Introduction
Lacona, with its broad golden beach and turquoise sea, is one of the most beloved resorts on Elba. Besides its natural beauty, it boasts a lively food scene. This guide, curated by the staff of Hotel Giardino, presents the best restaurants, pizzerias, bars and street‑food venues in the area so you can savour Elba’s flavours from breakfast to sunset . The local cuisine is genuine and welcoming, faithful to Elban traditions but open to modern twists: on the beach you can enjoy fresh fish, Mediterranean salads, mixed fried fish and local wines in a relaxed, family setting . Inland trattorias serve polpo all’elbana, linguine allo scoglio and cacciatora alla toscana, often with zero‑kilometre ingredients and wines like Aleatico and Ansonica . For a more informal evening, Lacona also offers pizzerias and kiosks on the sand, ideal for families or groups of friends, as well as sunset cocktail bars .
Hotel Giardino as your base
Hotel Giardino lies in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona in a lush pine park . The welcoming, family atmosphere makes it perfect for travellers seeking tranquillity and nature. Rooms are simple yet comfortable with TV, air conditioning and a safe; some have balconies or private patios, and breakfast buffets feature local homemade dishes . The strategic location—100 m from Lacona’s beach and 10–15 minutes’ drive from Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio—lets you explore the rest of the island after a day at the beach . There are also hiking and mountain‑bike trails climbing towards Capoliveri and Monte Calamita .
Family‑friendly restaurants on the beach
Lacona’s relaxed seaside eateries are perfect for families. They generally serve simple menus with dishes that children enjoy:
- Bagni Orano (Lacona beach) – A classic beach restaurant‑lido run by a local family. You can eat “with your feet in the sand” just a short walk from the hotel . The menu features grilled fish, mixed fried fish, cacciucco and pizzas; for a quick lunch there are stuffed schiaccine and fresh salads . Dinner at sunset is especially atmospheric. Book ahead in high season and for dinner . Children’s menus (pasta with tomato sauce, cutlets) and pet‑friendly tables on the veranda are available . The average meal costs €20–30 per person and you can reach it in 5–10 minutes on foot through the pinewood .
- Camping Laconella Restaurant/Pizzeria – Located inside the Laconella campsite, this informal restaurant offers pizzas, Italian classics and simple seafood dishes . Vegetarians will find suitable options . The large outdoor tables in the pinewood are ideal for families; prices are moderate .
- Lacona Beach Club – A large beach establishment operated by “Elba in Love” with a bar, pizzeria and restaurant overlooking the sand . It serves quick meals, aperitifs, panini and light dishes, and hosts live music evenings. Booking is recommended for dinner on the terrace during high season .
- Fame Chimica (street food) – Trendy street‑food outlet on Via del Moletto offering creative burgers and sandwiches with Italian ingredients . It also has a children’s menu. Prices are around €10–15 for a sandwich . No reservation is needed but there may be a queue at dinner time in summer .
Seafood and traditional cuisine
Lacona’s reputation for fresh fish is well deserved. In addition to the informal venues above, consider these more structured restaurants:
- Ristorante Lo Zenzero – A hidden gem inland but only minutes from the coast . It stands out for its simple, authentic Italian cooking and friendly service. The speciality is fresh fish—mixed grills, paccheri with cannellini cream and mussels, steaks and tempting starters . Seating is limited so book during peak periods . Try the grilled fish and signature paccheri dish . It’s located on Via dei Vigneti, 61/C (2–3 km from the hotel) .
- Ristorante Hotel Capo Sud – Part of the Capo Sud hotel but open to external guests. The panoramic terrace overlooks the Gulf of Stella, serving a varied menu with fish, meat and vegetarian dishes . Prices are medium‑high, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or quality meal .
- Mom Food Drink & Soul – A modern beachside restaurant on Via del Moletto known for its fresh fish and homemade pasta . Reviews praise the excellent fish quality and sunset views. The small terrace means reservations are advisable .
Pizzerias and street food
For quick meals:
- Pizzeria Camping Laconella – Wide selection of pizzas and simple Italian dishes; family‑friendly .
- Lacona Beach Club – Pizzeria – Serves wood‑fired pizzas and fried fish at lunch and dinner .
- Fame Chimica – For gourmet burgers and sandwiches .
- Takeaway rotisseries/gelaterias – Small kiosks near the campground offer roast chicken, snacks and artisan gelato (some with vegan options) .
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options
Most restaurants in Lacona provide vegetarian dishes. Capo Sud includes vegetarian pasta and side dishes on its menu , and Camping Laconella has vegetable‑based dishes such as grilled vegetables and mushroom risotto . There is no fully vegetarian restaurant in town, so visitors seeking a 100 % plant‑based meal can drive to Porto Azzurro or Portoferraio (e.g., Magn’Etico Bistrò) . Gluten‑free pizzas or pasta can usually be provided upon request ; ask when booking.
What to visit around Lacona
Combine gastronomic discoveries with sightseeing:
- Lacona & Laconella beaches – The wide sandy Lacona beach (1 km long) offers free areas and equipped lidos such as Lacona Beach Club . The nearby cove of Laconella, reached by a short path, has shallow water ideal for children .
- Capoliveri & Monte Calamita – Ten kilometres away, the medieval village of Capoliveri invites strolls through its alleys and visits to the open‑air iron mines on Monte Calamita . Wine tastings in local cellars can complement your meal .
- Porto Azzurro – About 12 km away, this lively harbour town is perfect for a gelato or romantic waterfront dinner . Vegetarian travellers will find the Magn’Etico Bistrò here .
- Portoferraio – The island’s capital (about 30 km) offers historic fortresses, Napoleonic residences and beaches . Dine at Da Giacomino at Viticcio, a family‑friendly fish restaurant .
- Marina di Campo – On the opposite coast, this town boasts the island’s longest beach and a pedestrian centre with boutiques and pubs .
- Local coves – Explore Laconella, Margidore and Capo Stella for panoramic walks and quiet swims【59554882451995†L981-L988】.
Summary table: recommended venues in Lacona
| Venue | Cuisine / Specialities | Suitable for | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bagni Orano (beach) | Grilled fresh fish, mixed fried fish, beach‑side pizza | Families, couples | €–€€ | 400 m from the hotel; terrace on the sea; pets allowed |
| Camping Laconella | Italian & Mediterranean cuisine, pizza; vegetarian options | Families, young people | €–€€ | Inside campsite; open 8:00–22:00; vegetarian‑friendly |
| Mom Food Drink & Soul | Fresh fish & homemade pasta | Couples, young adults | €€ | Sea view; limited seats (reserve); gourmet fish dishes |
| Hotel Capo Sud (restaurant) | Classic Italian (fish, meat, vegetarian) | Families, couples | €€€ | Panoramic restaurant; open lunch–dinner (May–Sept) |
| Lacona Beach Club (stabilimento) | Pizzeria and beach snacks | Families, young people | €–€€ | Beach bar/restaurant; children’s activities; sports equipment |
| Fame Chimica (street food) | Gourmet sandwiches & burgers | Young people, families | € | Creative sandwiches; two locations in Lacona; open late |
| Lo Zenzero | Simple Italian cuisine, grilled fish | Couples, families | €€ | Top ingredients; rustic décor; booking advised |
| Beach Bars (e.g., Beach Bar Il Cantone) | Aperitifs, snacks, gelato | Everyone | €–€€ | Various kiosks along the beach for sunset drinks |
Price guide: € = budget, €€ = mid‑range, €€€ = medium‑high. “Suitable for” indicates recommended clientele (F = families, C = couples).
Final tips
Most eateries are concentrated on or near the beach . Alternate mornings on the sand with lunch at Bagni Orano or Camping Laconella, then enjoy a more relaxed dinner at Mom Food or Capo Sud . Try local desserts such as schiaccia briaca or buccellati (dried‑fig pastries) and pair meals with Elban wines—Ansonica for fish, Aleatico as a dessert wine—and aromatic grappas . If you have time, visit a winery or olive mill for tastings . Thanks to Hotel Giardino’s excellent location , you can easily combine beach life, food exploration and day trips to neighbouring towns. Each table tells a story of sea and Elban tradition, and this guide helps you choose the right venue for every occasion. Enjoy your meal and have a wonderful holiday in Lacona!