The story
Since 2001, the Benvenuti family has run Foresta, a small restaurant facing the Tyrrhenian Sea in Marina di Pisa. Brothers Barbara and Alessandro, both certified AIS sommeliers, manage the dining room and wine service. The restaurant occupies a historic building that once was Caffè Foresta, the last café before the pine forest, dating to the early 1900s.
The kitchen respects local traditions and ingredients, with a menu that changes to highlight seasonal seafood and classic dishes from the territory. “The cuisine is culture,” they say, and they invite guests to let themselves be guided through a gastronomic journey. During summer, dining moves outdoors to the terrace and pontile, where the view of the sea is spectacular. Aperitifs are served on the sand, with hot and cold bites from the kitchen, before transitioning into dinner.
The wine list holds about 300 labels. The sommeliers favour Italian native grapes and often propose pairings tailored to the guest’s tastes. They have exclusive rights to some producers. Sparkling wines are a particular passion – both Italian and French – and the sound of a cork popping signals a pleasant moment, whether festive or romantic.
Attached to the restaurant is a small private beach area, reserved for guests who book. A few shaded spots and a tranquil atmosphere make it ideal for a day of relaxation. In summer, the restaurant operates almost entirely on the sea-facing deck.
Foresta’s quality and consistency earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026, recognising its honest, well-executed classic cuisine and seafood in a setting that feels both intimate and connected to the sea.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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