Genoa
One of Genoa's surfeit of crumbling palazzi is being put to excellent use in this atmospheric cocktail bar. Three bearded, vest-wearing, red-headed…
Must-see nightlife in The Italian Riviera
Manarola
On a wave-kissed promontory overlooking the pastel-coloured houses of Manarola, this leafy terrace bar makes a magical setting for a sundowner. Great wine…
Genoa
The Puccini wafting up the laneway gives you some clue that this is a special little place. The owners here have a passion for good music and brilliant…
Corniglia
Craft beer on draft, first-rate cocktails and creative appetisers make a great combo at this surprisingly hip little spot in this most traditional of…
Genoa
Tucked under the bar Groove, Malkovich is one of Genoa's most atmospheric and secretive drinking dens. To get in, you'll have to provide the password …
Monterosso
One of the best places in Cinque Terre to discover the wines of the region, this family-run wine shop offers various tastings from its selection of over…
Riomaggiore
A delightful spot for an afternoon pick-me-up, this open-air gem has a terrace perched right over Riomaggiore's wave-kissed shoreline. You'll find local…
Manarola
The best place in Manarola for learning about (and more importantly tasting!) the wines of Cinque Terre occupies a stone-walled 16th-century building near…
La Spezia
An atmospheric spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink, the Resilience Cafe exudes effortless style, with its wine red walls, shelves of books, twinkling…
Corniglia
Just off the road that leads down to the station, this vine-covered terrace has pretty views over the vineyards tumbling down to the water, and…
Genoa
A Genovese original with delightful staff and an easy-going crowd, A Rumènta serves up local craft beers (nine taps from a changing rotation), alongside…
Savona
Never mind that the sign says Mighetto Vini d'Asti, Maama Bar is one of the best places to be for an afternoon or evening libation. Join locals for an al…
Genoa
Tiny wine bars dot Genoa's old city, although this one, under the arches by the port, is particularly characteristic and full of colourful locals. They…
Portofino
Situated at the base of Portofino's lighthouse, this terrace bar has mesmerising views over the sea from its clifftop perch. Keep your eyes peeled for…
Genoa
If you've been yearning for some late-night drinking fun, this antica-is-the-new-black place is your answer. A completely untouched old-school backstreet…
Vernazza
A charming little hole-in-the-wall, with only a couple of ringside benches looking over Piazza Marconi to the little beach, this neighbourhood bar serves…
Levanto
A short hop from the beach (via a tunnel), Contro Vento is a friendly spot for refreshment from morning to night. There's Franziskaner and Leffe on draft,…
Riomaggiore
Set on a hillside lane, the friendly Fuori Rotta makes a fine escape from the busier spots by the harbour. Here you can sit at outdoor tables overlooking…
La Spezia
That heart-warming combination of heavy metal and medieval ambience draws young revellers to this quirky drinking den just off Via del Prione. Tapered…
Monterosso
Going strong since the 1980s, this back-lane enoteca (wine bar) run by the welcoming Eliseo and Mary makes a charming setting for a glass or two. Grab an…
Santa Margherita Ligure
Just around the corner from the historic centre, Sabot serves some of Santa Margherita Ligure's best aperitivi, where a generous platter of snacks…
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore's liveliest drinking den is a local institution – around in one form or another since 1921. Stop in here to catch up on village gossip (if you…
Corniglia
Near the Chiesa San Pietro, this tiny bar has a few low tables and cleverly placed cushions right on the stairs of a peaceful lane. It feels like a hidden…
Corniglia
The draw of this tiny cafe is the terrace located just a bit further along, on the right. Here you can contemplate Manarola off in the distance while…
Corniglia
Spread across two floors of an old village house, the old-fashioned Il Pirun is named after the odd-looking wine pitcher that allows thirsty customers to…
Sestri Levante
In a cosy drinking den near the Baia del Silenzio, Black Bart serves up the city's best cocktails. Try a creative elixir like Le Vigne Sospese, featuring…
Genoa
A little bit of Brooklyn or Melbourne in the caruggi, this brewpub packs out with Genoa's black-clad young. There are over a dozen taps of local and…
Riomaggiore
With outdoor tables on a prime stretch of Via Colombo, Vertical Bar is a great spot for coffee or cocktails – depending on which direction you're steering…
La Spezia
A dark, bohemian, elegantly dishevelled wine bar on a pretty street in the pedestrian centre, Odioilvino is a fine place to relax with locals over a…
Tellaro
A simple tiny bar dispenses spritzes and wine to tables on the tiny port's cobblestones. Time your visit for sunset and you'll understand what so…
Vernazza
Hidden on a narrow lane a few steps off the harbour, Monkey Artpub is an atmospheric drinking den with dark stone walls, an artfully lit shelf of…
Riomaggiore
There's much to like about La Conchiglia: its well-priced local wine list, perfect waterfront location and a menu of big, healthy salads, panini and…
Vernazza
Slightly concealed above the chapel along Vernazza's main street, this small wine shop and bar is a fine place to sample some of Cinque Terre's finest…
Vernazza
Go early to score a seat at this youthful, easy-going terrace cafe, with its yellow-umbrella-shaded tables perched above Vernazza's tiny beach. Aside from…
Manarola
Just below street level, this friendly local watering hole is the best place in town for some late-night revelry. There's live music on weekends (and more…
La Spezia
Founded by two Swedes back in 2016, La Spezia Brewing Company makes some of the finest beers in the Italian Riviera. The taproom keeps irregular hours,…
Manarola
Serves up excellent wines and small plates on a terrace in the upper part of town. Come in the daytime to explore Cinque Terre's unique wines in the…
Camogli
A couple of stools outside will give you a sea view, but the real action here is inside, where books line the walls and locals chat with the welcoming…
Portofino
A serious wine shop with simple tables right on the waterfront for your nightly aperitivo. It's a yachties' favourite.
Genoa
If you're keen to taste the best of Italian wine and not on a multiple-region trip, this bar breaks out of the local-is-best mould and offers a long list…
