Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
We've compiled the best of the best in The Italian Riviera - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
This restored 5th-century olive oil mill is now a chic restaurant in the historical center of Finalborgo. The relatively high prices are justified by excellent seafood and meat dishes as well as the pampering setting of clean white, arched and vaulted rooms that foster an air of space and tranquility. The five-course tasting menu (€58) is a great way to sample the dishes on offer.
There's wonderful seaside dining on Riomaggiore harbor, with a menu of local Ligurian dishes and an extensive wine list. On bad-weather days, take advantage of the lovely dining room with vaulted ceilings, built into the rock.
Relax on Vernazza's main square at this fine trattoria looking out onto the church of Santa Maria d'Antiochi. Enjoy such delectable dishes as shrimp salad, vegetable torte, and risotto alla ciccio (with squid, prawns, and mussels). The pesto, served atop trofie (a short twisted pasta), may be some of the best in the Cinque Terre. End your meal with Cinque Terre's own sciacchetrà, a dessert wine served with semisweet biscotti. Don't drink it out of the glass—dip the biscotti in the wine instead.
If you want to be in the middle of everything and don't mind spending a small fortune, then you'll want (and need) a reservation at this waterfront restaurant in Portofino. Quite simply, it's the place to be seen while dining on baked fish and local pasta dishes. The covered patio on the port is great for people-watching.
At the entrance of the old town is this intimate and comfortable restaurant that focuses on traditional seafood recipes, such as a soup featuring anchovies. The tavern's cuisine is typical of the Riviera di Ponente, and they also serve a good variety of gluten-free dishes.
