Visiting Levanto for the Festa de la Mare

I can’t comment on the Festa de la Mare but I can recommend our favorite restaurant in the village. We were on a culinary tour of Italy in 2006. Our guide’s Aunt lived in Levanto. The restaurant “Antica Ustaia Zita” is a hidden gem. The small restaurant (seats 35) has been family owned since 1953. We had the privilege to visit the kitchen & meet “Zita.” Situated on a hilltop our tour bus dropped us off and we climbed the hill for the excellent cuisine & views. We enjoyed the pasta dishes, wine and the best Tiramisu we had in Italy. Dinner reservations necessary. zitalevanto.com

The event sounds amazing!!

Thank you so much. I checked out the link you sent me and it sounds awesome. I love anchovies but I don't think I have ever had stuffed anchovy. But I will.

Also, the walk in the olive grove after a very long meal sounds great.

We will be in Levanto for a week and we will have a car so we will be sure to head up to Lavaggiorosso. The first 3 days will be almost completely be about La Festa. Also, we will be heading to Cinque Terra so if you have any recommendations about those villages, let me know.

Gracie mille,

Brad Gold
Los Angeles CA

We spent 2 nights in Monterosso. We hiked to the other towns. Since we were there it continues to be a favorite tourist stop. I imagine July will be very busy. RS website has a lot of info about the area. It’s been one of his favorite areas over the years.

Thank you so much. I sure hope the end of the pandemic is near and that this trip happens.

We loved the Ligurian regional specialty of stuffed anchovies.

Thanks. I am curious: what are the anchovies stuffed with?

Typically breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, marjoram, garlic and parsley. The restaurants vary in their presentation - some will grill them, some will deep fry. It's a Ligurian thing and you may encounter vegetables, grilled or otherwise, with the same delicious treatment. The anchovies (acciughe) of Monterosso are a protected name and must be caught along the CT coast to be so named.

hey hey brad
you'll have a great time. we were in florence couple years ago for a festival, football and rugby with their district historic costumes with parade thru the city. it was crowded, so loud, lots of action and violence in the ring to see who will win. also went to a wine festival in bardolino, lake garda, that was the best. eat drink and be merry!! lots of food, bardolino wine, artisan local crafts, grape stomping, busy restaurants and cafes, lots of people, fireworks over lake last night.
look at cinqueterre-travel.com under tours: food & wine,

there is a pesto making class and pizza, focaccia, and bread making classes
also since the area is well known for the best focaccia:
forcacceria dome via dante alighieri 18 levanto
oasihotel.eu a boutique hotel in levanto
aloha

Great suggestions! Thanks

There's an American ex-pat in Levanto who writes an interesting blog on diverse local subjects. Not too active lately, but there are numerous timeless articles: http://www.littleparadiso.com/

Thanks. I read her blog at your suggestion and it is definitely written with passion