Same beach, same sea: but where am I going to eat? Here begins our weekly appointment to discover “holiday” places where you can “eat well.” We’re not talking about “Michelin-starred” restaurants, but interesting places that I will tell you all about, because they deserve attention and a try.
The glorious 1960s are long gone… the years of bonfires on the beach, jukeboxes, beach rackets, water balloons, and modest swimsuits. The years when families brought food to the beach in lunch boxes and the years of singer-songwriter songs that seem to have been written yesterday, as they are still so modern. The glorious years of the post-war economic boom, when everything was needed, the economy was booming for everyone, people had little but enjoyed themselves immensely with nothing.
We are now in the middle of summer but many people have yet to book their vacations. Some are waiting for last-minute deals, others are concerned about the general state of the European economy at this particular moment. So, between price increases, tariffs, and general uncertainty, not everyone has decided where to go to relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Being fond of our Versilia region, we offer you five weekly installments, each featuring excellent non-touristy restaurants where you can eat very well without necessarily spending your entire paycheck.
Let’s start here, Ristorante Il Cristallo, Forte dei Marmi
We can define it as a gastronomic experience combining elegance and authentic flavors, in the heart of the prestigious Forte dei Marmi, inside the refined Resort Miramonti, historically owned by the Barsanti family, where the Ristorante Il Cristallo is located, a place where passion for cooking blends with the elegance of a unique atmosphere.
Nestled in an oasis of tranquility, this restaurant offers a remarkable culinary experience, where every detail is taken care of with love and dedication. Today, Silvio Filippo Barsanti and his wife Giada Vita are at the helm of the hotel and restaurant, continuing their grandparents’ work with skill and innovation.
As soon as you cross the threshold of Il Cristallo Restaurant, you are welcomed by a refined and charming atmosphere. The elegantly arranged tables in the dining room and, in fine weather, also by the pool, the background music and soft lighting create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for candlelit dinners or special moments to share with loved ones.
The culinary offerings at Ristorante Il Cristallo are in the talented hands of chefs Giuseppe Nieddu and Alessio Lazzarini. Their cuisine pays homage to Italian culinary traditions, revisited with creativity and attention to seasonality. Each dish is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, carefully selected to enhance the authentic flavors of the region. The open kitchen allows guests to observe the chefs’ skill as they transform each ingredient into a work of art.
The menu at Il Cristallo restaurant offers a variety of dishes to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Among the offerings, the sesame tuna tataki with kimchi and grilled pineapple, spinach risotto with mustard cream and raw scampi, and turban fish stuffed with sea bass, saffron sauce, and chives stand out, along with the ever-present spaghetti with clams. Desserts, such as praline semifreddo in Rocher sauce and espresso tiramisu, complete the experience with sweet and enveloping notes.
The staff at Il Cristallo Restaurant is highly qualified and attentive to every need of our guests. The maître d’ is always available to recommend wine pairings and answer any questions about the menu, ensuring impeccable and personalized service.
Located a few steps from the center of Forte dei Marmi, Il Cristallo Restaurant is surrounded by the greenery of the Miramonti Resort and offers an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere. The infinity pool, lounge bar, and the possibility of organizing private events make this the ideal place to celebrate special moments in an elegant and refined setting.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner, lunch with friends, or a special event, this restaurant will win the hearts and palates of every guest, offering unforgettable moments of taste and refinement.
We look forward to seeing you at our restaurant!
