15 Delicious Dishes to Try in Livorno, Italy

Located just a stone's throw from Florence and Pisa, Livorno is a charming Italian port city renowned for its fresh seafood. This city blends modern and medieval architecture, boasts world-class art, and offers diverse culinary experiences. While many travelers overlook Livorno in favor of more famous Tuscan destinations, there are plenty of reasons to explore this delightful, lesser-known seaside gem.

On your European cruise, you’ll have plenty of chances to discover the highlights of Livorno and savor its unique culinary offerings. You can also embark on a shore excursion to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, explore the medieval town of Lucca, or visit the Renaissance city of Florence.

As you enjoy the coastal cuisine, you’ll encounter the term “alla livornese,” which refers to dishes prepared in the Livornese style. This style typically features a rich tomato sauce with a spicy kick, so keep that in mind when you order. Livorno and its neighboring towns are home to a variety of snacks and street foods, so don’t forget to bring this list of top dishes to try, ensuring you don’t miss out on any delicious bites!

1. Crudités di Mare

In this seafood haven, you can savor raw tuna, mullet, prawns, mussels, and oysters. Fresh seafood from Livorno is always complemented by a hint of lemon in the preparation.

2. Cacciucco

Renowned for its seafood delights, Livorno's signature dish is the seafood stew. Cacciucco combines various fish with herbs and tomatoes, served over a bed of garlic toast. The consistency varies between restaurants, from thin to thick, but the flavor remains consistently remarkable.

3. Baccalà alla Livornese

A classic dish from Livorno features dried, salted cod that is sautéed and generously coated in a sauce made of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and parsley. Prior to cooking, the cod is soaked to reduce its intense saltiness.

4. Riso Nero alla Livornese

In addition to various seafood dishes, you may often find a side or base of risotto. This specific risotto is distinguished by its black color, derived from squid ink. It’s blended with sage, red onion, red pepper, and olive oil, creating a savory dish that is a beloved favorite throughout Italy.

5. Cinque e Cinque

This is the nickname for a beloved street food made of pressed ceci beans served in a sandwich. Cinque e cinque are pancake-shaped and 'ceci' translates to chickpeas in Italian.

6. Torta di Ceci

This is a cake-like dish crafted from chickpea flour. While it may sound simple, it’s anything but. This local delicacy resembles a large baked pancake and is sliced like pizza. Enjoy this treat rolled up as you stroll through the town.

7. Acciughe alla Povera

If you're a fan of anchovies, this dish is a must-try. It features raw anchovies marinated in lemon juice. Once considered a meal for the less fortunate, it is now regarded as a delicacy.

8. Castagnaccio

While it’s not a sweet dessert, this cake is a delightful complement to seafood. Castagnaccio is made from chestnut flour combined with olive oil, rosemary, raisins, and sometimes other dried fruits. Pine nuts may also be included for a savory twist. It's gluten- and sugar-free, making it a healthy indulgence.

9. Spadellata di Cozze e Vongole

Another delightful seafood dish is Spadellata di Cozze e Vongole, featuring seared mussels and clams. These are simmered in white wine and served atop a bed of toasted bread.

10. Cenci

While these biscuits are traditionally enjoyed during Easter, they can be found year-round in Livorno. Cenci, also known as Chiacchiere, are fried strips of dough shaped into thin, twisted ribbons and dusted with powdered sugar.

11. Frati

Also known as “frate,” these delightful sweet fritters are a breakfast staple in Livorno. They are light and airy despite being fried and dusted with sugar.

12. Gelato (Ice Cream)

In Italy, ice cream is referred to as gelato, found in local gelaterias. Gelato comes in a wide range of seasonal flavors like lemon, orange, watermelon, and more. These stands typically allow you to select multiple flavors from their extensive offerings. Gelaterias are often cozy with limited seating, making it perfectly acceptable to enjoy your gelato while strolling around.

13. Ponce

Picture a ship in turbulent waters where coffee and rum accidentally blend together—that’s the origin story of the drink ponce. This unique beverage is served in bars and garnished with a twist of lemon peel.

14. Tuscany Wine

Finally, we have Tuscan wine, a must-try for any wine enthusiast. Tuscany is renowned for its exceptional wines that you won't want to miss. In Italy, you’ll encounter these wines at restaurants, trattorias, gourmet shops, covered markets, and the region's famous wine bars. Of all the items to purchase in Livorno, make sure to bring a bottle home. Dinogo permits one 750 ml bottle per adult if you're over 21 years of age.

15. Roschette

Locals enjoy sipping ponce while savoring roschette. These rings made from flour, olive oil, and water resemble donuts or bagels, but they are not sweet at all.

As you embark on your European cruise, you'll cruise to Livorno aboard either the Dinogo Legend^® or the Dinogo Radiance™. A cruise with Dinogo ensures that all the details are taken care of, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural and culinary delights of this remarkable Italian region.