Bar Pizzeria Ristorante Le Catene Panificio Vanni In Massa marittima

26/07/2025: Visiting from the U.S. with a large group to study food systems and was invited to dine at this restaurant. Everyone had varying food preferences and the chef was able to create dishes that worked for everyone as a group. The food was stellar and cooked very well, including the seafood. The calamari was some of the best calamari I have ever had -- and coming from the Bay Area where calamari is a mainstay on many menus, I can truly recommend it. I love the olive oil flavors and the exterior dining experience on a pretty quiet side of the street. The wine was equally exceptional, not bitter nor too sweet. If you have pre-existing notions of what American-Italian food is, leave them at home and come visit this restaurant with an open mind. Italian food is not what a typical American may think it is supposed to be, in fact, American-Italian food isn't Italian at all.

08/07/2025: The sea bass gnocco and fried calamari were all very good. The service was friendly and informal. I appreciated Chef Gigi, who popped in from the kitchen to chat with our table.