APERITIVO
BAR PAPILLON - TROPEA
Located in the heart of Tropea Papillon has been serving one of the best aperitivo's in Tropea for years. With arguably the best location in town it's the perfect place to watch the world go by. The attentive team here offer great cocktails, a great wine selection, a good range of beers, generous aperitivo and the biggest ice-cream sundaes we've ever seen!
TRY: one of their expertly crafted cocktails or visit after dinner for a decadent dessert
la milegrese - TROPEA
One of our favourite cocktail bars. Combines a stunning courtyard location perfect for people watching with some of the best aperitivo & cocktails in Tropea. Great service and smartly dressed waiters make this a great pre-dinner stop off and well worth the prices!
TRY: their delicious Calabrian Martini
villa paola - TROPEA
If you want to dress up, splash out and find possibly the best view in Tropea for a romantic pre-dinner drink then you'll love the garden terrace at the Hotel Villa Paola. No pre-booking is required and they are happy to welcome non-residents to enjoy the beautifully designed gardens as the sun goes down.
TIP: time your visit so you can see the sun setting over Tropea
CAFE PARIS - TROPEA
Another Tropean institution, this cafe & bar has a great location and provides a more relaxed setting for a pre-dinner drink or a post-dinner gelato. The aperitivo is a little simpler here so you won't spoil your appetite for later.
TRY: to get a seat on the front row for the best view of La Passeggiata
restaurants
SPIZZICULIA - PARGHELIA
One of our favourites, and definitely the most popular in Parghelia, Spizziculia has a unique concept of only offering 2 set menu options. A 3 course meat or fish menu is created daily by their local chef depending on what is fresh in the market that morning. The menu changes daily, making every visit a surprise. Vegetarian options are available.
TRY: their deconstructed tiramisu which is a delicious twist on the original
ANTONIO'S PIZZERIA - PARGHELIA
A local institution, Antonio and his family have been serving the locals pizza for years. This is a no fuss authentic pizzeria offering an extensive pizza menu at incredible value. They also do a fantastic meat or fish grill cooked over hot coals, and their Tropean salad is the best we've tasted. Take-away also available.
TIP: create your own pizza - they will make any combination of toppings that you like.
doa - tropea
A new favourite, opening in 2025, DOA is beautifully designed with a smart air-conditioned interior and a lushly planted outside terrace overlooking the main square. The varied menu offers something for all tastes and budgets. Bookings are recommended to guarantee a table.
TRY: their fish dishes are great and often freshly caught that morning
quei bravi ragazzi - tropea
Meaning "The Good Guys", their name lives up to expectations as the team here know how to offer great food and drinks with friendly service. Some fantastic and original pizza toppings, a wonderful street side setting and frequent live music make this a great option for a relaxed and fun evening.
da cece - tropea
Da Cece is a popular fish restaurant tucked away in a quiet square offering a relaxed and charming setting away from the crowds. They specialise in fish, but other options are available, and the service is attentive and friendly.
MARASUSA - tropea
A great setting in a quiet residential square just off the main strip. Marasusa has a fresh and modern vibe with great decor and a really interesting menu. It's another great location for a relaxing and enjoyable meal.
vecchio forno - tropea
For over 200 years "the old oven" has been used to make bread and pizzas for the people of Tropea - and this legacy continues today in an unassuming side street. The queues of people waiting to sit on one of the traditional trestle tables are testament to why this place has been so popular since the 1800's!
TRY: their oven baked red onions which are sublime
de minimi - tropea
If you want a fine dining experience then De Minimi, at Hotel Villa Paola, is your go to destination. Exquisite decor, first rate service and an exceptionally curated menu make this a stand out choice for a special occasion.
TRY: the 9 course tasting menu is exceptional
il deposito - santa domenica
This fantastic new venue is a meat lovers dream. It's attached to the local butcher shop and as well as a great a la carte menu offers you the chance to handpick your preferred cut of meat. The decor is modern and intimate and the service is exceptional too.
TRY: ask you waiter to show you the different cuts of steak and handpick the one that suits you most
OSTERIA DELLA CIPOLLO ROSSA - tropea
Made famous across the world by Stanley Tucci in his hit TV show "Finding Italy" this restaurant has a clear mission and a unique menu. All the food is 100% sourced locally and is made exactly as it would have been before refrigeration. There is 1 set menu, so you eat what you are given, and every course is explained in detail when it is brought to the table.
TIP: Booking can only be done in several days in advance by email .
CAFES & BREAKFAST
MILLE VOGLIE - PARGHELIA
Just look at all those cakes and biscuits! With cornettas, pastries and sweet treats made freshly on site every day we're sure this will be your go to destination for breakfast or to pick up some delicious cakes to take-away for after dinner.
TIP: Get here early if you want a fresh cornetta - they're so good they usually sell out by mid-morning
PEPE'S - PARGHELIA
The best gelato in the village and a lovely terrace overlooking the main street makes Pepe's a great location for a stop off on the way back from the beach or for an after dinner treat.