Aperitivo In Seaside Tuscany | Forte Dei Marmi
The best restaurants and bars in Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany’s coastal paradise
By Stefan Scholten | Founder & Designer | Studio Stefan Scholten & Studio Works
“The love for my Italian wife Manuela brought me to Italy. Here I paint, sketch and work for my Italian clients. I travel weekly from Amsterdam to Pisa and enjoy our life with family and friends nearby the beach. During the winter the beach town is completely empty, but as of May, when the temperature rises above 20C, many Milanese citizens come to this famous beach town and bring it to life. ”
Forte dei Marmi
Looking for great restaurants, bars and hotels in Forte Dei Marmi? As a tastemaker and local, designer Stefan Scholten most certainly has the best recommendations if you want to experience la dolce vita.
He lives in the city with his family in a renovated sixties villa, and also works from his design studio for Italian clients like Paola Lenti, Moroso and Cappellini.
Where to stay
VILLA FESCIONE
Villa Fescione Italy is a charming and tasteful design villa with a 2500 m2 lush garden with palms, pine trees, and colorful flowers in the green area of Poveromo Tuscany, close to the glamorous Forte dei Marmi. Recently renovated down to the smallest detail and furnished with stylish designer furniture. The terrazza, surrounded by purple wisteria flowers, and the beautiful garden, offers privacy to relax and enjoy the iconic Mediterranean vegetation and a unique space for kids to play in a safe environment.
The area of Poveromo is very quiet, with many parks and gardens, and the best beaches in the area can be reached by bike or with a lovely walk through quiet lanes and lovely pine trees. The villa belongs to the famous Dutch designer and Bearleader in Design, Stefan Scholten, and can be rented—requests via this button.
Where to eat & go for a drink
IL PARCO
Located in the Villa Grey hotel, this stylish one Michelin star restaurant serves some incredibly creative contemporary dishes in a unique environment, full of industrial design touches and green surroundings.
VELLUTO COCKTAIL BAR
The newest and hottest cocktail bar in town, very much still a hidden gem. Beautiful decor and classic cocktails.
PANAMA BY BORSALINO
Located on the Pietrasanta beach, this stylish restaurant serves traditional Versilian cuisine by Patrizio Giacomelli. Delightful service and style in a restaurant that is a tribute to the Borsalino panama hat, itself a symbol of the good life.
LUX LUCIS
This Michelin starred restaurant, located in contemporary design hotel Principe, boasts the best views in all of Forte, both inside and on the exclusive terrace.
A gorgeous park effortlessly flowing into the stunning mountain Apuan Alps and Thyrrhenian sea. Aside from the Michelin star, it was named as the Best Dining Experience by Condé Nast and won the special award Pasta of the Year and four hats by Le Guide de L’Espresso 2020.
MOLOKAI CAFE
Located in the Marina di Massa, this colourful yet peaceful secluded garden bar is the place to sit down with friends and sip quality cocktails till deep in the night.
maps, in Marina di Massa
RISTORANTE BAMBAISSA
Located at the Augustus beach club, this restaurant offers the option to dine among the coolest crowd, right on the beach.
AUGUSTUS BEACH CLUB
One of the most classy and glamorous beach clubs in Forte dei Marmi.
PALMO MARE
Forte Dei Marmi has no shortage of excellent beach clubs, but Palmo Mare stands out. This is a deeply authentic place, where owner Enzo and his team have crafted a relaxing, tasteful atmosphere with great food and drinks.
After 7PM the beach lounge is open, where you will be welcomed with a wonderful aperitivo, which in true Italian fashion is served with a variety of tasty little bites.
PESCE BARACCA
For exquisite seafood fresh from the local markets. The fresh fish served on the gorgeous roof terrace overviewing the sea and hills makes for a popular spot. Making a reservation in advance is a must.
GILDA'S
The perfect spot for a luxurious beach side dinner by candlelight. Feel the sand between your toes, but do mind the dress code: shorts are frowned upon and flip-flops are not allowed.
THE FRATELLINI'S
Where the local marble industry titans come to dine, drink and show off the latest in Italian fashion of Prada, Gucci and Missoni. They serve a good traditional pasta, but the fusion food is really something special.
For drinks, the Franciacorta Flamingo Rosé Brut is a top recommendation: a versatile wine for both fish and meat that stays pleasant to drink on even the warmest of nights.
CAFFE SOLDI
Start your day in true Italian fashion with a lovely brewed caffè macchiato or cappuccino and delicious fresh pastries. Embrace the Italian customs: don’t drink coffee at home, but in the bar with a brioche, fuelling you till 1PM.
ALPE MARE
This Roman imperial style beach club is an absolutely over the top luxurious experience. It has long been a favourite spot of the rich and famous, both from Italy and abroad.
It was frequented by the great Italian romantic poets as well as legendary musicians such as Ray Charles and Edith Piaf. The perfect place to lounge, swim and spot the latest in Italian swimwear fashion.
ROMANO
Visit the nearby town of Pietrasanta only 10km from Forte to eat at this authentic restaurant where time seemingly stood still. It is a strictly local affair, so be sure to bring a dictionary and practice your Italian.
You will be rewarded for your efforts with a varied selection of amazing food and wine, all at a great price.
For local wine, choose the Bulgari. Its price varies greatly, so ask for English speaking restaurant owner Guido Petrucci, who will give you the best recommendation.maps, in Pietrasanta
What to do
MAGAZZINI BRIACCHI
Right in Forte’s city centre, this recently opened design store of Jacopo Bracchi is worth a visit.
A complex of several older buildings surrounded by a sprawling garden showcase the very best of contemporary Italian design, like Moroso and Paola Lenti, while staying true to the authentic Tuscan setting.
PIETRASANTA
Just ten kilometres outside of Forte lies the idyllic town of Pietrasanta, where Stefan got married. Visit it after 5PM, when the town starts to wake up again. Take a walk through its beautiful streets and discover its museums and galleries. Also make sure to visit the beautiful Duomo, where Stefan’s son was baptized. In the evening, visit the town square to have a drink while watching the Italian nightlife unfold.
AUTOMOBILI MAGGIORE
This is an exclusive bespoke car manufacturer based in Forte dei Marmi. In limited edition they are producing a car, called the Maggiore Project M. A powerful mix between innovation and Italian heritage.
