Vernazza:
Gianni Franzi:
This was suggested by our friend at La Mala – it is an old standby for well-prepared seafood and pastas.
Emanuele, Nicolas, and their crew provide steady, reliable, and friendly service.
The outside seating is partially tucked under an arcade, while the indoor setting is big, open, and classy.
Blue Marlin Bar:
This is located on the main drag just below the train station. It serves a good array of clearly priced a’ la carte breakfast items. It’s one of the breakfast options for La Mala. If you’re waiting for the train and the platform isn’t crowded, it’s a pleasant place to grab a seat. At night this is the most happening place – which isn’t saying much. But the live little group playing music on the piazza was perfect the night we visited.
Lunch Box:
The Lunch Box is the other location for breakfast offered by La Mala. It’s a hardworking place – lots of options and a fun little perch overlooking the main drag. It’s where I’d get my morning expresso.
Riomaggiore:
In Riomaggiore we grabbed a bite of lunch to eat at La Lampara.
It was raining… and this looked like one of the most classy places on the main drag.
Both Jackie and I had pizza – we were not disappointed.
Monterosso:
Milky is packed with a well-dressed clientele who know their seafood.
For elegantly presented, top-quality food that celebrates local ingredients and traditions, it’s worth the elevated prices.
It’s a proud family operation – Milky (dad), Simonetta (mom), Sara (daughter, who greets guests)- and the attentive waitstaff all work hard.
Their “pizza pasta” (which we did not have) is served in a bowl topped with a thin pizza crust dome to contain the flavor, then flambe’ed at your table. The table next to us enjoyed their immensely.
Their mixed dessert sampler plate, dolce misto, serves two and is a fitting capper.
Make sure you lock down a reservation here.
Corniglia:
Enoteca il Pirun is a small little restaurant that is upstairs from the wine bar.
Like at every Cinque Terre Restaurant, we tried to sample a local wine.
Mario serves typical local dishes family style. Let it never be said that I don’t serve Jackie… 🙂
Manarola:
Trattoria dal Billy
Considered by Rick Steves to be the best restaurant in town, is in the residential zone high above the touristy action.
Mr. Steves says that many find it worth the climb for Edoardo and chef Enrico’s homemade black pasta with seafood and squid ink, green pasta with artichokes, and homemade desserts. At least we had the desserts. 🙂
Local Corniglia wine.
Billy’s outdoor terraces offer commanding views over Manarola, while across the street an elegant, glassy dining room is carved into the rock.
Either setting is perfect for a romantic meal. We loved the views and liked the food.