When you step into the heart of Calabria, Catanzaro might not be the first place that comes to mind for food lovers, but it absolutely should be. Located on the stunning southern coast of Italy, Catanzaro is more than just a charming historic town—it’s also a hidden gem for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Italian seafood. My recent trip to Catanzaro led me straight to some of the best seafood restaurants in the region, where fresh catches from the Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea await.
I want to share my experience and highlight some incredible spots where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. From the first bite of tender octopus to the delicate sweetness of a freshly grilled fish, these places truly know how to serve up the flavors of the sea. If you’re planning a trip to Catanzaro anytime soon, you won’t want to miss these recommendations.
1. Trattoria La Vela – A Local Favorite by the Sea
Nestled along the coastline, Trattoria La Vela is one of the first places I found myself visiting during my stay in Catanzaro. The restaurant has a laid-back, rustic vibe, which immediately gave me the sense of being somewhere that locals regularly flock to. It wasn’t flashy, but the food spoke volumes.
The moment I sat down, the server brought out a plate of antipasti di mare (seafood appetizers), showcasing a variety of local seafood, from marinated anchovies to soft-shell crab. Every bite was a testament to the skill of the chef, who sources everything locally. One standout was the branzino—a Mediterranean sea bass that was simply grilled to perfection, served with nothing more than a drizzle of olive oil, fresh lemon, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The freshness was undeniable, and the taste of the sea was palpable with every forkful.
For mains, I opted for a classic spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). It was an ideal balance of flavors—garlic, fresh herbs, and the briny sweetness of the clams mixed with the slightly al dente pasta. There was no overpowering sauce; everything was just light and fresh, which is exactly what you want when you’re eating seafood this fresh.
2. Ristorante Il Gambero Rosso – Elegant Dining with a Coastal View
If you’re looking for a more elegant setting, Ristorante Il Gambero Rosso is the place to be. Situated with an exceptional view of the coast, it combines fine dining with the authentic taste of Calabria’s seafood. The ambiance is sophisticated yet inviting, with soft lighting and a stylish yet unpretentious interior.
What struck me about Il Gambero Rosso was its attention to detail. The menu offered a wide selection of seafood, but I was particularly drawn to their risotto ai frutti di mare (seafood risotto). The rice was perfectly creamy without being too rich, and it was loaded with a variety of seafood—prawns, mussels, squid, and clams. The dish was well-balanced and incredibly flavorful, with each ingredient tasting as if it had just been pulled from the water moments before hitting the plate.
Another must-try dish here is the grigliata mista di pesce (mixed grilled seafood). It features an assortment of fresh fish, prawns, and squid, all perfectly grilled. The simplicity of the dish allowed the natural flavors of the seafood to shine through, each piece of seafood cooked to perfection, slightly charred on the outside, but juicy and tender on the inside.
3. Osteria del Mare – Traditional and Cozy
Tucked away in a quieter part of the town, Osteria del Mare offers a cozy, homestyle atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve walked into a local’s dining room. The restaurant specializes in traditional Calabrian seafood dishes, and everything I tried was exceptional.
The highlight for me was the frittura di pesce (fried fish), which came with an assortment of small fish and seafood, lightly battered and fried to a golden crisp. It was served with a side of lemon wedges and a tangy dipping sauce that added a burst of flavor with every bite. The portion size was generous, and the crispy exterior gave way to soft, flaky fish inside, making it a perfect dish to enjoy alongside a glass of local white wine.
I also highly recommend trying their calamari ripieni (stuffed squid). The squid was tender, and the stuffing, made with breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, complemented the natural sweetness of the seafood beautifully. The dish was simple but flavorful, embodying the essence of Calabrian cooking.
4. Da Vittorio – The Best of Both Worlds
Located in the city center, Da Vittorio offers the best of both worlds: casual and upscale dining with a menu that combines traditional seafood dishes with a few modern twists. This place quickly became one of my favorites in Catanzaro.
What sets Da Vittorio apart is the balance between classic Italian seafood dishes and more inventive, contemporary offerings. I decided to try the tartare di tonno (tuna tartare) to start. The tuna was incredibly fresh, delicate in flavor, and paired perfectly with a touch of olive oil, citrus, and a sprinkle of herbs. It was light, refreshing, and a perfect way to start the meal.
For the main course, I had tagliatelle alle cozze e pomodorini (tagliatelle with mussels and cherry tomatoes). The pasta was handmade, and the mussels were cooked just right—plump, juicy, and full of flavor. The cherry tomatoes added a burst of sweetness, while the light, garlicky sauce tied everything together beautifully.
5. Pescatore Ristorante – Fresh Fish, Simple but Delicious
I couldn’t leave Catanzaro without visiting Pescatore Ristorante, another must-try for seafood lovers. The focus here is on the freshest fish available, with an emphasis on simplicity. Located just outside the city center, this charming little restaurant feels like a secret that only the locals know about.
The menu is small but incredibly well-curated. I started with the insalata di mare (seafood salad), which was a mix of octopus, shrimp, and shellfish tossed in a light lemon dressing. The seafood was so fresh, it almost tasted as if it had been pulled from the water right before serving. The salad was light and refreshing, a perfect appetizer on a warm day.
For the main course, I opted for a sogliola alla griglia (grilled sole), and I wasn’t disappointed. The fish was simply seasoned with salt and olive oil and grilled to perfection, allowing the delicate, sweet flavor of the sole to shine. The fish was tender, flaky, and delicious. Pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine from the region made for the perfect meal.
6. Where to Make Reservations: A Few Useful Platforms
If you’re planning to visit these seafood restaurants in Catanzaro, I highly recommend using some online reservation platforms to make sure you don’t miss out on a table, especially during the busier months.
- TheFork is an excellent platform for booking reservations in Italy. It’s user-friendly and allows you to see reviews, check availability, and even get discounts at some restaurants.
- TripAdvisor also offers restaurant booking options, along with a wealth of user reviews that can help you make an informed decision. It’s great for seeing how others have experienced the restaurants.
- Bookatable is another option to consider, though it’s not as widely used in Italy as TheFork. Still, it’s a reliable platform if you prefer planning ahead.
For those spontaneous moments when you might want to try something new, don’t hesitate to ask your hotel concierge or locals for recommendations. Calabrians are incredibly welcoming, and they love sharing their culinary treasures with visitors.
The seafood in Catanzaro is undoubtedly a highlight of the region, offering both local flavors and a taste of the sea that you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal by the beach or indulging in fine dining with a panoramic view, these restaurants are the best spots to dive into the fresh, vibrant seafood culture that defines Catanzaro.