Ligurian Flavours: Where To Dine On The Italian Riviera
The Italian Riviera, stretching from the French border to Tuscany, is a place where time slows, and the food is to be savored just as much as the landscapes. Renowned for its iconic fishing villages, vineyard terraces, and pine-covered hills, this region of Liguria is home to some of Italy's most authentic and delicious cuisine.
When cruising the Italian Riviera onboard a luxury yacht charter, here are some of the best food experiences not to miss:
Santa Margherita, Il Pescetariano
Dock in the understated elegance and more laid-back Santa Margherita, and you'll find one of Riviera's most charming culinary secrets: Il Pescetariano. This is not your average seafood spot; it's a floating fish shop in the harbor.
Step aboard and order the Fritto Misto, a feather-light fry of whatever the fishermen have caught that morning. Crispy calamari, prawns, and anchovies are served with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of chilled Vermentino.
Santa Margherita, Ristorante Vistamare, Grand Hotel Miramare
A short stroll from the Santa Margherita harbor leads you to one of Riviera's most beloved spots. The Grand Hotel Miramare - an icon of understated glamour - is still run by the same family that opened its doors generations ago, with its seawater pool, famous for its curved 1970s design.
The signature dish at the in-house Ristorante Vistamare is Santa Margherita's famed red prawns, sourced from the nearby market. Sweet, tender, and swimming in a fragrant sauce, they're best enjoyed with torn hunks of warm focaccia and the crispest Ligurian white wine.
Cinque Terre, Vernazza, Trattoria Gianni Franzi
As your yacht approaches the colorful cliffs of Vernazza, one of the five Cinque Terre villages, you'll be greeted by the scent of basil. The famous local Trofie al Pesto is an absolute must-order at Trattoria Gianni Franzi. This hand-twisted Ligurian pasta is delicate, chewy, and highly satisfying.
The pasta is tossed in a pesto made with tiny basil leaves grown on terraced hillsides, local olive oil, and garlic. Pesto in Liguria is not like pesto anywhere else; it's gentler and greener. When hiking between the Cinque Terre villages, nothing is more satisfying and well-earned than a long lunch in a local trattoria.
Portofino, Langosteria Paraggi
Tucked into a hidden bay just beyond Portofino, Langosteria Paraggi is where Riviera chic meets culinary sophistication. A favorite haunt of River Café co-founder Ruth Rogers, this beachside gem blends Italian elegance with just the right touch of indulgence.Â
Start with a spicy margarita and follow with pansotti - a Ligurian pasta filled with greens and smothered in a rich scampi sauce. The setting is equally impressive, with white parasols and views stretching endlessly into the Gulf of Tigullio.Â
Portofino, Ristorante Cracco
Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco brings signature elegance to the Ligurian coast with Ristorante Cracco Portofino, a sophisticated waterfront spot in the iconic Piazzetta. Set in the historic Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, this restaurant perfectly captures the effortless glamour of Portofino.
The menu is a clever combination of Ligurian tradition and modern flair. Dining here, the setting is intimate, and the service is seamless. Washed down with a wine list of Italian vineyards and sommelier-curated pairings to suit every dish and mood.
Whether feasting on freshly-caught seafood or white-tablecloth dining setup, Liguria is the ultimate region to indulge in Italian cuisine.Â
Contact our expert consultants to learn which yachts are available to charter on the Italian Riviera this summer.Â