Eating in Pesaro is as much a part of the travel experience as exploring its piazzas or strolling along the Adriatic coast. The city’s cuisine is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Marche region, blending the bounty of the sea with the flavors of the countryside. Seafood is the star of many menus, thanks to Pesaro’s location along the Adriatic. You’ll find brodetto alla pesarese, a rich fisherman’s stew brimming with freshly caught fish and shellfish, simmered in tomato and aromatic herbs. Grilled or fried calamari, sardines, and anchovies are also staples, often enjoyed with a squeeze of local lemon and a glass of crisp Verdicchio wine.

From the inland hills comes another side of Pesaro’s gastronomy — hearty meats, cheeses, and truffles. The local flatbread, crescia sfogliata, is a must-try: buttery and flaky, it’s often served warm and stuffed with prosciutto, cheese, or seasonal vegetables. In autumn, the region’s prized white truffles make their way into pastas and sauces, adding an unmistakable aroma to simple dishes like tagliatelle.

Cheese lovers can savor formaggio di fossa, a pungent cheese aged underground, while those with a sweet tooth will enjoy ciambella, a soft ring-shaped cake often flavored with anise. During carnival season, you might encounter scroccafusi, crunchy biscuits dusted with sugar.

Dining in Pesaro is also about atmosphere. Many restaurants offer tables right on the seafront, where you can dine with the sound of waves in the background. Inland osterias and trattorias provide a cozier, rustic setting, where recipes have been passed down for generations. And of course, no evening is complete without a stop at one of the city’s gelaterias for a scoop (or two) of artisanal gelato.

Whether you choose an elegant seafood restaurant, a bustling pizzeria, or a family-run trattoria tucked away on a cobbled street, the food of Pesaro tells the story of its land and sea — a story best savored slowly, with good company and a local wine in hand.