The town, with its historic centre perched on a high cliff overlooking the sea, is located in the heart of the Costa degli Dei, a 55-kilometre stretch of the Tyrrhenian coastline that runs from Nicotera to Pizzo in the province of Vibo Valentia. This captivating route features unspoiled beaches, rocky stretches, and hidden coves. Recently becoming a trendy holiday destination, Tropea is also experiencing a surge in its dining scene, especially among young people, with the emergence of new establishments and formats.
Where to eat in Tropea
3 Nodi
From the tables overlooking the marina, the view stretches from the moored boats to the cliff on which the town rests. The kitchen, under the capable hands of young chef Alfredo Rizzo, offers many interesting dishes that are well thought out and executed: octopus cooked at low temperature on Silana potato cream with pecorino cheese; fresh pasta with red prawns from Capo Vaticano, Rossano liquorice, and almonds; golden bream fillet on sweet pepper and lime cream. The raw dishes are a triumph of freshness. Finish with spoon desserts, such as the bergamot semifreddo. The wine list showcases the best regional wines, including sparkling wines.
3 Nodi – Marina Vescovado viale Raf Vallone – 329 0544040 – www.3nodi.it
Cinque Sensi Trattoria Contemporanea
A talented and motivated team runs this restaurant, which has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Tropea. Chef Antonino Mandaradoni serves dishes such as marinated mackerel, fermented raspberries, and pink garlic cream from Papaglionti; cold “stroncatura” (typical pasta) with mussels, ‘nduja, and Podolica cow stracciatella; albacore tuna, almond milk, escarole, and sweet-and-sour Tropea onion; suckling pig, grilled endive, and oyster sauce; bergamot delight, salted almond, and rosemary. Tasting menu at €75, selection of regional oils. The wine cellar features Calabrian labels, craft beers, and an incredible selection of gins.
La Conchiglia da Patea
The restaurant of brothers Simone and Domenico Orfano overlooks a charming square in the heart of the historic centre. The cuisine aims to highlight local resources, including seafood, with very satisfying results. Start with raw cod salad or a trio of tartares, then move on to pasta with sea urchins (in season) or classic spaghetti with clams or succulent lobster linguine. Then there’s swordfish fillet on beetroot and caper cream and fragrant fried cod with sweet-and-sour onions. Delightful homemade liqueurs are offered at the end of the meal, and the wine list is mostly Calabrian.
La Conchiglia da Patea – via del Monte, 17 (largo Sannio) – 0963 378951 – www.facebook.com/p/Ristorante-la-Conchiglia-da-Patea/
Incipit Restaurant
In the historic centre, a stone’s throw from the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Romania, Incipit offers a unique atmosphere with stone walls and arches, terracotta floors, contemporary furnishings, and a large outdoor area. The culinary focus is on showcasing excellent Calabrian products. Dishes include salmon cheesecake, Carnaroli rice from Sibari with tomato, Cantabrian anchovies, and buffalo strips; calamarata pasta with cherry tomatoes, aubergines, and swordfish; tuna steak with sweet-and-sour onions and black olive powder; mixed fried fish; hazelnut semifreddo with caramel and liquorice. The wine list is suitable.
Incipit Restaurant – largo Galluppi, 17 – 392 9479156-392 9898967 – www.incipitrestaurant.com
Livasì Food & Store
A sales point for the namesake agricultural salami factory, it’s the ideal place for a snack, aperitif, or a different kind of meal. Livasì is a family-run business that primarily produces ‘nduja (the typical spicy soft salami), including an original ‘nduja mortadella. Also available are pancetta, capocollo, sausage (including with onion), soppressata, preserves, pickles, pâtés, citrus marmalades, and more. In addition to shopping, you can enjoy charcuterie and cheese boards, sandwiches, burgers, bruschettas, and various delights, including some typical sweets. Pair with mostly regional wines and local craft beers. Online sales available.
Livasì Food & Store – via Umberto I, 2 – 340 8828818 – www.livasi.com
Marasusa Bistrot di Mare
This charming centrally located bistrot offers outdoor seating. The friendly service and the quality of the predominantly seafood dishes, featuring local ingredients, impress. Examples include true octopus with caramelised Tropea onion, Silana potato cream, and dill oil; aubergine mousse cake with mozzarella del Poro, parmesan, tomato sauce, and basil oil; fileja pasta with Aspromonte black pork rib ragù; grilled cuttlefish and squid with pea and mint cream. The wine list is "Calabrian."
Marasusa bistrot di mare – largo Sannio, 2 – 347 5323932 – www.marasusa.inconcreto.it
Da Ribaudo
Opened in late March 2023 by young (and talented) pizza maker Francesco Ribaudo, it is undoubtedly the best pizzeria in Tropea. The pizza is the result of a mix of 00 and 1 flours, long fermentation, hand stretching, precise baking, and high-quality toppings. Options include provola and pepper (San Marzano DOP tomatoes, smoked provola cheese, black pepper, and basil) and made in Tropea (San Marzano DOP peeled tomatoes, fiordilatte from Poro, Spilinga black pork ‘nduja, caramelised Tropea red onion IGP, yellowfin tuna, and oregano). Delicious aubergine meatballs are also on the menu. Drinks include cocktails, Calabrian wines, and beers.
Da Ribaudo – via F. Barone – 353 3386024 – www.instagram.com/da_ribaudo/
Sublime
Opened a couple of years ago, the restaurant is housed in an old noble palace in the centre. Founded by two passionate young chefs – Felice Cicco and Francesco Nardi – it has introduced a new dining style in the town, with offerings ranging from lunch to aperitif and dinner. The cuisine is based on carefully chosen ingredients, predominantly organic and local (Rossano liquorice, Sibari rice, Poro cheese, Tropea red onion, stockfish, etc.), which become the stars of visually appealing and tasty creative dishes. The drinks list includes wines and cocktails. The interiors are of understated elegance, and the outdoor spaces are charming.
Sublime – largo Galluppi, 15 – 0963 582533 – www.sublimetropea.it
Lido Tropical
This venue is a bar, beach establishment, and restaurant all in one. You can dine just a few metres from the water in a large outdoor area, with views extending to the Aeolian Islands on clear days. If the weather is bad, you can dine indoors, surrounded by a well-stocked library. The cuisine focuses on fish and vegetables from their own garden, aiming for original and appealing combinations. The menu is not extensive, guaranteeing fresh ingredients: stuffed anchovies, raw red prawns, oysters, tempura zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, prawn tartare with burrata, rocket, mint, and lime, classic spaghetti with clams, seared tuna. Themed evenings and tastings are organised.
Lido Tropical – via Marina del Convento – 339 3683532 – www.lidotropicaltropea.com
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