Where to eat in the Italian Riviera
by Alessandra
Our splendid coast is a long succession of cliffs, magical bays and beaches: the Riviera di Levante, with Portofino and the Cinque Terre, east of Genoa, is one of the most desired destinations by tourists from all over Europe (and beyond) who spend long days getting lost in the charm of the pastel-colored houses of Portofino and the Cinque Terre. Liguria is undoubtedly a region of great attraction, not only for the beauty of the views, but also for the diversified gastronomic offer, which you can taste in the most diverse places, from the intimate restaurant to the typical trattoria.
If you are here it is because you have wondered where to taste the authentic traditional dishes in Liguria, without possibly encountering annoying tourist clichés. In this article we have therefore decided to offer you our very personal small list of restaurants and trattorias where you can eat like a local (literally, since we often eat there too). Here are our tips.
Where to eat in Genoa
You have only one task: get lost in the alleys of the historic center of Genova until you reach a cozy restaurant, where the tables are flanked by shelves full of books. Here it is possible to try the simple and tasty cuisine of the Genoese tradition, revisited with a touch of fantasy, but also to relax in the romantic inner courtyard, sitting next to the people of the neighborhood. The name of the restaurant is Ombre Rosse, you will find it in Vico degli Indoratori 20, Genoa.
Where to eat in Boccadasse
Boccadasse is a romantic hamlet with pastel-colored houses overlooking the tiny bay and fishermen’s boats safely pulled onto the beach, reachable by a pleasant walk (or pedal) from Genoa in the Fiera area along Corso Italia. We recommend that you leave your car at the parking in piazzale Kennedy and from there reach Boccadasse on foot or by bike, along the sea. Aperitif or dinner, in our opinion, the must is the fried fish cartoccio: we don’t suggest a particular place, because every restaurant, small bar or take-away offers a tasty packet of paranza or squid, cod … (we don’t continue the list because we are already hungry), to be accompanied with a glass of wine, sitting on the beach (if you are easy going), or at the table (if you prefer comfort).
Where to eat in Sestri Levante
Once upon a time there was a blacksmith’s shop, on the main street in the center of Sestri Levante; now, in the rooms where the craftsman kept his heavy tools and the fruits of his work, there is the Osteria Cà di Ferae: welcoming, perfect for relaxing, it will offer you seafood and typical dishes of the region, mixing the novelty with the wisdom of tradition.
Where to eat in Corniglia
In the heart of the Cinque Terre in Corniglia, in Via Fieschi al 117, you will find a typical and reserved restaurant called ” a Cantina de Mananan ” waiting for you; the offer of the winery ranges from raw fish to land dishes. To try? The Mananan rabbit.
Where to eat in Vernazza
In the colorful Vernazza there is a restaurant – pizzeria that has been preparing delicious dishes for its customers for more than 30 years: it is Vulnetia that proudly wears the ancient name of the seaside village. The menu offers excellent pizzas (try the lemon pizza!) And traditional Ligurian dishes expertly made by the chef.
We stop here for now, but you can always ask us for more advice when you come to the Villa Paggi bed and breakfast: it is always a pleasure for us to share our “little secrets” with our guests.
