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CT-Monterosso/Vernazza restaurant recommendations

I'm making a list of some good restaurants to go to..Anyone love love any restaurants in these places that they went to...P.S I'm allergic to fish,so If it is strictly seafood i can't go...Grazie:)

Posted by
74 posts

Thanks Steve,you're the best..SInce I am italian my family has completly worn out pesto..lol..However,I still like it and would love to taste a new twist to my family's recipe...By the way,I tried Advil Pm last night and was complaining to my boyfriend how I will still up for hours, then all of a sudden I was out like a light..So might try that on plane..:)

Posted by
811 posts

We loved Il Pirata in Vernazza. It's up the hill just a bit past the train station and run by a couple of brothers from Sicily. Save room for hot chocolate, and consider them for morning pastries, too. Come to think if it, they are a one-stop-shop!

Posted by
711 posts

I love Il Pirata also. It is at the top of Vernazza. Very small. The brothers that own it are very funny, and the food cannot be beat.They are written up in Steves' book for their wonderful breakfast pastries, but dinner was a delight, too. Their cannolis are to die for . All the desserts are great. They place is so small, that we had breakfast there and made reservations for dinner right after breakfast.

Posted by
168 posts

I agree with the last 2 people as well and would definitely recommend Il Pirata in Vernazza. It's set up like a cafe. The brothers are so friendly. We just had a canoli and fresh fruit smoothies and they were absolutely delicious! I had never had a canoli before and it had to be one of the best things I've eaten and the presentation was great. I heard the pastries in the morning are supposed to be great too. Have a wonderful trip!

Posted by
187 posts

Yep, see the Pirates. You'll never want any other breakfast. We were almost late for our train just so we could have them one last time. Dinner was a delight too.

In Manarola, not to be missed, Trattoria Locanda Il Porticciolo. About 1/2 way to the harbor on the right side.

We loved it and felt well cared for by the owners. The food was amazing.

Posted by
791 posts

The best pizza we got in the whole CT was at DJ's in Monterosso. Would'nt call it great but for CT it was good and reasonably priced. We also enjoyed Il Cassello, also in Monterosso. Little pricey on the seafood but you don't like that anyways. Got some pretty decent bruschette there though.

Posted by
791 posts

The best pizza we got in the whole CT was at DJ's in Monterosso. Would'nt call it great but for CT it was good and reasonably priced. We also enjoyed Il Cassello, also in Monterosso. Little pricey on the seafood but you don't like that anyways. Got some pretty decent bruschette there though.

Posted by
375 posts

Susan, I second the vote for Ristorante Il Casello in Monterosso. We enjoyed it so much we at there twice. I don't care much for fish and there was plenty to choose from. The homemade pasta with pesto was to die for and they had the best tiramisu that we had on the trip. Also, the owner is married to an American, so his english is excellent. We also enjoyed the Belvedere right down the street. Enjoy!

Posted by
74 posts

Ahhh Bruschetta,pesto,smoothies,and pizza.....i can't wait..i am printing all your recommendations out and will try to go to a few of them..Consider it an eat-a-thon!

Posted by
94 posts

In Vernazza, the pesto pasta is typically made with a "hand made" (so they say) pasta called "trofie." It's delicious and al dente (chewy). We ate at a RS recommended Gambero Rosso. As RS says, it is definitely more expensive but the location is primi! There are others on the harbor with good locations. So, I paid $14E for Trofie Pesto instead of the $8E or less that I saw throughout Italy. Make sure to eat lunch before 3 p.m. as they will all close.