Italian Riviera - Food & Drink Guide
The Italian Riviera is part of the Liguria region of Italy, found in the NW along the Mediterranean Sea. Offering excellent food and drinks, use this guide to find wine bars, gelaterias, restaurants and snack shops. Be sure to try different flavors of focaccia and pesto pasta dishes when visiting as the region is known for both. In fact, the town of Genoa is known as the birthplace of pesto.
Gelateria Centrale
Delicious gelateria located in Santa Margherita. This spot has a wide variety of options, but a few flavors not to miss include cookies, cinnamon, dark chocolate and Nutella.
Nessun Dorma Cinque Terre
Sitting in the Cinque Terre town of Manarola, Nessun Dorma is one of the best places for enjoying a drink and snacks overlooking a spectacular view. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but they have an app you can download to get in the queue. Since the restaurant serves apertivos rather than cooked dishes, tables will turn over quickly. The menu includes a large variety of bruschetta options, elaborate charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses, fruit, focaccia, and other small bites along with a variety of cocktails and wines to choose from. Nessun Dorma also has organized pesto experiences and wine experiences which can be booked in advance
Alberto Gelateria, Corniglia Cinque Terre
This gelateria in the small Cinque Terre town of Corniglia has some unique flavors. Try the basilico and limone flavors for something different
Tutti Fritti Friggitoria Riomaggiore
As most of the Liguria region hugs the Mediterranean coast, seafood dishes are common. Try one of the seafood cones from Tutti Fritti in the Cinque Terre town of Riomaggiore filled with fried seafood. It makes for an easy snack to take on the go.
Panificio Pinamonti
Excellent shop for some delicious focaccia. They offer different flavors including plain, pesto, olive, cheese, and onion to name a few. Taste test to find your favorite!
Vineria Macchiavello sml
Wine bar and restaurant found on a cute street in Santa Margherita. Open for lunch or later in the evening, be sure to stop by here for a bite to eat, complemented by a glass of wine produced in Liguria. The mushroom ravioli and testaroli al pesto are both delicious pasta choices.
Trattoria dei Pescatori
Located in Santa Margherita with a view of the harbor, this restaurant is great for those looking for seafood. From fish to seafood pasta, take advantage of having seafood while spending time on the coast
Panificio Fiordiponti
Another must try when it comes to focaccia. This shop is hidden on a back street of Santa Margherita. They offer a variety of focaccia options including plain, whole grain, rosemary, sage, olive, and others depending on what’s been cooked when you visit.
5TerreBistrot
Found on the main road in the Cinque Terre town of Vernazza, stop here for an afternoon wine tasting. It is especially nice as they serve wines from vineyards in Cinque Terre
Ostaia da ò Sigù
Delicious restaurant in the small town of Camogli with outdoor seating overlooking the water. A few menu highlights include the primi seafood pasta, primi pasta dish served with pesto, green beans and potatoes, secondi octopus dish, and secondi mixed seafood platter.
Ristorante Oca Bianca & la Cantina dell' Oca Bianca
Located in Santa Margherita, this restaurant is known for having good options for meat lovers
Winterose Portofino
Nice wine bar overlooking the Portofino harbor. Spend an afternoon exploring Portofino, taking a break to enjoy the area with a glass of wine in a beautiful location.
Gepi Mare Portofino
Cafe and gelateria in the chic town of Portofino. Stop here in the morning for a coffee or enjoy a gelato while wandering the car free streets of Portofino
Capo Nord Sml‑Portofino
Ideal for its location and views, Capo Nord sits along the water with tables overlooking the sea. The restaurant is outside the main city center of Santa Margherita, but well worth the walk for a meal or drink. If you choose to walk to Portofino from Santa Margherita, you’ll pass right by this restaurant
Enoteca Da Eliseo
Cute wine bar in the Cinque Terre town of Monterosso sitting in a small square providing a great atmosphere
