Cinque Terre Restaurants

Tom, Some of my favourites in Monterosso (and I try to visit all of them at least once on every visit) are: > L'Alta Marea - just down the hill from Villa Steno, so very easy to get to. > Il Carugio - Not far from L'Alta Marea in a side street (I always enjoy their Trofie al Pesto). > Ristorante Belvedere - close to the beach in the old town. Don't be surprised at the occasional "rumbling sounds" when you're dining - the railway runs right over the restaurant. > Cantina di Miky - one of my favourites! Overlooking the beach in the new town, not far from the rail station. Small patio (some might say "intimate") but great food and service (IMO). I quite enjoyed their Pesto Lasagna on my last visit. There are LOTS of restaurants, which is one reason I like staying in Monterosso. I don't have any suggestions for Vernazza as I've only spent limited time there, but the listings in the Guidebook will be reliable. Happy travels!

There are many restaurants in Vernazza. We particularly liked Il Pirata at the top of the town.They had a lot of damage from the flood I have heard but I believe they are open again.They are really funny and the food is top notch.

Hi Tom: My husband and I were in the Cinque Terre (a magical place) in the fall of 2011.......after spending most of the day hiking, we were starving. Because it was the middle of the afternoon, a lot of restaurants were closed......small places open for dolce and/or a drink. So we referred to our notes and decided to try Il Porticciolo in Manarola . We weren't disappointed. It's not a fancy place but very relaxing and clean. Luckily it was open...we were seated outside under an awning and had a blast watching the world go by outside.......the cats outside kept us entertained. The attention was quick, the food fresh (fish) and plentiful and the mistress of the house reminded me of my old Italian Aunt. When I told her, in my broken Italian, that Rick Steves recommended her restaurant, she looked at me for a second and then perked up, and with her finger 'told' us to stay put and came back with a fresh biscotti and a small drink. It ended the day on a sweet and high note. I think early June in the Cinque Terre will give you memories to last a lifetime........Carol, Boston

I would wholeheartedly concur with the Il Pirata in Vernazza...had a wonderful rainy afternoon warming with the RICHEST hot chocolaye and incredible panne cotta. http://www.ilpiratarooms.com/eng_home.html We ate at Miky in Monterosso...a bit overpriced for what you get, in my humble opinion. Belvedere was mized reviews - I loved my meal, wife was so-so on hers. Alta Marea in Monterosso had similar views from us too... So truly, have a great time at the Pirate's place...do not miss!!!

My thanks to all for responding. My wife and I are looking forward to our visit!

Tom, I did not get a chance to visit Monterosso, but I did stay in Vernazza and two restaurants do stand out to me. The first is Trattoria Gianni Franzi. They are located on the main square (Piazza Marconi). You can sit indoors or out on the square, which has with a great view of the beach. They have excellent seafood and pasta. I had a great octopus /seafood appetizer as well as another with fresh anchovies, prepared in different ways. In addition, I had their trofie al pesto, which was excellent. I agree with the other posts and will also have to recommend Il Pirata. They had excellent pasta & desserts. Try their panzerotto! I ate there 2 out of the three days I was there. The owner's, twins, Gianluca and Massimo are great guys and take great pride in their food.