Nestled along the rugged coast of the Italian Riviera, the enchanting region of Cinque Terre has long captured the hearts of travellers from around the world. With its pastel-hued villages clinging to the cliffs, dramatic coastal scenery, and vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere, Cinque Terre is a destination that embodies both natural beauty and cultural allure. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, this captivating region is also a haven for gastronomes seeking an unforgettable culinary experience.
When it comes to savoring the flavors of Cinque Terre, visitors are spoiled for choice. From family-run trattorias serving traditional Ligurian dishes to waterfront eateries offering freshly caught seafood, the region’s culinary scene offers an exquisite fusion of local traditions and coastal influences. Whether you’re an adventurous food lover eager to try unique delicacies or a devoted connoisseur seeking refined dining experiences, there are plenty of restaurants in Cinque Terre to satisfy every palate.
In this article, we embark on a gastronomic journey through Cinque Terre, uncovering the best restaurants that showcase the region’s diverse culinary heritage. Prepare to tantalise your taste buds with the finest ingredients sourced from the land and sea, prepared with love and skill by talented chefs who take pride in preserving the authentic flavours of this Mediterranean paradise.
Discover the best restaurants in Cinque Terre, and check out our guide to the best restaurants in Sorrento, Italy, too!
Best Cinque Terre Restaurants
Nessun Dorma, Manarola
Nessun Dorma is a popular restaurant located in Manarola, Cinque Terre, Nestled on a cliffside, the restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the village, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding vineyards. The location of Nessun Dorma is truly one of its standout features. Situated on a terrace overlooking the village, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and a romantic atmosphere while dining. The restaurant is accessible by foot and involves a bit of a climb up the narrow streets of Manarola, but the view and experience make it well worth the effort.
As for the decor, this Cinque Terre restaurant embodies a charming and rustic ambiance. The outdoor seating area is adorned with colorful flowers and greenery, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The terrace is furnished with wooden tables and chairs, providing a relaxed and casual setting for guests to enjoy their meal.
Now let’s talk about the food. Nessun Dorma is renowned for its delectable Italian cuisine, particularly its wide range of bruschetta. Bruschetta is a traditional Italian dish consisting of grilled bread topped with various ingredients. At Nessun Dorma, you can find an extensive menu of bruschetta options, including combinations such as fresh tomatoes and basil, mozzarella and prosciutto, or creamy goat cheese and honey. In addition to bruschetta, this restaurant in Cinque Terre also serves other Italian classics like pasta, seafood, and antipasti (appetizers). The ingredients used in their dishes are locally sourced and of high quality, showcasing the flavors of the region. To complement your meal, Nessun Dorma offers a selection of Italian wines, allowing you to indulge in a complete dining experience.
It’s worth noting that due to the popularity of Nessun Dorma and its limited seating capacity, there may be a wait for a table, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, the exceptional view, delicious food, and warm ambiance make it one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre and a must-visit destination for those exploring the area.
L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso al Mare
L’Ancora della Tortuga is a renowned restaurant in Cinque Terre, located in Monterosso al Mare, one of the beautiful villages that make up the region. Known for its sandy beaches, charming streets, and vibrant atmosphere, Monterosso al Mare is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. This Cinque Terre restaurant offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, combining elements of coastal charm with a rustic touch, with nautical-themed accents and wooden furnishings dotted about the place.
L’Ancora della Tortuga prides itself on serving delectable Ligurian and Italian cuisine, focusing on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases a variety of dishes that capture the essence of the region’s culinary heritage. Seafood plays a prominent role in the menu at this restaurant in Cinque Terre, given Monterosso al Mare’s coastal location. Guests can indulge in a selection of seafood dishes, including freshly caught fish, succulent shellfish, and traditional Ligurian specialties like anchovies and calamari. These dishes are often prepared with simplicity and elegance, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.
To complement the dining experience, L’Ancora della Tortuga may provide an extensive selection of wines, including local and Italian varieties. The staff is knowledgeable and can offer suggestions to help guests choose the perfect wine pairing to enhance their meal.
Overall, L’Ancora della Tortuga offers a prime location with stunning views, minimalist beach decor, and top-notch seafood, making it by far one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre, Italy, in 2023.
La Cantina di Miky, Monterosso
La Cantina di Miky is a renowned Cinque Terre restaurant, located in the pretty village of Monterosso. Situated along the Ligurian coast, Monterosso is known for its stunning cliffs, colorful houses, and beautiful beaches. The restaurant itself has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with an interior that is characterised by rustic elements, such as exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and traditional Italian tile flooring.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the food. La Cantina di Miky specialises in serving authentic Ligurian cuisine with a focus on seafood. As the restaurant is located in Monterosso, which is a fishing village, the seafood is exceptionally fresh and often sourced locally. The menu at this seafood restaurant in Cinque Terre offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the flavours of the region. You can expect to find an extensive selection of seafood options, including dishes like grilled fish, seafood risotto, calamari, octopus, and freshly caught anchovies. The restaurant takes pride in its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, and the flavors are expertly balanced to create dishes that highlight the natural taste of the seafood.
In addition to seafood, La Cantina di Miky also offers other traditional Italian dishes, such as handmade pasta, flavorful sauces, and locally sourced vegetables. The menu is designed to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
To complement the exquisite food, this Cinque Terre restaurant offers an extensive wine list featuring a variety of regional and international selections. The knowledgeable staff can assist you in choosing the perfect wine to pair with your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
In all, La Cantina di Miky is certainly one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre in 2023, offering everything from charming decor and a beautiful location to exquisite food and friendly service. So, be sure to drop by on your next visit to the region.
Agriturismo Missanega, Monterosso
Agriturismo Missanega is a hotel and restaurant Cinque Terre, situated in a picturesque rural setting, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. It offers guests a tranquil and scenic atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The exact location of the establishment may vary, so it’s recommended to refer to their website or contact them directly for precise directions. This stunning Cinque Terre restaurant embraces a rustic and charming style that reflects the traditional countryside ambiance. The interior design may feature elements such as exposed wooden beams, stone walls, and tasteful farmhouse-inspired furnishings.
As an agriturismo, the restaurant at Missanega focuses on serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, often produced on their own farm or sourced from neighboring farms. The emphasis is on fresh and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that guests can enjoy the flavors of the region at their best. The menu at this Cinque Terre restaurant showcases traditional Italian and regional cuisine. You can expect to find a range of dishes that highlight the bounty of the surrounding countryside, such as homemade pasta, hearty soups, grilled meats, and flavorful vegetable-based dishes. The specific offerings may vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients.
Overall, Agriturismo Missanega offers a unique dining experience, situated on a hill top with panoramic views of the region. If you’re looking for somewhere that prides themselves on home-grown and locally sourced ingredients, then this might just be the best restaurant in Cinque Terre for you.
Fuori Rotta, Riomaggiore
Fuori Rotta is a restaurant in Cinque Terre, located in the charming village of Riomaggiore, which is known for its colourful houses, stunning coastal views, and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant itself is situated in a scenic location, overlooking the picturesque harbor or coastline of Riomaggiore. This setting offers guests beautiful views while they enjoy their dining experience. When it comes to the decor of this Cinque Terre restaurant, think contemporary and stylish with a relaxed and welcoming ambiance, featuring modern furnishings, a sleek bar area, and tasteful lighting.
Fuori Rotta specialises in seafood and offers a menu that highlights the flavours of the Mediterranean. They focus on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to create dishes that showcase the best of the region’s culinary traditions. On their menu, you can expect a variety of seafood options, including dishes like fresh fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. These dishes are often prepared with a combination of traditional Italian techniques and contemporary culinary flair, resulting in flavorful and visually appealing presentations. In addition to seafood, Fuori Rotta also offers other Italian and regional dishes, ensuring there are options for different preferences. You might find pasta dishes, risottos, meat options, and vegetarian selections on their menu.
In all, Fuori Rotta boasts everything from stunning views and tasteful decor to authentic food and top-notch service. If you’re looking for one of the best Cinque Terre restaurants, be sure to give this one a try.
Trattoria Dal Billy, Manarola
Trattoria Dal Billy is another well-known Cinque Terre restaurant located in Riomaggiore, which provides a picturesque backdrop for this popular dining establishment. This restaurant in Cinque Terre is situated in a scenic location, offering stunning views of the village and the sea. Trattoria Dal Billy also boasts a charming and cozy atmosphere with a traditional Italian trattoria vibe. The interior features rustic elements such as wooden beams, stone walls, and warm lighting, creating a welcoming and intimate ambiance for diners.
When it comes to the food, this Cinque Terre restaurant specialises in serving delicious Ligurian cuisine. The menu showcases a variety of dishes that highlight the flavors and ingredients of the region. Seafood is a prominent feature on the menu, given Riomaggiore’s coastal location. You can expect to find a selection of fresh seafood dishes, including seafood pasta, grilled fish, and local specialties like anchovies and calamari. To complement the food, the restaurant offers a carefully curated wine list featuring both local and Italian wines. The knowledgeable staff can assist in selecting the perfect wine pairing to enhance the dining experience.
Trattoria Dal Billy is well-regarded for its friendly and attentive service, providing guests with a memorable and enjoyable dining experience. It’s worth noting that due to its popularity, reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Overall, Trattoria Dal Billy in Manarola is a traditional restaurant in Cinque Terre that delivers on location, decor, service and food. With all the boxes ticked, this old-school trattoria is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre.
A Pié de Ma, Riomaggiore
A Pié de Ma is another Cinque Terre restaurant located in Riomaggiore. The restaurant is situated in the heart of the village, offering a convenient and central location for visitors to enjoy their dining experience. Boasting a cosy and rustic feel, this restaurant in Cinque Terre features wooden furnishings, a warm colour palette, and a large outdoor patio space for al fresco dining in the sun.
When it comes to the menu, A Pié de Ma aims to showcase the traditional flavors of the region. They focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create authentic and delicious dishes that highlight the culinary heritage of Cinque Terre. The menu at A Pié de Ma may feature a variety of options, including seafood specialties, pasta dishes, and other Italian classics. Given the coastal location of Riomaggiore, you can expect to find a selection of fresh seafood options, such as grilled fish, seafood risotto, or pasta with seafood sauces. They may also offer vegetarian and meat options to cater to different dietary preferences.
In addition to the main courses, A Pié de Ma may have appetisers, desserts, and a selection of wines to complement the meal. The staff at the restaurant can provide recommendations and assist guests in choosing the perfect wine pairing.
Overall, Pié de Ma is one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre, offering everything from a cosy ambiance, outdoor seating, and a delightful menu that allows you to sample some of the best flavours of the region.
Restaurant Belforte, Vernazza
Restaurant Belforte is a well-known establishment located in the charming village of Vernazza, Cinque Terre, known for its colourful buildings, scenic harbour, and breathtaking coastal views. Perched on a cliffside overlooking the sea, this Cinque Terre restaurant offers a unique and stunning location for dining. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the village of Vernazza while indulging in a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant’s decor embraces a rustic and traditional Italian style, featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and classic furnishings.
When it comes to the food, Restaurant Belforte specialises in serving delicious seafood and regional Italian cuisine. The menu showcases a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including the bounty of the Ligurian Sea. Seafood takes center stage at this restaurant in Cinque Terre, with an array of options that highlight the flavors of the Mediterranean. Guests can expect dishes such as grilled fish, seafood risotto, flavorful seafood pasta, and succulent shellfish. These dishes are prepared with expertise, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
To complement the exceptional cuisine, Restaurant Belforte offers an extensive wine list featuring both regional and Italian wines. The knowledgeable staff can assist guests in selecting the ideal wine pairing to enhance the flavors of the meal and elevate the overall dining experience.
Osteria Cantina de Mananan, Corniglia
Osteria a Cantina de Mananan is one of the best restaurants in Cinque Terre, located in the village of Corniglia. Nestled high on a hilltop, this Cinque Terre restaurant offers stunning views of the coastline and vineyards. Inside, the decor and ambiance of Osteria a Cantina de Mananan has a rustic feel, typical of a traditional Italian osteria, featuring elements like wooden furnishings, stone walls, and warm lighting.
The menu at Osteria a Cantina de Mananan offers a delightful mix of local and regional cuisine. Given its location in the Cinque Terre, the restaurant highlights the flavours and ingredients of the Ligurian region. Seafood is a prominent feature on the menu, as the coastal location of Cinque Terre allows for fresh and delicious seafood options. Guests can expect to find dishes such as seafood pasta, grilled fish, and specialties like anchovies or calamari. The menu also includes other Italian favorites, such as homemade pasta dishes, meat options, and vegetarian choices.
The restaurant’s commitment to showcasing regional flavors extends to its wine selection. Guests can expect a range of local wines, including those produced in the vineyards surrounding Corniglia and the Cinque Terre region. Meanwhile, the staff are knowledgeable about the different wines and can offer suggestions to enhance the dining experience.
The Cinque Terre region of Italy is home to several remarkable restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience that captures the essence of the area’s rich culinary heritage. From the coastal villages of Monterosso and Vernazza to the hilltop town of Corniglia, these restaurants provide a delightful blend of breathtaking views, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine.
These restaurants share a commitment to showcasing the finest local ingredients, serving delectable seafood dishes, and providing a wide selection of Italian wines to enhance the dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a taste of traditional Ligurian cuisine, or simply a memorable meal with a view, the restaurants of Cinque Terre offer something for every discerning palate.
Exploring the vibrant flavors and culinary delights of the Cinque Terre restaurants is an essential part of immersing oneself in the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of this enchanting region. So, embark on a culinary journey and discover the delights that await you in these charming coastal villages.
Techno-Mads 