Are you traveling to the Cinque Terre and looking for the best restaurants in Cinque Terre? You are in the right place! I have recently visited with my sister and we are two notorious gourmets: we tried many restaurants and selected the ones we liked the most to share with you.
Cinque Terre is an amazing place to visit in north-western Italy. The five villages that make up this beautiful coastal area are known for their colorful houses, stunning sea views, historic buildings, world-class accommodations, and delicious food and wine. These, in particular, can be enjoyed in many amazing restaurants that can be found across the five villages.
There are many places to sit down for a fine meal in Cinque Terre and there’s something for every budget and every taste. The best part about dining in Cinque Terre is how easy it is to travel from one village to the other. It doesn’t matter where you make your base because if you want to grab lunch or dinner in one of the other villages, all you have to do is catch a train or hop on the ferry and be there in no time!
Although the cuisine of Cinque Terre is mainly focused on fish and seafood, you’ll find many meat-based dishes and even vegetarian and vegan options. And, don’t forget to order a local wine to go with your meal; and if you’re still hungry after your main course, the region’s traditional desserts are to die for!
Curious to discover the best restaurants in Cinque Terre? Continue reading, then!
Make sure to also read my post The Best Things To Do In Cinque Terre.
The Best Restaurants In Cinque Terre
Enoteca Internazionale, Monterosso al Mare
Wine is a big thing in Cinque Terre, and Enoteca Internazionale certainly has the history to go with the region’s wine culture. Situated in the historic center of Monterosso al Mare, this wine shop is the oldest in the village. When you visit this establishment, you have the opportunity to participate in wine tastings with expert sommeliers and eat delicious food.
There are more than 500 local, regional, and international wines and liquors available, and some are rare vintages that are hard to find anywhere else. To complement your wine, there’s a variety of food items to choose from including an incredibly variety of delicious bruschetta. My favorite was the one with burrata, zucchini and raw shrimps but there’s also a tasty one that is topped with fresh anchovies. You will also find a selection of cheese, cold cuts, gourmet salads and sweet treats.
Service is very friendly and prices are very reasonable.
Da Miky, Monterosso al Mare
There’s no doubt that Da Miky is one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre. If you’re looking for an amazing fine dining experience in Cinque Terre, head to the center of the new town of Monterosso al Mare and take a seat in the chic dining room. This family-run gourmet restaurant has been serving traditional Cinque Terre dishes with a modern twist for more than 40 years.
Everything is homemade using the freshest local ingredients available. Spaghetti alla chitarra, stuffed pasta, and incredible desserts are just some of the items you’ll find on the menu. We had the dessert selection but our favorite was by far the one pictured above – a marvelous pink chocolate ball stuffed with a combination of mango parfait and chantilly cream and served with homemade gelato, mango and passionfruit. The dust you see is crispy, fizzy candy. It was simply perfect.
The restaurant’s extensive wine list has more than 250 local, regional, and national wines with the main focus on local wines. Service is spot on – as rightfully expected in a restaurant of this kind. It’s pricey, but worth it.
L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso al Mare
If you think that Monterosso al Mare can’t get any more romantic, think again! Bring the romance up a notch with dinner at L’Ancora della Tortuga. A romantic ambiance is only one of the restaurant’s main draws. The traditional food is delicious too – easy to see why it’s one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre.
This restaurant is situated atop a cliff overlooking the sparkling blue sea. As you wine and dine on homemade pasta and local seafood, enjoy amazing hospitality and stylish nautical decor.
Meals are based on what’s in season and there are two menus available, one for traditional dishes and one for a la carte offerings. Cod, fish soup, bruschetta and pork are some of the items available to order and there’s a focus on fresh, local ingredients. My personal recommendation is the basil and shrimp risotto – make sure to pair it with a good red wine for the perfect flavor.
A selection of homemade desserts is also offered including tiramisu and sorbet. Indoor and outdoor seating is available – you can have a stunning view even sitting indoor!
Considering the service and the food, the prices are absolutely reasonable!
Head over to my post A Useful Guide To Monterosso Al Mare, Cinque Terre.
Osteria Cantina de Mananan, Corniglia
While many of the restaurants in Cinque Terre tend to be on the expensive side, at Osteria Cantina de Mananan in Corniglia, you’ll get excellent value for your money. Upon entering this eatery, you may notice that the owner is a bit grumpy – there are signs on the walls warning foreign customers from ordering coffee or cappuccino with their meal, and he has a point: the strong flavor of coffee is never a good pairing with a meal (in fact, this is valid for any food). But he’s not grumpy enough to turn you away from the great local dishes and local vibe of this tiny place.
Italian and Mediterranean cuisines are the main focus and on the menu, you’ll find many delicious offerings made with fresh, local ingredients, including coniglio (that is rabbit in Italian: I had the testaroli, a traditional pasta which looks a bit like a pancake, with a rabbit ragù, and truly enjoyed it), spinach ravioli, anchovy and pesto pasta, and tiramisu.
A variety of white and red wines are available and this restaurant is also known for its excellent espresso and lemonade.
Don’t forget to read my post A Short Guide To Corniglia.
Nessun Dorma, Manarola
Located in the village of Manarola, Nessun Dorma is known for being a great aperitivo spot but it’s also known for the fresh, local meals that are served. You won’t find pasta or pizza on the menu here! What you will find is a selection of delicious options including bruschetta, meat and cheese platters, and salads.
As you dine on the beautiful terrace, you’ll enjoy views of the sea and the colorful houses lining the coast. An assortment of local wines is also available and the restaurant hosts a variety of experiences including wine tastings and boat tours. Go there in time for sunset for an incredible experience, and to secure a table make sure to download the Nessun Dorma app.
Check out my post A Quick Guide To Manarola.
Rio Bistrot, Riomaggiore
All of the villages of Cinque Terre have a top fine dining restaurant and Rio Bistrot is a favorite in Riomaggiore. Enjoy delicious food and great service at this pretty bistro overlooking the colorful boats moored in the harbor and scenic coastline.
Traditional cuisine with a focus on seafood dishes and pasta is the main focus of the offerings at this establishment. Gelato, fried prawns, slow cooked calamari, pesto pasta, sorbet and amazing espresso are some of the items you’ll find on the menu. The wine selection is extensive – they have excellent quality Sciacchetrà wine. It’s not cheap but definitely worth every cent.
Fuori Rotta, Riomaggiore
Fuori Rotta in Riomaggiore is a casual but stylish restaurant where you can enjoy a quiet, laid-back meal in a small inside dining area or on an outside deck that overlooks the sea. Mediterranean dishes are the main focus of the menu and you’ll find a wide variety of delicious dishes to choose from including shellfish, rabbit stew, flamed octopus, cuttlefish, spaghetti with sea carbonara, and quail breast. The dishes are based on traditional local recipes but each one has a modern flair.
Osteria La Torpedine, Riomaggiore
Delicious, top-quality Italian and Mediterranean dishes and top-notch service are what you’ll find at Osteria la Torpedine in Riomaggiore. There are only a few tables and the menu is small, but the items on offer are enough to tempt your taste buds! Fish Tapas, tuna tartare, pumpkin soup, and grilled octopus are some of the traditional dishes served at this cozy little place. Of course, there’s an excellent selection of wines to go with your meal.
Krepis Pizzeria, Riomaggiore
When you’re tired of seafood specialties and fancy pasta dishes and just want to sit down somewhere casual to enjoy some pizza or other popular Italian dishes, Krepis Pizzeria is a top place to head to in Riomaggiore. This is where you’ll find very friendly service, great prices, an excellent location and some of the best coffee and pizza around.
On the menu, you’ll also find terrine and pate, parfait, tiramisu and a selection of wines and beers. If the weather is nice during your visit, you can grab a pizza to go and take it somewhere scenic and dine on delicious food while you enjoy the stunning views of the sea and coastline.
Don’t forget to read my post An Easy Guide To Riomaggiore.
Trattoria da Billy, Manarola
The two main things that Trattoria da Billy in Manarola is known for are its exquisite house wine, limoncello, and fresh seafood. Some of the delicious dishes you’ll find on the menu here include lobster, stuffed squid, tiramisu, parfait, carpaccio, handmade pasta, cuttlefish and stuffed mussels. This hillside establishment also serves excellent ristretto, lemonade, and espresso. There are several dining areas including an outdoor terrace. You’ll enjoy all of this in a relaxed environment surrounded by incredible views of the sea. No doubt one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre.
Da Eraldo, Monterosso Al Mare
In the historic center of Monterosso but tucked away in a quiet alley, this restaurant is known for serving delicious traditional dishes of the Cinque Terre in an easygoing setting, with friendly service and at very reasonable prices.
Expect to find lots of freshly prepared fish and seafood dishes, traditional pasta (make sure to have the ravioli with prawns) and dessert, and a good selection of wines. If you just want something quick, opt for one of the fresh charcuterie boards – it’s served with bread that is fresh out of the oven!
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to the Cinque Terre? These other posts should be useful:
- A Guide To Hiking In The Cinque Terre
- A Perfect Day Trip From Florence To Cinque Terre
- Where To Stay In Cinque Terre
- A Short Guide To Vernazza
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