San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy
Where to Eat and Drink
In style
Wonderful seafood in a very classy setting awaits diners at Messer Chichibio (5 Via L. Tiepolo, +39 735 584001, www.messerchichibio.it), just one street back from the harbour. Run by Gino and chef Piero, the emphasis is on fine cuisine, good wine and a friendly but upmarket ambience. Budget on 40-60 euros per person plus drinks.
Seafood is also a speciality of Il Pescatore (27 Via Trieste, +39 735 83782, www.ristoranteilpescatore.com), whose glass-fronted restaurant overlooks the beach, just 500m or so south of the harbour. Expect simple yet classy and traditional seaside-style décor and high-quality cuisine.
If you fancy getting out of the city centre, Trattoria Cognigni (Via Val Tiberina, +39 735 751341, www.trattoriacognigni.it) lies about 8km to the south of San Benedetto del Tronto and is owned by Francesco Cognigni, an international award-winning chef. This larger-than-life character has been passionate about food for decades and is renowned for steaks and his vegetable sculptures. The restaurant is set in a wonderful 19th century farmhouse.
For nightlife, The Docks (11 Via Tiepolo, +39 735 585528) is a vibrant, cosmopolitan club set within the shadow of the harbour. Housed in a converted warehouse and decorated with an eye for eclectic detail, it plays host to some top Italian DJs and makes a stylish venue for dancing the night away or simply enjoying a (late) supper.
Another chic night-time haunt is BB Discodinner (Strada Provinciale, Grottammare, +39 735 777872, www.bbdiscodinner.it), where you can eat and dance in very modern surroundings. It’s located approximately six kilometres north-east of San Benedetto del Tronto, but it’s a short trip that plenty of locals are more than happy to make, especially on a Saturday night.
On a budget
There are so many inexpensive pizzeria, fish restaurants, bars and cafes that there’s little point in making recommendations. You’ll be tripping over good, modestly priced eateries. Start at the harbour and walk either east towards the old town or head south. Let your eyes, ears and nose be your guide and you won’t go far wrong.
One place you may not stumble across, though, is Tara Brooch (63 Via dei Mille, +39 735 733828, www.tarabrooch.it), an Irish bar where you can drink Guinness (or cocktails) and peruse the bewildering array of pizzas on offer while listening to live music or stand-up comedy. It’s a lively place two kilometres south of the harbour and the craic often goes on well into the night. Well worth a visit.
Equally good for a buzzy night out, are the stylishly lit Lily White (35 Via Fioravanti, +39 735 757814, wwwlilywhite.it), a popular venue for food, music and live shows, and the fashionable Il Misus (252 Via del Mare, +39 735 762262) a contemporary fusion restaurant where you’ll find a lively vibe and some great music.