Restaurant recommendations by area
Portoferraio
- Osteria Pepenero – Creative cuisine using local fish and vegetables; dishes may range from prawn gyoza in miso broth to pici cacio e pepe with mussels .
- Molo G – Osteria Portuale – Simple portside eatery serving paccheri allo scoglio and grilled fish; good quality‑price ratio .
- Le Viste – Romantic restaurant in a hidden cove offering homemade pasta, cod fritters and fried calamari. It’s ideal for couples and has a wine list featuring local labels .
- Bitta 20 – Modern spot on the Medici quay combining seafood and farm produce; menu includes raw fish, seafood risottos and grilled mains .
- L’Acqua Cheta – Historic port restaurant known for traditional cacciucco and dried‑cod stews .
- Il Termopolio – Small eatery offering Tuscan land dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar and chick‑pea soups .
Capoliveri and Lacona
- La Taverna dei Poeti (Capoliveri) – Listed by Gambero Rosso and Puntarella Rossa, it serves both seafood and meat: spaghetti with garlic, chilli and octopus, wild‑boar ragù and local lobster. Bread, pasta and desserts are homemade .
- Ristorante Koala (Capoliveri) – Focuses on local ingredients; offers handmade pastas (e.g., fish ravioli, tagliolini with red prawns) and zero‑kilometre mixed fried seafood . Terrace with hill views and a Champagne‑rich wine list.
- Trattoria di pesce Il Giardino (Capoliveri) – Daily menu based on the catch of the day; known for cacciucco and mixed grills .
- Da Pilade (Capoliveri) – Restaurant in an agriturismo combining Mediterranean and Tuscan flavours; dishes include cuttlefish‑ink fettuccine and Angus beef. Homemade schiaccia briaca is a highlight .
- Sapereta (Porto Azzurro, near Capoliveri) – Farm and winery offering fresh‑pasta dishes and a cellar with 15 house wines plus 250 other labels. Ideal for tastings of Aleatico and dinners among the vines .
- Bagni Orano (Lacona) – Family‑run seaside restaurant and pizzeria serving grilled fish, cacciucco and pizza; a convenient option just steps from Hotel Giardino .
- Other Lacona kiosks – Beach bars for sandwiches, salads, cocktails and informal dining; recommended are Paradiso Beach Club for evening drinks and music, Fame Chimica for gourmet sandwiches and Snack Bar Bagni Lacona for quick snacks .
Porto Azzurro
- Osteria La Botte Gaia – Oyster bar and restaurant in an 19th‑century building with a covered garden. Serves raw seafood and light dishes; offers around 250 wines, including Champagne and French whites .
- Sapereta – Mentioned above; also located here .
- Barkollo Wine Pub – Informal spot offering local wines, craft beers and gourmet burgers; often hosts live music .
- Magn’Etico Bistrò – Completely vegetarian/vegan bistro with creative plant‑based dishes; also caters to food intolerances .
- Wine Bar Pane ae Mare (Seccheto) – Known for cocktails and sweet schiaccia; ideal for aperitivo .
Marina di Campo and Fetovaia
- Al Moro – Refined restaurant with two indoor dining rooms and a veranda; seafood and meat tasting menus with an extensive wine list (over 150 labels) .
- Kontiki – Family‑friendly restaurant on the beach with generous portions and a play area; noted for quality service .
- Da Piero – Historic seafront restaurant serving home‑style pasta, grills and appetisers; valued for authenticity .
- Pozzo al Moro – Hidden gem combining refined Tuscan cooking with an informal atmosphere; homemade pasta and seasonal ingredients; reservations recommended .
Marciana and Marciana Marina
- L’Affrichella – Fish trattoria with creative pairings and an extensive cellar .
- Capo Nord – Seaside restaurant with tables overlooking the water; specialises in fresh fish and crudités .
- Osteria del Noce – Inland tavern under a large walnut tree; offers dishes blending Elban and Ligurian traditions in a panoramic setting .
- Publius (Poggio) – Historic restaurant founded in 1970; features wild boar stew, grilled Angus, handmade pasta and a 300‑bottle wine list .
- Umami – Modern restaurant in Marciana focusing on creative dishes based on local ingredients; broad wine selection .
Procchio and surroundings
- La Perla Beach – Beach restaurant and pizzeria serving raw seafood, spaghetti allo scoglio and wood‑fired pizzas .
- Da Giacomino (Viticcio) – Family‑run restaurant overlooking the water; specialises in fresh fish and simple dishes such as Giacomino spaghetti .
Other recommendations
- Pane ae Mare (Seccheto) – Wine bar known for cocktails and sweet schiaccia .
Restaurants by experience
For quick reference, here are recommendations based on the type of experience:
| Category | Recommended restaurants & reasons |
|---|---|
| Family‑friendly | Kontiki (Marina di Campo) – generous portions and play area ; Bagni Orano (Lacona) – simple dishes and beachfront convenience . |
| Romantic | Le Viste (Portoferraio) – lantern‑lit tables on a hidden cove ; Pozzo al Moro (Marina di Campo) – refined yet unpretentious cuisine ; Taverna dei Poeti (Capoliveri) – cosy interior and homemade pasta . |
| Gourmet | Umami (Marciana), Publius (Poggio) and Al Moro (Marina di Campo) – high‑level cuisine with notable wine lists . Sapereta offers wine tastings and refined menus among vineyards . |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Magn’Etico Bistrò (Porto Azzurro) – fully plant‑based; other restaurants can prepare vegan dishes on request . |
Frequently asked questions about restaurants
- Where to eat fresh fish in Portoferraio? Osteria Pepenero and Molo G adapt their menus daily to the catch; Le Viste is recommended for a romantic meal on the water, while Bitta 20 and L’Acqua Cheta are good for traditional dishes .
- Which restaurants to choose in Capoliveri? La Taverna dei Poeti, Ristorante Koala, Trattoria Il Giardino and Da Pilade offer varied menus from seafood to wild boar .
- Are there typical taverns in Marciana? Yes: Osteria del Noce combines Elban and Ligurian recipes under a walnut tree; Publius in Poggio serves hearty meat dishes with a long wine list; Umami offers modern cuisine .
- Where to find vegetarian or vegan menus? Magn’Etico Bistrò in Porto Azzurro is fully vegetarian ; many other restaurants can prepare vegan dishes on request .
- Do I need to reserve? In high season (July–August) it is advisable to book, especially at small establishments such as Le Viste, Magn’Etico and Koala . Even in low season, reserving is recommended for popular taverns.
Summary table of recommended restaurants
The following table consolidates the main restaurants listed in this guide. “Category” indicates the type of establishment (trattoria, osteria, gourmet restaurant, agriturismo, bistro, pizzeria, wine bar) and “Specialities/Notes” summarises their offerings .
| Name | Location | Category | Specialities / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteria Pepenero | Portoferraio | Osteria | Creative menu; fresh fish and vegetable dishes |
| Molo G – Osteria Portuale | Portoferraio | Osteria | Paccheri allo scoglio; harbour tables |
| Le Viste | Portoferraio | Romantic restaurant | Handmade pasta, cod fritters, lantern‑lit cove |
| Bitta 20 | Portoferraio | Restaurant | Innovative seafood and vegetable dishes; good cellar |
| La Taverna dei Poeti | Capoliveri | Osteria/restaurant | Spaghetti with octopus, wild‑boar ragù, lobster; homemade bread and pasta |
| Ristorante Koala | Capoliveri | Restaurant | Fresh pasta, local fish, hill‑view terrace |
| Il Giardino | Capoliveri | Trattoria | Daily fish menu; cacciucco and mixed grills |
| Da Pilade | Capoliveri | Agriturismo/restaurant | Cuttlefish‑ink pasta, Angus steak; homemade cakes |
| Bagni Orano | Lacona | Restaurant/pizzeria | Grilled fish, cacciucco, pizza; beachfront |
| La Botte Gaia | Porto Azzurro | Oyster bar/osteria | Raw seafood, oysters; 250 wines |
| Sapereta | Porto Azzurro | Agriturismo | Fresh pasta, 15 house wines, tastings |
| Barkollo Wine Pub | Porto Azzurro | Wine pub | Local wines, craft beers, gourmet burgers |
| Al Moro | Marina di Campo | Restaurant | Tasting menus; seafood and meat; 150 wines |
| Kontiki | Marina di Campo | Trattoria/restaurant | Generous portions; kids’ play area |
| Da Piero | Marina di Campo | Trattoria | Home‑style pasta and grills |
| Pozzo al Moro | Marina di Campo | Restaurant | Refined Tuscan cuisine; homemade pasta |
| L’Affrichella | Marciana Marina | Trattoria | Creative fish dishes; well‑stocked cellar |
| Capo Nord | Marciana Marina | Restaurant | Waterfront dining; fresh fish and crudités |
| Osteria del Noce | Marciana | Osteria | Elban‑Liguria dishes; panoramic terrace |
| Publius | Poggio (Marciana) | Restaurant | Wild‑boar stew, grilled Angus; 300 wines |
| Umami | Marciana | Restaurant | Creative dishes using local ingredients; extensive wine list |
| La Perla Beach | Procchio | Restaurant/pizzeria | Raw seafood, spaghetti allo scoglio, pizzas |
| Da Giacomino | Viticcio | Trattoria | Fresh fish; Giacomino spaghetti; waterside terrace |
| Magn’Etico Bistrò | Porto Azzurro | Vegan bistro | Plant‑based cuisine; vegan and gluten‑free options |
| Pane ae Mare | Seccheto | Wine bar | Cocktails and sweet schiaccia |
What to visit near Lacona
The article continues with suggestions for excursions and attractions near Lacona. Highlights include:
- Capoliveri (5 km, 10 min): Hill town with narrow lanes, lively squares, the Sea Museum (displaying the Polluce shipwreck) and the Madonna delle Grazie sanctuary. Nearby Monte Calamita offers red‑sand beaches (Innamorata, Remaiolo) and tours of old iron mines .
- Porto Azzurro (12 km, 15 min): Fishing village dominated by the Spanish fortress of San Giacomo; evening markets along the waterfront and a small aquarium .
- Portoferraio (17 km, 20 min): Capital with Medici fortresses and Napoleonic residences; nearby beaches such as Le Ghiaie and Sansone are noted for white pebbles and turquoise water .
- Marciana and Marciana Marina (25 km, 30 min): Mountain village with Pisan fortress and a cable car to Monte Capanne (the island’s highest peak) and coastal town with a seafront lined with tamarisks .
- Other day trips: The red‑rock mining village of Rio Marina; Pomonte (for snorkelling around the Elviscot wreck) and Chiessi; Pianosa island; Monte Perone and the Butterfly Sanctuary .
Daily excursions from Lacona
The article summarises family‑friendly, romantic, adventurous and sea‑based excursions starting from Hotel Giardino . It also outlines a seven‑day itinerary mixing beach relaxation, mountain hikes, cultural visits and gastronomic experiences .
Conclusion
Elba’s culinary landscape reflects its diverse geography and history. From humble seafood stews to inventive modern cuisine, there is something for every palate. This guide, curated by the staff of Hotel Giardino, provides a starting point for exploring the island’s flavours. Whether you choose a harbour osteria in Portoferraio, a romantic table overlooking the sea at Le Viste, a family dinner at Kontiki or a plant‑based meal at Magn’Etico, you will taste Elba’s essence. Pair your meals with local wines such as Aleatico and Ansonica, and complement dining with visits to nearby villages, beaches and hiking trails. Staying at Hotel Giardino in Lacona places all these experiences within easy reach and offers a welcoming home base during your gastronomic adventure.