Camilla's Top 5 Comfort Food Places in Livorno

Best Hot Chocolate from Café Deco, in Via Cambini, Livorno10th February 2012
Since it doesn't look like this cold weather is going to let up its grip on Livorno anytime soon, I started thinking about positive, fun things to do in town, and having a thick hot chocolate somehow popped into mind first. But as I went down that train of thought, I quickly came up with my "top 5" that I wanted to share, in case you're looking for some ideas of things to do, places to go while out and about.

Here goes, in no particular order than that which they came to my mind today: 

1. Best hot chocolate - Café Decò on Via Cambini 12 (the little pedestrian street between Via Roma and Via Marradi as you leave the shopping around Piazza Attias and Via Ricasoli). 

This is the perfect energiser pitstop when your toes have had enough of the cold and your shopping bags make your arms reach to your knees. The hot chocolate is deliciously creamy in texture, yet not too sweet and all chocolate flavour! I didn't even think to ask for whipped cream. 

2. Best place to buy fresh pasta - Pasta Matta on Borgo dei Cappuccini 37 (down Viale Italia end of Cappuccini in the Borgo district). Tel. 0586 882528

Greta knows her pasta, and if you're ever wondering what sauce goes with that particular ravioli, she'll be the first one to give you some great suggestions. She also speaks a little English! My personal favorites are the ravioli with pecorino (cheese) and sometimes she adds noci (walnuts) too! Or the ravioli con zucca (pumpkin) that I prepare simply with some sage, salt, pepper and either just extra virgin olive oil, or on festive occasions with cream. Pasta Matta is open 7 mornings a week till about 1pm, and if you're keen on a particular type of pasta - call the day before to order, as she usually just sells extra of what her regular restaurants have ordered for that day. I find great pasta to be the perfect comfort food this time of the year, but I'm also picky enough to want good-tasting carbs, when I have them!

The great news is that she is now also going to start selling at the central market in Livorno, stall 33 in the market building!

3. Best Happy Hour/Aperitivo - Nelson Tavern on Scali d'Azeglio 64. 

At Nelson you're in for a treat every Happy Hour of the week, if you just get there early enough to grab a seat, say by 6.30 pm. For 5 euro - your drink and mouthwatering finger food. Stay awhile and you'll find by the time you're done, you won't need dinner!

4. Best Seafood Happy Hour/Aperitivo - Carolina Café on Via Cairoli 49 (opposite the main post office). 

Like Nelson, Carolina also does Happy Hour most nights, but the special night is Wednesday, when they have a special seafood aperitivo for 7 euros. Rather than the usual 6 euros the other nights, I hope you'll agree it's worth the treat.

5. Best pastries with your espresso in city centre - Caffé Mamà, Via Cogorano 2.

Just off Piazza del Municipio in Livorno and a stone's throw from Piazza Grande, the location is unbeatable. The pastries are what makes this place though, as the spartan decor in my opinion is much more inviting in the summer than in the winter. They have their own bakery, and as such have a nice selection of good cakes and pastries. They advertise both WiFi and being able to speak English, neither of which I have actually tried, but would guess the sign tells the truth.

Camilla Pagliaroli www.appetite4life.typepad.com