Where to Eat in Lacona: Restaurants and Bars

Introduction

Lacona, with its wide golden beach and turquoise sea, is one of the most beloved spots on Elba – not only for its natural beauty but also for its excellent food scene . Here, amid sea breezes and fiery sunsets, there are restaurants and bars suited to every moment: seaside breakfasts, light lunches between swims and romantic dinners with your feet in the sand . This guide, prepared by the staff of Hotel Giardino, will help you decide where to eat in Lacona with a selection of the area’s best restaurants and bars .

Lacona’s cuisine is genuine and welcoming. Beach restaurants serve fresh fish, Mediterranean salads, fried seafood and local wines in a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere . Inland trattorias immersed in greenery offer dishes such as octopus all’elbana, linguine allo scoglio and Tuscan cacciatora . For a more informal evening there are pizzerias and kiosks on the beach, ideal for families or groups of friends, and bars where you can sip an aperitif at sunset, often accompanied by live music and a sea view .

This guide presents the best addresses where to eat in Lacona (restaurants, pizzerias, bars and street food) with a FAQ section and summary tables. You will find information on family venues, fish restaurants, beach pizzerias, vegetarian/vegan options and more .

Lacona and Hotel Giardino

Lacona is a small seaside hamlet in the municipality of Capoliveri on Elba’s south coast. It is known for its wide sandy gulf and shady pine woods. In this setting stands Hotel Giardino, a family‑run two‑star hotel set in a 30 000 m² pine forest . The hotel is only 100 m from Lacona beach, making it an ideal base for a relaxing seaside holiday . Thanks to its strategic position you can reach Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio in 10–15 minutes by car .

Lacona’s cuisine reflects the food heritage of Elba – a land of sea and hills. The island has two culinary souls: one rooted in the sea, based on fresh Tyrrhenian fish, and one anchored to the countryside, using local products such as aromatic herbs, chestnuts and wine . Typical Elban dishes include cacciucco alla livornese (a rustic fish soup), schiaccia briaca (a raisin and nut cake) and gurguglione (a vegetable stew) . In Lacona you can savour very fresh fish, homemade bread, fish soups, fried seafood and local desserts accompanied by renowned Elban wines like Aleatico and Ansonica .

Hotel Giardino offers a welcoming atmosphere and simple but comfortable rooms equipped with TV, air conditioning and safe; some have a balcony or private patio. The hotel serves buffet breakfasts with local specialities and homemade dishes, catering for children and guests with food intolerances . Its location makes it a strategic starting point: in just 10–15 minutes by car you can reach Marina di Campo (west coast), Porto Azzurro (east) and Portoferraio (island capital) . The area around Lacona is also ideal for outdoor activities: trekking and mountain‑bike trails lead up to Capoliveri and Monte Calamita, offering unique vistas .

Family‑friendly restaurants in Lacona

Several restaurants in Lacona are perfect for families. These are informal seaside establishments with simple menus and dishes that children enjoy. Here are some recommendations:

Bagni Orano (Lacona Beach)

Bagni Orano is the classic beach restaurant run by a local family. You can literally lunch with your feet in the sand . The menu features grilled fish specials, mixed fried seafood, cacciucco and authentic pizzas . For a quick bite there are stuffed flatbreads (schiaccine) and fresh salads; children appreciate the simple pizzas and crispy fries . The sunset over the gulf makes dinner particularly evocative . From Hotel Giardino you reach Bagni Orano with a short five‑ to ten‑minute walk through the pine forest .

Do I need to book at Bagni Orano? – Yes, especially in high season and for dinner it is advisable to reserve a table .
Do they have a children’s menu? – Certainly. Simple pizzas and dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce or schnitzel are prepared for younger guests .
Average cost? – Prices are moderate; expect about €20–30 per person depending on your selections .
Are pets allowed? – Yes; dogs are usually welcome on the outdoor veranda .
How do I get there from Hotel Giardino? – You can walk to Bagni Orano in a few minutes (about 400 m, 5 minutes). Paid parking is available near the beach .

In short, Bagni Orano is the ideal option for families who want to eat well on the beach at a reasonable price .

Camping Laconella restaurant & pizzeria

Located inside the Laconella campsite, this informal restaurant serves a wide choice of pizzas, Italian dishes and simple seafood specialities . It also caters for special dietary needs: the menu includes vegetarian options and meat‑free dishes . The opening hours are convenient (08:00–22:00 daily in summer) and the venue has large outdoor tables under the pines, ideal for families with children .

Does Camping Laconella offer vegetarian options? – Yes, there are vegetarian dishes on the menu .
Are pets allowed? – Normally animals are accepted in the campsite’s venues, even outdoors under umbrellas .
Average cost? – This is an inexpensive to mid‑range venue; pizzas and traditional dishes are reasonably priced .

Lacona Beach Club

This beach establishment on Lacona beach, run by Elba in Love, offers a bar with a terrace on the sand and a pizzeria/restaurant . You can enjoy quick lunches, aperitifs, sandwiches and light dishes overlooking the sea . The Beach Club is equipped for families with a mini club and play area, and also hosts evenings with live music .

What can you eat at the Lacona Beach Club? – The menu includes pizzas, seafood salads, fresh fruit and various snacks . It is not a gourmet restaurant but offers tasty dishes right on the beach .
Do I need to book? – For dinner on the terrace in high season it is advisable to reserve a table, especially at weekends .

The relaxed beach atmosphere and simple options make this venue popular with families and young people looking for relaxation .

Street food: Fame Chimica

For a casual break in Lacona, Fame Chimica is a trendy street‑food spot located on Via del Moletto near the beach . It specialises in creative sandwiches inspired by American and Italian flavours . There is also a children’s menu with small portions. Prices are low: sandwiches cost €10–15 . Fame Chimica has been operating since 2015 .

Do I need to book at Fame Chimica? – Generally not; it is a fast‑food service. However, in high season there may be a queue at dinner time .
What makes Fame Chimica’s sandwiches famous? – They have original names (e.g., “Sburrro”) and are filled with quality Italian ingredients like Tuscan meats and grilled vegetables . They also serve fries and fried polenta with gorgonzola .

Fish restaurants and traditional cuisine

While Lacona has informal eateries, you can also find more structured restaurants specialising in fresh fish and typical local dishes .

Ristorante Lo Zenzero

This hidden gem is located inland just a few minutes from the shore. It stands out for its simple, authentic Italian cuisine and friendly staff . You can enjoy the freshest fish dishes: mixed grills, paccheri with cannellini cream and mussels, steaks and delicious appetisers . Seating is limited, so booking is recommended during peak periods . The atmosphere is informal and rustic, reminiscent of a traditional farm and overlooking a small vineyard .

Which dishes should I try? – Guests rave about the grilled fish and the special paccheri with cannellini cream and mussels .
How to reach it? – Lo Zenzero is in Via dei Vigneti 61/C in Lacona’s rural area. It is a 2–3 km drive from the hotel .

Ristorante Hotel Capo Sud

This restaurant is part of the Hotel Capo Sud in Lacona but welcomes external customers. It offers a panoramic view over the Gulf of Stella . The menu features a variety of options including fish dishes, meat and vegetarian choices . You will find classic Tuscan dishes, fresh fish and grilled meat, with careful use of local ingredients . As expected from a hotel restaurant, the service is attentive and professional. It is open for lunch in the summer, allowing you to eat close to the beach without changing out of your swimsuit .

Are there vegetarian options? – Yes. Capo Sud includes vegetarian dishes on the menu .
How much does it cost? – Prices are medium‑high; it is more expensive than a beach restaurant and is ideal for a couple’s dinner or a quality meal .

Ristorante Mom Food Drink & Soul

A modern restaurant on Lacona beach, famous for its fish dishes. It is located on Via del Moletto (by the beach) and is renowned for its magnificent sunsets . Reviews highlight the use of fresh and authentic seafood ingredients. The menu includes homemade pasta and fish cooked with care . The ambiance is intimate with just a few tables on the terrace; booking is recommended .

What makes Mom Food special? – Its seafront location and the quality of the fish. Reviews praise the excellent dishes with abundant fresh fish .
Do they take bookings? – Yes, it is advisable to book, especially in high season since the restaurant is small and very popular .

Pizzerias and street food

In addition to restaurants, Lacona offers several options for those looking for pizza, sandwiches and quick bites:

Pizzeria Camping Laconella – A large menu of pizzas (from margherita to specialty toppings) and simple Italian dishes. Suitable for families with children .
Lacona Beach Club – Pizzeria – Inside the Lacona Beach Club there is a pizzeria open for lunch and dinner where you can order wood‑fired pizzas or fried fish . Perfect for an informal beach meal.
Street Food – Fame Chimica – See above. Offers gourmet burgers and creative sandwiches, as well as fried polenta. It is the go‑to place for sandwich lovers in Lacona .
Take‑away rotisserie / gelaterias – Lacona also has small kiosks and rotisseries for those wanting something fast to take away: for example, a rotisserie near the campsite and artisan gelaterias (some with vegan ice‑cream options) . These places don’t have official websites but are easy to find while strolling along the Lacona seafront.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options in Lacona

People following special diets will also find something tasty in Lacona. Most restaurants in the area offer vegetarian dishes or light vegetable plates . For example:

Ristorante Capo Sud (Lacona) – The menu includes vegetarian dishes and the chef prepares meat‑free options, such as mushroom pasta and mixed vegetable side dishes .
Camping Laconella (Lacona) – As noted above, there are vegetarian variations of Italian dishes on the menu . Options include grilled vegetables, mushroom risottos and salads.
Other venues – If you have gluten‑free needs, many Elban restaurateurs (especially the informal ones) are used to accommodating them . There is no fully gluten‑free restaurant in Lacona, so we suggest asking each venue if they offer gluten‑free pasta or bread. More structured places like Capo Sud and Bagni Orano usually have a gluten‑free pasta available on request .
Are there vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Lacona? – There are no entirely vegetarian or vegan restaurants, but almost all venues offer vegetable dishes. For a 100 % vegetarian meal you can drive 15–20 minutes to Porto Azzurro or Portoferraio (for example, Magn’Etico Bistrò in Porto Azzurro is dedicated to vegan cuisine) .
Are there gluten‑free options? – Yes. Many Lacona restaurants and pizzerias can prepare a gluten‑free margherita or pasta on request . It is best to specify your needs when booking or on arrival.

What to visit around Lacona

The area around Lacona is rich in places that pair nicely with a gastronomic discovery :

Lacona and Laconella beaches – Lacona’s long sandy beach (over 1 km) is the main attraction. There is both a free area and equipped beach clubs like the Lacona Beach Club . A few hundred metres north‑east is the small Laconella beach, ideal for children thanks to its shallow waters . Starting your day with a swim or seaside walk is a great idea before sitting down to lunch at one of the restaurants mentioned above .
Capoliveri and Monte Calamita – About 10 km from the hotel (15 minutes by car), this characteristic medieval village offers pretty streets and artisan shops . Nearby are the ancient iron mines of Monte Calamita, now an open‑air museum; the mining landscape is unique, and you can combine a visit with a wine tasting at a local winery . After such a panoramic excursion, nothing beats returning to Lacona for a seafood dinner .
Porto Azzurro – This coastal town (12 km, 20 minutes) is famous for its lively harbour. It is worth stopping after lunch for an ice‑cream in the square or a stroll along the seafront . Couples can also organise a romantic dinner at a seafront restaurant (e.g. Magn’Etico for vegetarians, La Ghinghetta for special fish dishes) .
Portoferraio – Elba’s capital (40 minutes by car) offers a fortified historic centre with Napoleonic residences and Medici fortresses . Visit Napoleon’s Villa dei Mulini and stroll through the old town; then enjoy a fish lunch with a view of the boats .
Marina di Campo – On the opposite coast (15 km west), Marina di Campo features a long fine‑sand beach, a pedestrian centre and shops . It is a great destination for an afternoon gelato or a casual fish dinner .

From Hotel Giardino it is easy to organise day trips: within half an hour you can be in Portoferraio or Porto Azzurro . A car is recommended to move freely because public transport on the island is limited . Many wineries and agritourism farms open to the public (for example around Capoliveri and the north of the island) can be visited in the morning to taste wine and local products, continuing the food tour with a restaurant lunch .

Summary of recommended venues in Lacona

Venue	Cuisine/Specialities	Suitable for	Price range	Notes
Bagni Orano (beach)	Grilled fresh fish, fried seafood, pizza	Families, couples	€–€€	400 m from the hotel (5 min walk); terrace by the sea; pets allowed
Camping Laconella	Italian & Mediterranean cuisine, pizza (vegetarian options)	Families, young people	€–€€	Located inside the campsite; open 08:00–22:00; vegetarian‑friendly
Mom Food Drink & Soul	Fresh fish and homemade pasta	Couples, young people	€€	Sea view; limited seating (book); gourmet fresh fish dishes
Hotel Capo Sud (restaurant)	Classic Italian cuisine (fish, meat, vegetarian options)	Families, couples	€€€	Panoramic restaurant of the hotel; open for lunch and dinner (May–Sep)
Lacona Beach Club (beach establishment)	Pizzeria and beach snacks	Families, young people	€–€€	Bar/restaurant on the sand; kids’ entertainment; sports facilities
Fame Chimica (street food)	Gourmet sandwiches and creative burgers	Young people, families	€	Creative menu; two locations in Lacona; open until late
Lo Zenzero (Lacona)	Simple Italian cuisine, grilled fish	Couples, families	€€	Excellent ingredients; rustic decor; booking recommended
Beach bars (e.g. Beach Bar Il Cantone)	Aperitifs, snacks, ice cream	Everyone	€–€€	Various seafront kiosks/bars for drinks and ice‑cream at sunset

Legend: Price ranges are indicative: € = inexpensive, €€ = mid‑range, €€€ = medium‑high. “Suitable for” indicates the recommended target (F = families, C = couples). The information about cuisines comes from the cited sources .

This table summarises the main dining options in Lacona. Lacona is a small village, so there are not dozens of distinct restaurants; we have collected the places that stand out for quality and atmosphere . Summer hours typically run from lunch to dinner (with a short break), and restaurants and pizzerias usually open around 12:30 and reopen from 19:00 onwards . In the most popular venues, such as Lo Zenzero, Mom Food and Bagni Orano, it is recommended to book at least during peak season .

Final tips

When looking for somewhere to eat in Lacona, remember that most venues are concentrated on or near the beach . During the day you could alternate time at the beach with lunch by the sea (e.g. Bagni Orano or Camping Laconella) and in the evening explore a more relaxed dinner (e.g. Mom Food or Capo Sud) . Local desserts such as schiaccia briaca or buccellati (fig biscuits) are on the menus of typical restaurants or in bakeries in nearby Capoliveri . Elba is also a land of good wines and liqueurs: pair meals with local wines (Ansonica with fish, Aleatico as a sweet wine) and flavoured grappas . If you have time, visit a winery or olive mill during your trips; some agriturismi in the hinterland organise wine and olive‑oil tastings within a short drive of Lacona .

Conclusion

Thanks to its excellent position in Lacona, Hotel Giardino allows you to move easily among beaches, nature trails and a good selection of restaurants and bars . Each table tells a story of sea and Elban tradition, and this guide helps you choose the right venue for every occasion, answering the most frequently asked traveller questions . Bon appétit and enjoy your holiday in Lacona!