The best restaurants CINQUE TERRE

You have to climb to the very top of the village to discover this Manarola address, opened in 2016. But it's worth it. The food is impeccable and the service is fast, just the thing for those who want to go hiking in the Cinque Terre afterwards. To try the cappun magru, remember to call in the morning to reserve a portion! And for those who don't know, it's a Genoese specialty: a sort of vegetable and fish terrine, topped with a parsley sauce. Delicious, and worth trying at least once!

Just outside the Vernazza train station, this pretty little address on the coast offers traditional Italian and Mediterranean street-food recipes. Particular attention is paid to the choice of raw materials, especially for the preparation of fritto misto (fried fish, shellfish, seafood and vegetables, all served in a cone) and the various pizzas. You can eat in or take away to enjoy the sea. Professional, friendly team.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

An adjunct to the luxurious Miky restaurant (which we also recommend, depending on your budget), this marine bistro, with its breathtaking sea views, is at once chic, designer and informal. With a fine wine cellar featuring over 250 labels, Miky's Cantina (which means "cellar") offers a good choice of fresh, tasty regional dishes. The pleasant terrace stretches the length of the restaurant. As in many other places, the tables here quickly fill up at mealtimes. Don't hesitate to come a little in advance or to make a reservation.

In the heart of the old part of Monterosso, a long-established address for tasty pasta dishes and regional specialties such as stuffed anchovies, marinated anchovies, lemon anchovies.... Another highlight is spaghetti alla Cambusa with pan-fried seafood, not to mention trofie with langoustines, accompanied by a glass of good white wine. Often open in low season, when all other restaurants are on vacation. The only downside is that service is sometimes very slow and not always very friendly.

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.

A friendly and welcoming little bistro with a pretty terrace, offering some fish specialities and well seasoned pasta, but above all excellent pizzas. To be tested: pesto pizza.

The strong point of this establishment? Its unique position on the keep of the ancient fortress overlooking Vernazza and its port. What a view and what a spectacle! Romantic as can be, the cuisine is not lacking. Honor fish (of course) and Ligurian flavors. The chef excels in his homemade pasta dishes, which are carefully seasoned with pesto, seafood, anchovies, vegetables and prawns... Please note: Belforte is likely to be fully booked at lunchtime!

Perched on the heights of Manarola, with an admirable view of the town and the sea, this address is well worth the steep climb it takes to reach it. The grilled fish is perfect, the seafood antipasto unforgettable, the pasta rigorously homemade (a classic must: spaghetti al pomodoro) and the desserts a work of art. Last but not least, it's always amusing to see the waiters, laden with plates, skipping nimbly up and down the steps between the kitchen and the dining room. Reservations are recommended.

Restaurant and wine bar on the little port of Riomaggiore. After a successful experience in London, the two chefs returned home to offer a cuisine steeped in local flavors, but delicately revisited with an international touch. It's hard to resist the mixed antipasto and the fish and vegetable frittomisto di paranza. All the more so as the restaurant's location, overlooking the harbour and the fishermen's boats, is one of the most pleasant in the world.

This renowned restaurant is located in Vernazza's picturesque piazza, and boasts a pleasant terrace as soon as the warm weather arrives. The highlight of the Gambero Rosso is undoubtedly the anchovy and potato tian, the traditional Vernazza recipe, baked in a copper pan (the tian itself). In spring, starters include salad or burrata, followed by a wide variety of fish dishes. Vegetarian and meat dishes complete the menu. For those with a sweet tooth, portions are generous.

The fine sand of Monterosso beach reaches the foot of the large bay windows of this modern brasserie . A large terrace allows you to enjoy the sea view, but the bar inside is just as pleasant for a coffee or a Spritz at the counter. The pizza here is one of the best in Cinque Terre, while pasta and a number of meat dishes complete the menu, not forgetting fish specialties such as fried squid and stuffed anchovies. Away from the tourist hustle and bustle, this is truly a worthwhile address.