What to Eat in Rimini: From Piada to Pesce

What to Eat in Rimini: From Piada to Pesce

A plate of sea, a bite of history... Rimini nourishes not just your body but also your soul.

Eating in Rimini isn’t just about satisfying hunger —
it’s about meeting a region, a culture, and a season.

At first glance, piadina seems to be everywhere.
But take a few steps further, and the real doors of the kitchen open:
Shrimps fresh from the sea, tender calamari, mixed fried fish sizzling in hot oil,
mussels slowly cooked in garlic sauces…

Some flavors find you under a beach umbrella, some while stepping barefoot into a restaurant after a swim.
Some are eaten standing, others at tables with white tablecloths...
But all of them belong to Rimini.

This guide is for those who want more than just the answer "Piadina" to the question of what to eat in Rimini.
For those curious about true coastal cuisine and affordable but quality places.

📌 You’ll discover local flavors,
🍴 Explore 10 budget-friendly restaurants,
🍷 Pair dishes with the right wines, and
🍨 Taste gelato listed in TasteAtlas.

Get ready.
Because in Rimini, food leaves its mark not just on your palate, but also in your mind.

1️ Must-Try Local Dishes

These dishes belong to Rimini. You won’t find the same flavors in Rome or Florence.

Although Rimini is part of Emilia-Romagna, its coastal location blends land and sea cuisine.
On one side, the hearty warmth of Italian pasta; on the other, the fresh, salty breeze from the Adriatic.

Here are the traditional and local dishes you shouldn’t miss:

🫓 Piadina Romagnola

A thin, lightly crispy, warm flatbread — but actually a meal on its own.
Stuffed with prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, sometimes mortadella or vegetables with cheese.
However, not all piadina are the same:

• In Rimini, it’s thinner and crispier, 
• While inland, it’s thicker and softer.

💬 Experience note:
For us, it felt a bit plain. Not as bold as Turkish gözleme or lavash, but still worth trying.

🍝 Cappelletti in Brodo

Small dumplings served in broth.
Traditionally more common in winter, but you can find them year-round in classic Rimini restaurants.
The filling usually mixes cheese and spiced meat.

💬 Flavor profile:
Calm, deep, with a cozy, homemade feeling.

🐟 Grigliata di Pesce Misto
(Mixed Grilled Seafood)

A mix of fish, shrimp, calamari, and sometimes scallops, grilled together.
Served with lemon, olive oil, and minimal seasoning.
One of the cleanest, purest seafood experiences in Rimini.

💬 Perfect pairing:
Cold white wine on a mild summer evening.

🐚 Cozze alla Marinara
(Mussels in Sauce)

Mussels are cooked with garlic, olive oil, white wine, and parsley.
Usually served with toasted bread.
The balance of the rich sauce and the sea aroma is different in Rimini.

💬 Note:
It’s absolutely fine — even necessary — to eat with your hands and wipe the plate clean.

🐙 Fritto Misto di Mare
(Mixed Fried Seafood)

Fresh shrimp, calamari rings, sometimes small fish — all lightly floured and fried to crisp perfection.
Usually served with lemon.
Neither too greasy nor too dry — just the right crunch.

💬 Tip:
Perfect for eating standing up — try it in a cone at the beach or an open-air market.

🍲 Brodetto di Pesce
(Fish Stew)

A stew made with multiple types of fish and shellfish, simmered in a tomato-garlic sauce.
Slow-cooked for hours.
Sometimes served poured over slices of bread.

💬 Flavor profile:
Sea, earth, and time...
Not just food — an invitation to slow down.

🍞 Passatelli Romagnoli

A rustic pasta made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan.
Thick like bulgur, but spongy in texture.
Served in broth or with tomato sauce.

💬 Surprising flavor:
Looks simple, but the taste is layered and rich.

🧀 Formaggio di Fossa
(Pit-Aged Cheese)

A sharp, strong cheese is fermented underground.
Usually served with piadina or pasta.
A legend among strong cheese lovers.

💬 Aromatic note:
The smell might surprise you at first — but the flavor explodes in your mouth.

2️ Where to Try It – Restaurants, Osterias & Wine Bars

Good food, fair prices, and a little Adriatic soul in every bite.

🍝 1. Romagna Mia
📍 Viale Vespucci 183 — ⭐ 4.4
Known for excellent piadina and fresh seafood.
Simple interior, fast and friendly service.
💶 €10–18
💬 Experience note:
Looks touristy but feels like a local kitchen.

🐟 2. Il Pescato del Canevone
📍 Via Michele Rosa 13 — ⭐ 4.6
Shrimp, mussels, calamari... all fresh and delicious.
The fritto misto is especially good.
💶 €12–20
💬 Tip:
Plates are filling but light. Small tables tucked into narrow streets.

🦑 3. La Piada and The Sea
📍 Viale Regina Elena 101 — ⭐ 4.5
Exactly what the name promises: piadina + seafood.
Mussels and seafood-stuffed piadina are favorites.
💶 €10–16
💬 Hidden spot:
A local favorite tucked away between streets.

🍕 4. Sabbioni Pizza and Restaurant
📍 Viale Regina Elena 131 — ⭐ 4.4
A hybrid menu of pizzas and seafood pasta.
Lasagna and fried calamari are standouts.
💶 €10–15
💬 Vibe:
Feels like a small family-run spot — simple but cozy.

🦐 5. Ristorante Pizzeria Rimini Key
📍 Via XX Settembre 1870, 27 — ⭐ 4.3
Fresh fish, pasta, house wines...
The menu is simple but enough. Busy in the evenings.
💶 €13–20
💬 Tip:
Make a reservation for dinner.

🐚 6. Il Re dei Mari
📍 Via Fada 27 — ⭐ 4.5
Famous for its mixed seafood fry and mussels.
Food comes fast; service is relaxed.
💶 €12–17
💬 Bonus:
Still satisfying even if you eat standing.

🍝 7. Osteria de Borg
📍 Via Forzieri 12 — ⭐ 4.6
A nostalgic osteria in Borgo San Giuliano serving local dishes.
Grilled fish and passatelli are highlights.
💶 €15–22
💬 Perfect for:
A romantic dinner in a charming alley.

🍷 8. Biberius Enoteca
📍 Piazza Cavour 14 — ⭐ 4.5
Local wine selection and small plates.
Perfect pairing of cheeses and charcuterie.
💶 €6–12
💬 Ideal for:
A light drink and chat at sunset.

🍨 9. Gelateria La Romana (1947)
📍 Via XX Settembre 125 — ⭐ 4.7
Listed among TasteAtlas’ best gelaterias.
Perfect balance of texture, richness, and freshness.
💶 €2.80–3.50
💬 Warning:
You’ll want two scoops — pistachio first, then lemon.

🥐 10. Pasticceria Tino (for breakfast & desserts)
📍 Via Marecchiese 143 — ⭐ 4.4
Local favorite for morning coffee, pastries, and ricotta-filled sweets.
💶 €4–8
💬 Tip:
One of the most peaceful breakfast spots in Rimini.

3️Drinks & Local Wines

In Rimini, a glass holds not just wine — but a bit of sky, a bit of sea breeze, and plenty of peace.

Emilia-Romagna might not be as famous as Tuscany on the wine map...
but the wines around Rimini are simple, easy to drink, and pair perfectly with food.
Just like the city itself: unpretentious, but reliable.

🍇 Local Wines

🍷 Sangiovese di Romagna DOC

• The most popular red.
• Medium-bodied, fruity, soft tannins.
• Perfect with fried seafood or piadina.

🥂 Trebbiano Romagnolo

• Light white wine.
• Floral, refreshing, cooling.
• Great with calamari, shrimp, or light pasta dishes.

🍾 Albana di Romagna

• Fuller-bodied, sometimes slightly sweet, but with character.
• Ask for the "secco" (dry) version in a good wine bar.

🍷 Pagadebit

• Slightly sweet but subtle.
• Perfect with desserts or as a light summer drink.

🕯️ Where to Enjoy Aperitivo

🍷 Biberius Enoteca
📍 Piazza Cavour 14 — Wine tastings and small bites
💬 Tip:
Find your favorite glass before the day ends.

🥂 Caffè Pascucci Lab
📍 Corso d'Augusto 53 — Modern and relaxed vibe
💬 Tip:
Good for light sparkling wines and cocktails.

🍹 La Marianna
📍 Viale Vespucci 39 — Seaside atmosphere
💬 Tip:
A perfect view for a small drink before an evening walk.

💬 Small Tips

• House wines are often served by the half-liter (carafe) and cost €5–7.
• Never refuse the snacks (nuts, olives, chips) that come with wine — they are often surprisingly good.
• During the hottest hours of the day, a beer or Aperol Spritz might be a smarter choice.
• Drinking wine on the beach is allowed if you buy small bottles, but be careful — glass bottles may be banned in some areas.

4️ Tips for Eating Out in Rimini

It’s possible to eat really well in Rimini without falling into tourist traps — here are some smart tricks.

🫓 Not All Piadina Are Equal

Seeing piadina on a menu means nothing — look at how it’s made.
Real piadina should be:

• Cooked fresh
• Lightly toasted but not dry
• Modestly filled, not overloaded

If you see piadina stuffed with lettuce, ketchup, or non-traditional cheeses → it's not real piadina.

💬 Local tip:
Look for menu phrases like “Piadina Romagnola IGP” or “alla piastra” for authenticity.

🐟 How to Check for Fresh Seafood

• If the menu lists "pescato del giorno" (catch of the day), it’s fresh from the sea.
• Don’t order fish without a listed price — ask before committing.
• In fritto misto, ask if shrimp, calamari, and fish are fried separately (better quality).

💬 Tip:
Menus with too many photos usually mean lower-quality food.
Good menus are often simple printed A4 sheets and change frequently.

🥂 Don’t Underestimate Aperitivo

From 5:00–8:00 PM, many bars offer an “aperitivo” —
a drink paired with small plates.
At some places, these plates are so generous you might skip dinner altogether.

💬 Tip for budget travelers:
€6–10 will get you a good glass of wine + snacks that keep you full till night.

🍽️ Avoid Tourist Menu Traps

Along Piazza Cavour and the beachfront, you’ll see 3-course menu deals (starter + main + dessert).
Some are good, but often:

• Portions are small
• Dishes are pre-prepared
• Service fees (coperto) are NOT included

💬 How to avoid it:
Look for menus that say “coperto incluso” (service included) for a safer choice.

📌 Popular Places That Require Reservations

Crowded after 7:30 PM, but excellent in terms of value for money:

• Osteria de Borg — Traditional dishes in Borgo San Giuliano
• Romagna Mia — Balanced seafood and the piadina menu

💬 Advice:

→ Go early or book in advance for these spots.

🎯 Remember:
Rimini offers plenty of choices — but finding truly good food requires a bit of attention and a bit of instinct.

🔚Final Taste – If You’re Looking for More Than Just the Sea

Rimini is not just about the sun and the sea.
It’s also a city that takes pride in its tables.

One piadina during the day, a glass of Trebbiano at sunset, seafood-scented pasta at night...
Here, eating is not just a necessity — it’s how you complete the day.

And you don’t need fancy restaurants for it.
A corner piadina stand, a two-table osteria in a hidden alley,
or a small gelateria listed on TasteAtlas — they all deliver Rimini’s true soul.

If you’re ready to follow the flavors of Rimini:

start with our map and recommendations.
But remember:
The best meal is sometimes the one that finds you without a menu.

🔜 Next up:

🛏️ "Staying in Rimini: Where to Sleep, Swim, and Stroll"
→ Where to stay, how to reach the beach, and getting there from Bologna — all in the next guide.

🍷 — Wanderoria