Where to Eat in Pistoia: The Best Restaurants and Bars

November 22, 2017 Russell Mellin

Pistoia (Italian pronunciation: [piˈstoːja] ( listen)) is a city and comune in the Italian region of Tuscany, the capital of a province of the same name, located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) west and north of Florence and is crossed by the Ombrone Pistoiese, a tributary of the River Arno. It is a typical Italian medieval city, and it attracts many tourists, especially in the summer. The city is famous throughout Europe for its plant nurseries.
Things to do in Pistoia

1. Ristorante Rafanelli

Via di Sant'Agostino 47, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Italian, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$337 - HK$385 +39 0573 23046
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 701 reviews

Ristorante Rafanelli

1927 / Today.... Alberto, the grandfather, in 1927, opened the Rafanelli family restaurant, a trattoria that was open from 17:30 until 20:00 serving rich snack and dinner which soon built a loyal clientele. After the 2nd World War, in 1946, Alberto began with the first course and the famous fried : "Arno fish and frogs" among the specialties of the earth was in great demand pork loin oil (still on the menu), salami farmers and charcoal-grilled meat. The restaurant was run by Alberto Rafanelli and 3 daughters, Tina, Rita and Laura, full-time moms of the new generation who managed the place with their husbands in the past 50 years. "The 50s were tough times", says Ms Rita, "but my father Albert was enterprising . He bought a small truck "station wagon" used to buy bread at a bakery in town - Barba - and we wound up over the bread for himself and for others, including his brother in law who had a small grocery store (in those days we helped each other). Money were few and also the small truck was doing his best. With its platform and smashed father Alberto driving, every puddle of water on the road he met the risk of getting their feet wet with the sketches was a certainty. Today these things are unthinkable but in those days, since the money for all needs were not there, it was a virtue of necessity". The focus for the raw material was a prerogative of Alberto and this heritage is not lost. It was the Accademia della Cucina, in 1955, that took notice the quality of our food and gave him the first official recognition. These were the years of the economic boom, people had a desire to have fun and go out, began to manifest the desire to have lunch and dinner outside their home. The change of mentality also produced the transformation of the room, which was completely renovated in 1962: vintage photos are shown in a hall of the restaurant. The continuous increase in new customers (who were no longer enough fried fish, cold cuts and roast ribs) led to a change in the style of the restaurant. Care service, customer focus, rigor in the choice of the raw material became our credo. The year 1962 is considered the turning point, the "hardiness" to the "classic" look without affecting the philosophy by which we are born: genuine kitchen + selected raw materials = guaranteed quality. After 50 years, we analysed ourselves on our work and we realized that we have never abandoned the original "rustic cuisine" that naturally evolved over time into "classical" and today, simply, "tradition". A homely and warm greeting, while respecting the traditions and habits, reflects the character of house Rafanelli. A special thought and a thank you to all the staff who over the years have shared with us this long and challenging journey and those who still work with us to continue to offer to our friends/customers the best of "Tuscany" real culinary traditions. Thank you all..

Reviewed By Alon A - Ramat Gan, Israel

We went for dinner with our local hosts, that told us that Ristorante Rafanelli is the oldest restaurant in Pistoia, and is well-known for its excellent cuisine - and indeed, we found that to be true.
The place is decorated with different corks and caps of wine bottles on the walls, and since the rooms are not too big, it feels cozy. I enjoyed the dishes I ordered: The cow intestines (a local delicacy) was excellent, Gnocchi with cod fish was a bit salty but interesting, and the Lamb cooked in milk did not look very representative but was very flavorful. For dessert we had oven-roasted fruits, which were also very good.
The service was attentive, they had menus in English, and we had a good time.

2. Osteria Ale & Sally

Via Niccolo' Puccini 58, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$149 - HK$275 +39 0573 178 0418
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 318 reviews

Osteria Ale & Sally

Reviewed By HungarianOpinion

Nice German/ French speaking waitress, Italian friendly atmosphere, good value for money. It is worth to eat fish dishes (3 times a week freshly served), but steak is also a perfect choice. Ask for wine as well, choice of local people will be perfect :)
Worth to walk to this beautiful small restaurant!!

3. Bisteccatoscana

Via Sant'Andrea 30, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, Barbecue, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$141 - HK$337 +39 328 438 2056
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Bisteccatoscana

No menu and fixed price. If you like, you can drink some good wine. At your table, you'll be served (family style) 1,200 - 1,800 g or 2,400 g of top quality steak (600 g per person). While you steak is grilling, you'll taste a light appetizer to occupy your wait time and enjoy your steak with relish. Your steak will be done at sight on a wood-burning grill and will be accompanied by three side-dishes. A dessert will complete you dinner. The only extra could be the wine, if you like it, to be chosen from our rich list from €8.00 Upwards.

Reviewed By 1HappyTravellerr - Charleston, South Carolina

Our first visit in nearly two years was well worth the wait. Gerardo, his daughter Jessica and his wife welcomed us as though we were family. The excellent bistecca, appetizers, dessert and a nice Rosso from Montepulciano were all graciously served.
It was great to return and find the same excellent quality of the bistecca and the warm and friendly service. We will return soon!
Tip: Make a reservation.

4. Molino di Berto

Via di Paoluccio 1 | Orsigna, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Italian Lunch, Dinner +39 0573 490101
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 181 reviews

Molino di Berto

Reviewed By Cesare G - Popiglio

Good home cooking at "normal" prices. No wine list just the house wine, which certainly could be improved upon. I had to remind one of the ladies working there not to forget to bring the vino to our table [outside]. While they prepared the pasta dishes we ordered [good, but just that] we got offered some cheese to kill the time. Certo, grazie! The meat dishes we ordered were very good and I found my side dish, cooked red onions, very, very tasty. The bill for two came to 45 euros [including caffee but without any deserts], so one can not complain really... Oh, and a well maintained WC!

5. Il Gastronomo Rosso Veneziano

Via Piero della Francesca 200, Pistoia, Italy Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Seafood Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$126 - HK$432 +39 0573 33329
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 378 reviews

Il Gastronomo Rosso Veneziano

Reviewed By Wilfried W - Antwerp, Belgium

We walked half an hour (one way) to get to this restaurant so popular on TripAdvisor. However, at lunchtime it is more a cafeteria with a large buffet to choose from, fish and meat dishes, quickly served and incredibly fresh and cheap. Pity we could...Morethank you very much!

6. I Sapori di Sicilia

Via Pagliucola 62, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Seating, Delivery, Takeout, Reservations Street Food, Pizza Lunch, Dinner HK$94 +39 0573 172 1032
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 153 reviews

I Sapori di Sicilia

Reviewed By turista842013 - Pistoia, Italy

Da provare arancini e cannoli!!! buonissimi. peccato che il posto sia piccolo e non ci sia spazio per sedersi.....il prossimo locale più grande, mi raccomando!

7. Il Carbonile

Piazza del Carmine 6b, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Italian Dinner, Lunch HK$78 - HK$337 +39 340 325 9281
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Il Carbonile

Reviewed By Natalie W - Surrey, United Kingdom

Came with my boyfriend to this restaurant after being recommended by friend from England. We walked In to a super clean and beautiful looking restaurant and was greeted by tiziano who was a partner in the restaurant! He then introduced us to erriu our waitress who took us to our table. She soon after took our order then bought us out a complimentary carrot soup and a glass of prosecco which was a lovely touch. Everything we ate here was explained to us in detail, the food came out well presented and was absolutely delicious I will definitely be coming back here again and recommending to all my family and friends! Compliments to the chef food and service was of a 5* quality

8. Bar Pizzeria Amici di Malu'

Via di Montalbano 161 | Masiano Pistoia, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Pizza, Seafood, Barbecue Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$94 - HK$290 +39 0573 382408
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 263 reviews

Bar Pizzeria Amici di Malu'

Reviewed By fitfanatic - Sacramento, California

Upon Reading trip advisor reviews we sought out dinner on our way home from a long day of touring. This restaurant is tucked in a local neighborhood away from the tour spots. The restaurant is casual and food was excellent and unbelievably reasonable in price!...MoreDear Sirs Thanks to your great family for your visit. We are very happy to know you have appreciated our food and our service. And we hope to see you again! Best regards Amici di Malù

9. Pizzeria Lo Scimpanze'

Via Fiorentina 104 | Di fronte alla Conad al Fagiolo, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, Pizza, Mediterranean, Pub, Brew Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$71 - HK$243 +39 0573 194 1158
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Pizzeria Lo Scimpanze'

The best pizza in Pistoia!100 seats in a amazing Garden,quality ouar'motto!

Reviewed By AroundEveryCorner

Each trip to Italy, we search for the pizza of our dreams. When we find it, we revel in each and every bite. Tonight, Lo Scimpanze provided the most delicious, thin, crispy pizza with fresh toppings. Our waitress Camilla was friendly, full of smiles, and attentive. She welcomed us with kindness. The pizzeria is fortunate to have such a wonderful person!
This pizzeria is just off the Pistoia Raccordo and on the same side of the street as the Conad grocery store.

10. L'Arrosticino da Pietrino

Via Dalmazia 462, 51100 Pistoia, Italy Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Barbecue Lunch, Dinner HK$141 - HK$290 +39 0573 403219
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 461 reviews

L'Arrosticino da Pietrino

Reviewed By James L - Broughshane, United Kingdom

Went on a Sunday night. First to arrive and greeted by the chef/owner. Check out the trousers. Next to his pants my wife's pants were pants. Interesting starters, tasty little kebabs, fresh salad & house wine by the carafe. Very enjoyable.

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