The best restaurants Liguria

A 16th century room with a high vaulted ceiling, wooden tables lit by candlelight and a renowned cuisine make this restaurant a sought-after address in town. Among the house's specialities, tasty recipes such as octopus carpaccio, tagliatelle with lamb juice and pork or salmon skewers, but above all grilled labelled red meat (impressive beef steak!). Le Tiflis is also a pizzeria and a wine bar popular with Genoese youth for its pleasant summer terrace.

Olive oil, fish, fried food and wood-fired pizza: what was once just a beach bar has become a stylish seaside restaurant. The same management still offers parasols and deckchairs for hire in fine weather, but the pretty dining room opens as soon as the first rays of spring sunshine arrive. In summer, the sunny flavours of the menu are all the more appreciated on the sea-facing terrace. For dinner, but also simply for an aperitif with your feet in the water, often accompanied by live music on summer evenings.

In an admirable historic setting, a local cuisine that has never disappointed its customers since 1907. Here, we eat like fishermen at the turn of the century: minestrone, pasta e fagioli (pasta with beans) and a piece of farinata cooked over an olive wood fire... Desserts include the succulent torta Luchin made with chestnut flour. Typical Genoese dishes, simple and tasty as we like them. And, what's more, they produce their own wine! An osteria to discover in Chiavari.

A bit far from the historical centre (which also means quieter!), this fish restaurant with its modern setting serves classic, well-prepared, good traditional dishes from the region. Theantipasto of the sea seems to go on and on with a plethora of carpacci, shellfish, seafood and small stuffed fish. This is followed by a choice of pasta with langoustines or a seafood risotto, perfectly cooked grilled and fried meats and, to finish, homemade desserts. A sure value in Portovenere.

If you're craving Indian cuisine right in the center of La Spezia, step confidently into this restaurant-snack bar. It serves excellent rice, meat (chicken, beef, lamb) and seafood in biryani, masala and curry sauces, as well as tandoori recipes, seekh kebabs, chicken wings and other grilled dishes with various naan patties. Vegetarian dishes also complete the menu, including palek paneer and vegetable curry... Last but not least, desserts and lassis. A real treat.

One hundred years old and still popular with locals and tourists alike. Since Madame Pia opened her store in 1887, the pizzeria has never been empty! The specialty here is a slice of pizza and a slice of farinata on the same plate. Quite a hearty meal! Alternatively, you can order antipasti, pizette(round pizzas that fit on a small plate), focacce with cheese, chestnut cream or Nutella! The management has opened other establishments in La Spezia, one in Sarzana, one in Monterosso and one... in London.

A welcoming restaurant in a rustic yet tastefully decorated setting, with a pleasant inner courtyard. In addition to the menu, the menu offers a tempting selection of Mediterranean dishes, ranging from classic seafood spaghetti and gnoccheti with pesto, to more original creations based on seasonal produce. Buoyed by its success, the team behind the stoves has opened a second, more informal address right next door: the Accanto bistro.

For a fresh fish meal, L'Oasi will do your business well. Some avant of the menu: antipasto of raw gambas, risotto with seafood and fish with big salt.

A little away from the centre of Sestri, this classic restaurant offers excellent fishermen's cuisine. There is no terrace but the elegant dining room is lit by large bay windows overlooking the sea and the steep coast. The carefully prepared dishes serve an assortment of first-class fish and shellfish. Antipasti, hot and cold, pickled anchovies, sea bream carpaccio, grilled shrimp, grilled daily fish, fresh pasta with seafood. Professional service and reception. It is a sure value of the port (better to book).

In a pleasant setting to eat, especially in the pretty garden where flowers and herbs grow, you are in the hinterland, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast. This restaurant strives to rethink traditional regional cuisine with inventiveness. Hearty soups, the flavors of the mountain willingly mixed with the products of the sea, fresh pasta, tasty gratins, vegetarian dishes. Very good desserts. Prices are a bit high but within the average for this part of the Ligurian coast that is so touristy.

Between the old town and the Fegina district, the Aurora Tower stands on the promontory overlooking the sea near the Capuchin friars' convent. Opened to the public in 2017, it now dominates the Gulf of Monterosso. Aperitifs, meals, evening cocktails: this breathtaking space lends itself to every occasion. Come and taste the fresh fish dishes, or sip a drink accompanied by carefully prepared tapas, you won't be disappointed. Everything is delicious, and we love the delicious cheese platter and wine list. We recommend it!

On a small square at the junction of via Garibaldi and via Cairoli, right next to the Palazzo della Meridiana, an establishment that is both a tea room, a wine bar foraperitivo and a fine dining room for lunch and dinner. Depending on the time of day and the season, you can sit on the terrace, in the room with its large windows, in a second, more intimate space or upstairs for a cosy restaurant break. The semi-gastronomic table is renowned as is the wine list. Takeaway of great regional wines.

If you love pasta, Sotto il Santo is the place for you! A small room in the center of Finale Ligure, you often have to wait to get a table. On the menu: pasta, pasta and more pasta, rigorously homemade, with dozens of different sauces and fillings. Lardons and mushrooms, tomato and parsley clams, grilled vegetables, pesto, crème fraîche and ham... In all sauces and shapes too: spaghetti, fusilli, maccheroni, gnocchi or pappardelle... Who could ask for more?

After the success of the two trattorie, one on the port and the other Vico della Maddalena, I Tre Merli is a few steps away from the romantic Spianata Castelletto. On the menu, typical recipes of the sponge tradition. Nice exterior for beautiful days.

For lovers of fresh fish, this is one of the best addresses in the area, which has been successful for over 30 years. Its chic and upscale interiorwith its marine style decor (white and blue stripes) also makes it one of the most attractive restaurants on the Monterosso seafront. In the center of the room stands a curious column of pebbles! Don't miss the Monterosso-style anchovies and the trenette alla pescatrice (small pasta with fish sauce) served in a bread shell.

Nestled in a green setting along a river in Imperia's hinterland, this former wine press transformed into a restaurant is a gateway to the authentic Liguria of yesteryear. The vaulted dining room, wooden beams, mill wheel, copper crockery and checkered tablecloths all combine to create a cuisine that smells of the countryside and the maquis. A single formula for a succession of dishes you'll find hard to resist: focaccia, farinata, grilled vegetables... Delicious!

Literally "on the sand", just a few steps from the sea, on the Baia del Silenzio beach, this little seafood restaurant serves only the freshest fish. You can eat with your feet in the sand! The menu changes according to the day's catch, provided by Angelo, who ply the local waters on his boat. The informal, relaxed atmosphere is undeniably romantic. Don't forget to book! If you can't dine here, the happy hour aperitif buffet is copious and tasty. The wine is local, from the family vineyard in Vernazza.

This is the real Italian pizzeria, with wood-fired cooking of course! The ultra-thin dough pizza is served on a huge wooden tray, so you can share it with your guests and have it topped with two different toppings - a real treat! The freshness of the ingredients and the friendly atmosphere make this address, 15 km from the center of Imperia, a regular haunt for good foodies. A very pleasant plus: the outdoor terrace in fine weather.

Fish in all its forms, in one of Imperia's renowned restaurants. Enjoy traditional flavors prepared with care, as the sun sets over the harbor, in a marine setting where classic décor, antique furniture and nautical objects blend harmoniously. Lobster, sea bass fillet with artichokes, tuna tartare, calamari, chocolate tart, tiramisu and panna cotta are just some of the dishes on the menu...

Nestling on the port of Oneglia, this restaurant can be recognized by its large bay windows and small terrace. The owner welcomes you with her freshly-cooked dishes. In short, Ligurian specialties! On the fish side, octopus salad or cod brandade, and on the meat side, beef and rabbit in sauce, with potatoes or vegetables. In short, local, home-style cooking. And to accompany it all, you'll have to choose from among 300 wine references! Welcome to the world ofenogastronomia!

Just across from the cathedral, in an arty setting with a pretty decor, a new restaurant that focuses on traditional Ligurian fish-based cuisine, but above all on its vegetarian/vegan menu, where oriental sauces are a welcome addition. Although the choice of dishes, made with local, seasonal produce, is limited, the vegetable/vegetable combinations are tasty, and the desserts gourmet, like this walnut cake. On Sundays, fish fry is almost always on the menu. Good regional wines.

Since 1885, four generations have succeeded one another at the restaurant-auberge, which continues to offer traditional, carefully prepared cuisine in both the elegant establishment and the more rustic focacceria. Madame Manuelina herself is credited with inventing the recipe for cheese focaccia. Large room, meticulous service, but a little slow at times. On the plate, the dishes are all very refined, both in their presentation and in the combinations of flavors. The beautiful villa, surrounded by greenery, also offers 23 comfortable rooms.

Perhaps one of the best addresses on the Riviera, Nonna Nina is one of the restaurants where the flavors of Ligurian cuisine are at their best. Sitting on the veranda or in the delightful little blue-and-white room on the second floor of a popular house, take time to savor a menu that changes with the seasons. What's more, the wine list features rare labels like the white Mataossu. Exquisite: fried ravioli with cheese, fried fish or rabbit fricasseed with olives. Not to mention the homemade tarts: pure indulgence!

Right in the center, an osteria (brasserie) in Sestri's central carugio, easily recognizable by its green storefront. The setting is friendly, with large wooden tables and white tiled walls, just like home. The menu features all the classics of Ligurian family cooking: wood-fired farinata, vegetable quiche and pie, stuffed eggplant or peppers, pasta with pesto genovese, seafood spaghetti, grilled anchovies, apple or pine nut tart, tiramisù, etc. The bill is more than fair. The bill is more than fair, and the plate well filled.

The gourmet restaurant at the Hotel Villa della Pergola offers refined regional cuisine in which young chef Giovanni Servetto is able to add contemporary touches. Sometimes you can get tired of waiting times and portions that are sometimes only "suggested" on the plate, but the result is artistic. Test for gourmets who would try a variant with pasta al pesto and aux plateaus. 

The restaurant nestles in the heart of a guesthouse called Locanda del Mar. The setting is a harmony of colors. Here, you'll feel right at home: a cosy interior room and a terrace that opens out onto a private garden and swimming pool. The cuisine is pure Ligurian tradition. The cappon magro is undoubtedly the must-try starter on the menu, but the fried calamari is also worth discovering. The speciality? Seafood risotto. Excellent wine list.

Here we are in an Italian hostel, which only our transalpine friends have the secret with an atmosphere that, the culinary traditions of Liguria. If you go to this charming village of Vallebona, take a great break to enjoy the rich Sunday menu with unbeatable value for money! Delicious bird appetite pick à la carte. The house's specialities are the cacciatore rabbit, homemade ravioli and pasta (gnocchis, ravioli and soup). The gourmands are. by a dessert trolley. During the season, book your table and prefer the terrace.

At the foot of the Porta Soprana and the house of Christopher Columbus, this trattoria is just right! The entrance doesn't look like much, and yet the address defends itself well for a regional meal between two visits. The atmosphere is warm, just like the Ligurian cuisine. Among the specialities of the house, let's mention the streppe (variety of pasta) al pesto or the fish fillet and its accompaniment of small vegetables. There are also gluten-free menus and a good selection of wines and traditional beers.

A typical address in the Sarzano district: young, trendy, hipster and of high quality. As its name suggests, they eat toast, including sandwiches of toasted sandwich bread. Ideal for a snack in a contemporary setting.

This restaurant enjoys the soothing calm of the countryside. In this haven of tranquility, the owners have four hectares to grow vegetables! At the restaurant, the menu changes every month according to the produce grown on the estate. Every Saturday, a dance party with live music is organized, as is Sunday lunch. A large hall and terrace overlooking the mountains and stream can also accommodate receptions, weddings and birthdays for up to 150 people. Free private parking for 50 cars.

Young, cool management for a type of address that was sorely lacking in the city, as in the rest of the region. This burger joint serves carefully-crafted burgers and fries: the meat comes from top-quality Piedmontese beef, and the fries are real potatoes. You can choose from a dozen mouth-watering burgers, which you can order and pick up on your tray for the terrace. There are also a few salads, a fish burger and a vegetarian burger.

Street-food with Mediterranean flavours, Anciuà ("anchovies") offers paninis, fried cones and homemade desserts to lick your lips. Salty quiches, flour and focacce sold by the share; enough to shop before going hiking or to the beach.

A fine address at the entrance to the old town, offering fish dishes that are both traditional and creative. With a terrace in summer and a vaulted dining room in winter, the mood is upbeat and the flavours are local: tuna with liquorice, yellowtail with burrata, and parfait with tequila, pasta with lobster... Plus: the lovely view of the beach and sea from the terrace, and impeccable service. Excellent wine list. Brunch every Sunday from November to June (11am-2pm).

A contemporary seaside address, which from a simple bar has been transformed into a quality fish and seafood restaurant. A simple cuisine with authentic flavours, seafood, pesto or spaghetti in cherry tomato sauce.

Among the stalls under the arcades of Sottoripa, Il Gran Ristoro is a legendary address where you come to break bread with a succulent panino. There's a good chance you'll have to wait in line, as this is a very popular address with Genoese, but be patient for as long as it takes: the sandwiches, featuring cold meats, grilled vegetables, tasty sauces and cheeses, are incomparable. Enjoy them with a drink at one of the tables under the arcades, or on the harbor. Follow the advice of the owner, who will show you the best combinations.

On the corner of Via San Bernardo and Vico Vegetti, in the heart of Genoa's oldest district, this establishment has retained the atmosphere of yesteryear, with its checkered curtains and tablecloths. Here, you can discover old regional recipes such as lettuce stuffed with broth and tripe, or classic fried fish and spaghetti with pesto, but also more original recipes such as fried ravioli (a kind of fried pasta that's absolutely divine) or calf's liver in vinegar sauce, all accompanied by an excellent wine list.

On the détour of the old Genoa, a charming, charming square, easily recognisable as it overlooks a church. Nestled in a corner, the restaurant La Sosta degli artisti offers pizza and focaccie specialities and other Italian recipes. Young and casual clients. On summer evenings, you can enjoy dinner on the terrace with a beer or glass of wine.

What's most surprising is the breathtaking view of the sea and Vernazza. From the bar-restaurant La Torre, the small village, the jewel of the Cinque Terre, unfolds in all its splendor. The cuisine offers the most traditional Ligurian dishes, plus a wide choice of salads and pastas. Prices also take into account the restaurant's location... And if you want to extend your stay, a few rooms are available for rent. Good to know: the access path requires good shoes! Book in high season.

In a panoramic position on the Manarola pier, this is a tried and tested address with a fine menu featuring both sea and local flavours. Among the specialities, the homemade pasta such as the taglierini with squid ink, pink shrimps and peppers, as well as the fish soup. Nice list of regional white wines. The view of the sea from the terrace, especially at sunset, adds a very special touch to the meal.

On the port, a famous fish trattoria whose owners have been handing down the torch, or rather the stoves, from father to son for many years. It's the ideal address for lovers of very fresh fish, cooked in a simple and healthy way. Specialties include fried, grilled and marinated fish. The pasta, too, is renowned and well worth trying. On the other hand, service times are sometimes a little long. But the magnificent setting easily compensates for this minor inconvenience...

Run by two brothers, Carmine and Antonio, this pretty seaside restaurant has become a favorite haunt of Sampdoria players. Famous for its fish dishes (try the delicious raw fish antipasti!), it offers recipes prepared with top-quality ingredients. In summer, service is on the terrace, with views of the Portofino promontory. Just 8 km west of Genoa, this is a good address for a beautiful escape from the city.

Among the many shops in Via Fieschi, this small trattoria, housed in the former warehouses of an old palace, is definitely worth a visit. You will particularly appreciate the atmosphere inside, with its large grey stone walls on which a number of frames hang. Apart from the inevitable anchovies (try them in sauce with spaghetti), the menu offers a selection of land and sea recipes that are quite tempting. This address, although it has become very touristy, is still worth a visit!

At 102 m above sea level and 1 500 m after the beautiful village of Isolabona, La Molinella opens its doors to offer you summer and during the holidays of unforgettable holidays on the farm. The rest of the year, the restaurant is open the weekend on reservation only. For those who do not wish to take up the road, three small rooms are available (reservation). The menu of the restaurant offers all the dishes of the region, such as brandacuiun (stockfisch), barbajuai (ravioli and goat fresh cheese) or fugassun (cake to artichokes and blettes). Side desserts, everything is made home from jams and cakes made with farm eggs. You are advised of the ice cream to the farm nuts or the frangipane pie of almonds (on order in advance). In the summer, the restaurant also opens outside with 50 more seats.

Elegantly, the restaurant is located at the end of the pontoon, this restaurant offers a fine wine list. Typical kitchen and specialities from the sea.

This small caterer sells a little of everything from arancinis to pizzas, focacce and flour. The prices are a little expensive, but the place remains convenient enough to buy a pizza to go (or a cold beer) before leaving to see the sunset in front of the sea.

An institution in Manarola, its location makes it a welcome spot for tourists arriving from the underground tunnel leading to the station. On the first floor is a welcoming bar, but it's upstairs where the action is. Exquisite and abundant, the cuisine exalts all the flavors of Cinque Terre: marinated anchovies as a starter, followed by grilled fish spiced up with the local petit blanc, or pasta with pesto and other flavors. The chef? A lovely little lady who knows how to handle home-grown produce. Bonus: the summer terrace.

At the foot of the Porta Soprana towers, this is a historic address! Today, although Ania has taken up the torch from previous generations, the recipefor farinata remains the same. It's a Genoese specialty: a thin wafer fried in oil and made from chickpea flour, the equivalent of the socca of southern France's Nice region. As you can see, this is undoubtedly the best place to try it, or to eat it on the go! Specialties also include savory quiches, focaccia and fried foods.

Nestled on the heights of the city, facing the Aldo Acquarone park, this typical restaurant with a guinguette look is not lacking in charm! We like its retro look with its open-air terrace. In the summer, it's crowded and it's better to reserve. Indeed, the pizzas prepared here are delicious. But the must is the pinsa: an even more succulent preparation with quality ingredients. In a young and relaxed atmosphere, the idea is to devour several slices while sipping a beer. Traditional ice cream (homemade) to die for!