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In a town that isn't particularly noted for food and restaurants, I let Yelp lead the way for us this time, and it worked out well. Here you'll find nice outdoor dining, an attentive and friendly owner, and solid food. I wouldn't hesitate a minute to return if I were in Pisa. The owner is present and very much involved. We appreciated that he made suggestions and geared us towards the local fare, which is what I enjoy having wherever I go. We had the deep-fried anchovies and veggies to start. The anchovies were fresh, generous in portion and lightly battered. For sides, we got an order of French fries, which were crisp, but not at all greasy. We also got a side of tomatoes and onions. The tomatoes weren't the ripest, but fresh. The highlights were our main entrees. Hubby got the whole grilled seabass, which was excellent and only approximately $20 USD!! Truly amazingly well priced! I've had a similar dish at a fancy-schmancy Las Vegas restaurant that cost us nearly $100 USD! Even in low-key Asian family-type restaurants I'ven easily paid significantly more than double. The fish was fresh, not a bit "fishy" in taste, and was incredibly moist and not overly salted. So simple, yet so well executed and delicious. My entree was the Pici with Sausage and Truffle. I love pici (but must be artisanal!) so much more than spaghetti, and can't resist it in an area where pici reigns. This was a very rich and tasty dish, though there was only one shaving of truffle and I'm guessing that the truffle flavor was derived from their liberal use of truffle oil. I'm not a huge fan of truffle oil, but it worked here. Great spot for enjoying good food outdoors, and just an easy 5-minute walk from the Tower. You won't go wrong here!
We came in here a bit early before they opened and the owner allowed us to sit in the front of the small place and have a glass of wine. He seemed friendly, but after you sat down and ordered, you never saw him again. You were then served by people who didn't talk at all, or take care of you that well. They never asked us how are meal was, or if we needed anything. We ordered the lasagne which had lots of ground meat inside, but was far too soft and sweet. They clearly overcooked it. The pasta with sausage had poor flavor. At the end of our meal, the owner magically reappeared and wanted to try to sell us a dessert, and when we declined as we were too full, he seemed offended and quickly left the table. Needless to say, it seems the owner isn't that genuinely friendly, and is more focused on revenue, than providing a pleasant dining service.
One of the best meals I had on my trip to Italy to see my son (who is stationed at a nearby base, Camp Darby). Outstanding fried anchovies appetizer and sumptuous seafood pasta. Finished up with panna cotta to die for. Don't let the fact that it's near a high touristy area put you off. It's small family business that cares about the quality of the food they serve.
Wow. Saw the reviews and they don't lie. They don't lie I tell ya! The host/owner greeted us and even though they closed in 5 minutes he still decided to serve us despite the mid day break. He was like the Terminator as well. Fast, and efficient and was as friendly as they come. The food was fresh and tasty and I loved everything. The gnocchi was some of the best I ever had, and the wife had a seafood spaghetti that was to die for. This is a top notch establishment. If you're in the Pisa area and are looking for something good to eat, don't hesitate, and just come here. One of the best experiences I've had in Europe so far.
Our experience at Peperoncino is still a bit confusing. In summary, the food and wine were good, and the service was very attentive... almost too attentive. It's unlikely we'll be back, but clearly several other reviewers disagree with our perception. Perhaps we caught things on an off night? We showed up without reservations behind a group of three. While there were two empty tables inside, and five empty chairs, the group of three was turned away, and we were instantly escorted in to one of the available tables. While we were dining, about five other groups showed up without reservations; three groups were seated, one group was asked to make reservations on the next night, and the fifth group was turned away. The groups who were turned away were parties of asian diners, including the party who had arrived before us. The restaurant had only caucasian customers during our visit. We were seated near the door with a front-row view of this all, and it was strange to watch. We selected a Montalcino wine which was good. We had some ok gnocchi, a plate of excellent fried sardines, and the evening special, a grilled steak served with tomatoes and arugula. The steak was ok, with ok arugula... but the tomatoes weren't very fresh or flavorful. We finished with an excellent creme brulee. The owner was very attentive to one of us through the meal... but it seemed a bit forced and a little strange. He did offer us some limoncello which was very good to end the meal. I'd say that the meal itself was probably a 4, and we might have returned, except for the strange feel for the evening. Again, we might have caught things on an off night; hopefully our food comments will be useful if you do decide to eat here!
Fantastico! Simply amazing! We went to see the leaning tower of Pisa then read about this restaurant on Yelp. We were not disappointed, we were absolutely delighted- and stuffed! We had a group of 10, were seated in a back room- outside seating is also available- there just wasn't a spot open for all of us. The owner Donato totally took care of us. We decided we didn't want to order off of the menu- to just eat whatever he wanted us to try. We shared everything family style. It was unbelievable! Loved everything! We started out with bruschetta, some with grilled veggies on top, olives, prosciutto, a dish with boiled wheat and tomatoes, peas, squash, and herbs, some yummy fried bread, Italian bread, mussels. Ok that was just our appetizers! Oh and we had the house wine in carafes and one friend had peroni beer. So- our main courses-amazing gnocchi- my husband didn't even like gnocchi but he loved theirs! A pasta dish with meat, mushrooms, and red sauce, a seafood pasta- delicious, then we had this incredible risotto cooked with garlic, onions, Chianti wine, and Brie. I think the risotto was my husband's favorite! It's pictured and looks purple. Then of course we had to sample desserts-panacotta with berries, creme brûlée, and tiramisu. My favorite was the tiramisu but they were all incredible. I had coffee, some had espresso to finish our amazing meal. Donato's wife was the chef- we were so impressed! His daughter was our server. We feel like we got to know them- made new friends!
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This restaurant is fantastic! My husband and I sat down with no reservation at about 8PM on a Tuesday evening. To start, we shared the Toscana antipasti, which was comprised of two pomodoro bruschetta, an eggplant/peperoncini crostini, and a lardo crostini. A light and delicious way to start our meal. My husband had the tagliatelle with mushrooms and Italian sausage and I had the special; spaghetti chitarra frutti di mare (seafood spaghetti). Both were amazing. The pasta was a perfect al dente and the ingredients were fresh and vibrant. At the end of our meal we were treated to a taste of the owners homemade limoncello. Having had a cheap version of limoncello the night before, we were a little hesitant. I am so glad he convinced us to give it another try, because it was refreshing and you could tell that it was made with expertise and love. This place is a gem hidden amongst many tourist traps (not to mention, it's reasonably priced). The owner (I wish I got his name!) is so welcoming, helpful, and funny! You will not be disappointed. read more
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I've been in Europe for little under a month. I can say with 100% confidence that this little restaurant served up the best Gnocchi I've ever eaten. It was on the special board outside the small restaurant, and as the owner described how they made each dish, I knew it would be magical - and it was! From the service, to the pasta (my sister had the spaghetti, also delicious) to the owner's true compassion and care for his customers happiness. He makes it a point to ensure everyone is happy and satisfied throughout the meal. I cannot rave about this place more. It's surrounded by tourist-trap restaurants, that charge you for everything you do or eat. Here - it felt like we were eating in an Italian home. Short walk from Pisa, and a beautiful outdoor space! read more
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More info about Il Peperoncino
Via Santa Maria 95
56126 Pisa
Italy
Directions
389 0039919
Call Now
Hours
Food & Alcohol
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