Genoa
Hectic times rule at this poetically named bakery: everyone wants what they're selling. Drop by any time for one of their several varieties of focaccia or…
Must-see restaurants in The Italian Riviera
Riomaggiore
One of Riomaggiore's top dining destinations, Rio Bistrot earns rave reviews for its beautifully prepared seafood dishes – with selections changing daily…
Rapallo
Ligurian comfort food – salt cod fritters, chickpea soup, spinach-stuffed pasta with walnut sauce, mussels gratin – gets served up here with a minimum of…
Vernazza
If you've been subsisting on focaccia, Gambero's house specials – tegame di Vernazza (anchovies with baked potatoes and tomatoes), grilled rock octopus or…
Porto Venere
A perfect spot to pick up something to snack on while dangling your feet in the drink, this is Ligurian street food made with love. Grab a panini stuffed…
Ventimiglia
Near the seafront on the border side of town (overlooking the new marina) you'll find elegant Pasta & Basta. Various house-made fresh pasta can be mixed…
Tigullio & Baia del Levante
After a walk on the pretty seafront promenade of Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, make your way to Nervi's tiny picturesque harbour (about 1km west of the…
San Remo
Italian panache with a perfectly positioned terrace in front make this elegant cafe-enoteca-salon de thé one of the most appealing spots in town for a…
La Spezia
A short stroll from Piazza Cavour, Bellavista hits all the right notes, with high-quality produce, good service and creative dishes all served up at a…
San Remo
Basking in a quiet medieval square in San Remo's remarkable old town, Urbicia is slavishly faithful to old Ligurian recipes, with a strong bias towards…
Vernazza
In a perfect location on the waterfront, Il Porticciolo whips up heavenly perfection in its all-natural gelato. Indulge in fruit flavors like strawberry,…
Genoa
A cute little hole in the wall that breathes new life into the traditional rotisserie chicken. Birds are all free range and local; buy them whole (from €9…
Rapallo
Seafood is the star here, and it's done well with the occasional creative touch. House-made stuffed pastas have particular appeal – sea bream ravioli…
Corniglia
If you need a break from sit-down restaurant fare, pay a visit to this lovely deli and food shop. The front counter offers oven-baked veggies, made-to…
Tigullio & Baia del Levante
This pleasant restaurant with a shaded terrace fringed by lemon trees serves the best cooking in San Fruttuoso. Seafood dishes (grilled fish, spaghetti…
Genoa
A selection of beautiful traditional gelato flavours are complemented by a creative menu of semifreddo-filled cups, ice-cream sandwiches and chocolate…
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore's standout street food is a mound of fresh fried seafood – calamari, anchovies, shrimp, cod – stuffed into a paper cone and served on the go…
Manarola
Opposite the more sedate restaurant of the same name, this lively spot with its Latin grooves serves up a small selection of inexpensive specials (pasta…
Manarola
A number of fish dishes, including some tasty antipasti such as soppressata di polpo (sliced boiled octopus) are served up here along with right-by-the…
Genoa
A much-loved local institution, this back-lane bakery fires up some of Genoa's best focaccia, which are available in countless varieties. The Antico Forno…
Vernazza
Traditional Cinque Terre seafood (mussels, seafood ravioli and lemon anchovies) has been served up in this harbourside trattoria since the 1960s. When it…
Monterosso
If you're looking for something a little more elegant than a seafront fry-up, Miky does a seasonal fish menu in a moody, modern dining room. Booking ahead…
Riomaggiore
Perched within pebble-lobbing distance of Riomaggiore's wee harbour, Dau Cila is a smart, kitsch-free zone, and specialises in classic seafood and hyper…
Riviera di Ponente
Presided over by Laura Chiesa, this delicatessen offers a huge array of seafood salads, salamis, cheeses and gnocchi with pesto, of course. Order what you…
La Spezia
Down on the waterfront, this casual spot is a local institution for delicious plates of octopus salad, steamed mussels and fried fish plates. It's quite…
Manarola
In the running for the title of Cinque Terre's best ice-cream joints. Superbly crafted flavours, including vegan and lactose-free options, never fail to…
Manarola
One of several restaurants lining the main route down to the harbour, this is a popular spot for an alfresco seafood feast. Expect seaside bustle and a…
Monterosso
Perched on a cliff overlooking the crashing waves, this long-running spot serves high-end seafood-topped pastas, grilled fish and roast meat dishes in a…
Corniglia
This casual spot serves simple but delicious market-fresh fare. Think well-balanced seafood risotto, tomato and mozzarella salad, hearty plates of ravioli…
Corniglia
An all-around good option, no matter the time of day. Friendly staff serve up hearty breakfasts, focaccia sandwiches, wine and appetiser specials, and a…
Savona
A popular gathering spot for all – families, young couples, visitors, old timers with small dogs – Green is an easy-going spot with a spacious covered…
Monterosso
Across from the seaside promenade, Slurp! is an obligatory stop when strolling the waterfront. In-house made gelato comes in a variety of rich flavours…
La Spezia
Take a seat around chunky wooden tables beneath beamed ceilings at this buzzing Slow Food–affiliated restaurant and wash down the torte di verdure …
Genoa
A wonderfully old-fashioned place, with fragrant scoops appearing from under metal-topped vats. The panera (a Genovese coffee-and-cream blend), creamy…
Tellaro
The best choice for seafood in Tellaro serves up mouthwatering plates of fresh fish, seafood pastas and various octopus dishes. Reserve ahead or go early…
Savona
In the cobbled centre, this much-loved local spot serves up outstanding farinata (chickpea flour flat bread), as well as delectable, simply prepared…
Portofino
Puny's harbourside location is the one you've come to Portofino for and the owners treat everyone like they're a visiting celeb. The food sticks loyally…
Riomaggiore
There are always lots of tourists here but you won't feel like one as the service is so genuinely personable. Fish dishes predominate, though the pizza…
Portofino
A fashionable restaurant overlooking the port, Caffè Excelsior is a good perch with romantic outdoor booths – where Greta Garbo used to hide behind dark…
Genoa
Punt a football anywhere in Genoa and you’re bound to hit somewhere that sells focaccia. This focacceria sells a huge range of focaccia slices, pizza,…
