After contacting a bunch of hotels that were fully booked for my May visit (Villa Steno, Pasquale, Marina Piccola, Ca' d'Andrean, among others), I reserved an apt through Villa Argentina for 100 euro. I've been searching the forum for good restaurants in Riomaggiore, but haven't found much. Most of the restaurants I find are in Monterosso and Vernazza. Rick Steves guide only mentions one restaurant in Riomaggiore. Does anyone recall any memorable meals there?

Don't be bothered by the lack of tourst publicity for local restaurants there. I'd consider that a plus. We stayed in Manarola and ate two nights at our hotel, the Picolo Marina with a separate outdoor/open air restaurant over the cliffs of the "harbor". It was wonderful. If you can't find anything in Riomaggiore (which I don't think will be a problem) then take a nice moonlit stroll of about 15 minutes along the paved path to Manarola and try it out. The cinque terre is not about fancy restaurants. I think you'll find some wonderful little places there that will be memorable.

Thanks Patrick. My tastes are pretty simple. I'm craving some good pesto, fresh seafood, and gelato. Yum! Maybe I'm just hungry for lunch right now. Thank you for your recommendation. I've heard good things about the Picolo rest in Manarola. We'll only be there two nights, so it's not a big deal. I'll be sure to report on any discoveries I make. Last time I was there in '95, I was a student backpacker and I stayed at Momma Rosa's hostel in Riomaggiore. Momma was nice, but the bed smelled like her many cats. It'll be nice to be able to stay in hotels that actually have a couple "stars" this time.

If you are standing at the train station go through the tunnel to the "main side" of Riomaggiore. If you walk a small distance (away from the ocean) up the hill the road will turn to your left. When it does there is a restaurant on the left with a lot of windows. all i remember is that the food was good. So i hope that helps, otherwise, most people speak English there since it has become so tourist friendly and ask a local. i am sure they will be able to give you some advice.

We had two good meals in Riomaggiore. "Italylover2004" may be speaking of one of the restaurants I'm thinking of. It had good food and good friendly service. I remember coming out of the tunnel turning left, staying to the left side of the street and after maybe 10 yards, it's right there. I'm looking at a photo of the inside of the restaurant which shows white iron patio chairs with blue seats and blue/white tablecloths. I'm pretty sure it had yellow awnings and dining was on a large terrace with large windows.

The other place for dinner was nice too. On the same street, we headed this time for the "beach". There was a bar/restaurant to the left, and what looked like a little blue wooden house on the right. It had about 6 white tables on the patio. We ate at the "little house" place and it was very good.

I have fond memories of Riomaggiore. I'm sure you will too.