Ristorante Pizzeria L’Ottava Meraviglia

Just a short drive from Vasto in neighboring San Salvo, L’Ottava Meraviglia (The Eighth Wonder) lives up to its ambitious name with a delightful combination of authentic Italian pizzas and traditional Abruzzese cuisine. This family-run spot has been quietly building a loyal following among locals who appreciate honest, well-prepared food without the tourist markup you’ll find closer to the coast.

The menu strikes a perfect balance between crispy, wood-fired pizzas and hearty regional dishes that showcase the best of Abruzzo’s culinary traditions. Their pizza dough is made fresh daily, resulting in those perfectly charred, bubbling crusts that make Italian pizza legendary. Beyond pizza, you’ll find classic pasta dishes featuring local ingredients, fresh seafood from the nearby Adriatic, and meat dishes that reflect the region’s pastoral heritage.

The atmosphere is refreshingly unpretentious – think checkered tablecloths, warm lighting, and the kind of comfortable buzz that comes from satisfied diners enjoying good food and conversation. The dining room feels authentically Italian without trying too hard, and the staff treats you like a neighbor rather than a tourist. There’s both indoor seating and a pleasant outdoor area for those warm Abruzzo evenings.

If you’re staying in Vasto and have a rental car, this place makes for a perfect dinner escape from the more touristy coastal restaurants. The prices are reasonable, the portions generous, and you’ll get a genuine taste of how locals dine in this part of Italy. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over a bottle of local Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine.