Passion Cacciucco
The Best Restaurants in Livorno
Cacciucco alla Livornese ( https://www.itstuscany.com/it/il-cacciucco-una-zuppa-di-pesce-che-rappresenta-lanima-e-la-storia-della-citta-di-livorno/) is one of the typical dishes of the port city of Livorno and is said to have been created by fishermen to consume the smaller fish that could not be sold.
As in many soups and stews in our region, bread also plays an important role here and while many fish stews contain white wine, cacciucco has a red wine base that enriches it and gives it an excellent depth of flavor.
Legends about the origins of cacciucco
It is said that the widow of a drowned fisherman prepared the first cacciucco with pieces of fish collected by her children; The mother cooked it (the fish, not the children) in a broth which she then poured over the stale bread of the day: in a short time the dish became a favorite of the locals.
Another legend about cacciucco is that, in order to be authentic, it must contain fish with a bone. (https://www.itstuscany.com/it/il-cacciucco-livornese/)
Here are our 3 favorite restaurants to eat cacciucco (I recommend with five 5) in Livorno.
Antico Moro
Via Enrico Bartelloni, 27,
The place, despite being small, is welcoming; The environment is dated but it is a real page of Labronic history and the cuisine it offers is sincere, genuine with a wide choice on the menu between appetizers, first and second courses. The cacciucco proposed here is drier than the image you may have in mind, but as you should know, in Livorno everyone offers it in their own way.
Small tip, if you love spicy this is the place for you, vice versa always ask the waiter what are the dishes without chilli.
The Barcarola
Viale Carducci, 39
Even at La Barcarola the environment can remind you of the restaurants of the 80s, also characterized by a bit of waiting for the dishes but, for us, this is an added value, since it means that they are made on the spot.
Appetizers, first and second courses very interesting, with abundant portions, but the king who is the master is a magnificent cacciucco who, as you can read on their website: " That's right, in Cacciucco you will find the flavor of Livorno, its character of a quarrelsome and popular city, sanguine, stirred up by the libeccio, all drafts and explosions of voices. A strong and varied flavor at the same time, with many assonances and aromas for as many fish as there are that contribute to forming its sauce."
Yacht Club Livorno
Via del Molo Mediceo, 21
Wonderful location: the characteristic position is under the maritime warning (port pilots) and the rooms are obtained in an ancient bastion at the entrance to the port. Don't be intimidated by the exclusive name, just call to book and to avoid it being all occupied by club members.
The fish is always fresh and very well cooked: it can really be a surprise.
The cacciucco is one of those that are remembered: the proportions are perfect, the fish are very clean, cut into pieces in case of large size, and deprived of bones: there is nothing worse than feeling a thorn on the palate while eating. Don't you think?
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