Monica Lecari in Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Jill,

Monica has a house that was renovated last year next to Al Castello Ristorante which is beautiful with one of the most stunning views and terraces in Vernazza. I'm not sure if that's where you'd stay since it's a 2 bedroom or one of her other locations. Monica and her family are wonderful and you're experience will only be positive with her. The only thing I would caution is if it is the renovated house under the castle the walk up is steep and quite a few steps.

Thank you so much for your reply. We are staying in one of her two bedrooms. The pictures looked lovely!

All the restaurants, in my opinion, serve good food. Obviously you'll dine at Al Castello's (Monica's) restaurant and the view is fantastic, as is their waitstaff. There's also Trattoria da Sandro (best homemade pannacotta & tiramisu), Gianni Franzi's a classic, as is Capitano's. Enjoy!

Since you're staying in the house please tell Monica and her Aunt Vanda that Robin said Ciao Bella.

I certainly will! Since you have been there, so you have any great suggestions for restaurants. We live in Dallas and have an abundance of "fancy 4 star" restaurants, so when we travel we really enjoy more local places with atmosphere.
Thanks again.

We were in Vernazza last week and, believe it or not, we were discouraged from going to Al Castello. Apparently, what you gain in views (and believe me, the views will be outstanding) you lose in food quality. There are two or three outstanding restaurants in the Main Square whose names evade me but I'd be happy to search them out if you're interested. The speciality was trofie pasta - wonderful pasta swimming in pesto - heaven!

Thanks Scott! Would love any further recommendations. Also, we are going to be arriving in Vernazza from Sienna and will have a car. After 2 days in Cinque Terre we will be going to Venice. Would you keep the car and drive to Venice, or turn it in somewhere and train to Venice?

I ate at Al Castello restaurant twice when in Vernazza last September - one lunch and one dinner. Both meals were excellent and I would recommend it. Lots of locals eat there, which should tell you something. Best traditional pesto I had was at Trattoria Gianni - get it with the trofei pasta.

At the top of Vernazza is a very small restaurant run by 2 brothers called Il Pirata.They have the best breakfast pastries anywhere. Their dinners are fantastic, too. Since the place is very small, we reserved our dinner seatin g at breakfast. Rick writes about the 2 brothers. They are very entertaining. Forgot to mention their desserts-panacotta to die for.

Jane, is Il Pirata serving main courses for dinner again? Last September, they were only serving appetizers and first courses (e.g. pasta).

Monica - to your question about train or car. If you're going to the CT from Siena, I would drop the rental car as soon as possible at a train station with rental car offices - Pisa? - and take the train to the CT. It'll just be a hassle, additional expense in the CT and parking is limited. Then train to Venice is quite easy.

Hi
Would anyone please post photos of Monica Lecari's place in Vernazza?

Would you recommend the place?

Thank you
K

Have not stayed with Monica but stayed in one of Francamaria's rooms on our last visit to Vernazza this past July. We also ate at Al Castello restaurant and our food was excellent and the views amazing. Make a reservation if you want one of the tables overlooking the water. Buon Viaggio!