a food platter showing best dining in top restaurants in Cinque Terre
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If you plan a trip to the picturesque Cinque Terre, you’re in for a treat. This stunning coastal region in Italy isn’t just about breathtaking views; it’s also a haven for delicious food.

But wait, as navigating the dining scene at this place can be tricky with so many restaurants and the area getting especially crowded in summer, hence it’s tough to know where to eat and what to eat like a local!

But trust me, I’ve got you covered.

I’m here to share the top restaurants in Cinque Terre, not the ones that tourists flock to, but the ones that locals recommend to their closest friends.

Because the real secret to dining well here is knowing where the Italians go for the best Cinque Terre cuisine.

So let me take you through a complete guide to have the best dining in Cinque Terre to discover a truly great meal.

Love this? Don’t forget to check out Best Time to Visit Italy AND 12 Best Things to do in Cinque Terre for your ultimate Italian adventure!

Top Restaurants in Cinque Terre: Where To Eat and What To Eat Like a Local

Cinque Terre is home to five breathtaking villages, each offering mouthwatering local cuisine alongside stunning coastal views. In this guide, I’ll take you through the best restaurants in all five villages, ensuring you savor every bite while soaking in the beauty of this Italian paradise!

girl holding a fridge magnate having 5 villages names of Cinque Terre; sharing top restaurants in Cinque Terre guide

Get ready to eat like a local!

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12 Best Things To Do In Cinque Terre (+ Hidden Gems)

Top Restaurants in Vernazza

1. Ristorante Belforte: With its stunning location and fresh seafood dishes Ristorante Belforte perched in a medieval tower with jaw-dropping sea views, Belforte is perfect for a romantic meal.

Location: Via Guidoni, 42, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy | +39 0187 812222
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Book a terrace table for a magical sunset view.
Best Dish to Try: Linguine al Pesto alla Genovese – a classic pasta with fragrant basil pesto.

Location: Via Gavino, 36, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy | +39 0187 812047
Daily Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Insider Tip: Don’t skip their breakfast pastries—they’re the best!
Best Dish to Try: Cannoli – sweet, creamy, and simply irresistible.

3. Gambero Rosso: If you’re a seafood lover then you must visit this place. Located right in the main square, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching while enjoying your delicious meal.

Location: Piazza Marconi, 7, 19018 Vernazza SP, Italy | +39 0187 812265
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Ideal for lunch or dinner with a view of the bustling piazza.
Best Dish to Try: Seafood Risotto – a rich and savory dish brimming with fresh seafood.

Top Restaurants in Monterosso al Mare

1. Ristorante Miky: It’s a family-run gem that offers a modern twist on traditional Ligurian dishes. You’ll love their creative cuisine and cozy ambiance.

Spaghetti-ai-Frutti-di-Mare in a top restaurants in Cinque Terre

Location: Via Fegina, 104, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy | +39 0187 817608
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Indulge in their homemade desserts for a sweet end to your meal.
Best Dish to Try: Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare – a delightful seafood pasta.

2. Enoteca Internazionale: If you love to enjoy great wine with various varieties of delicious platters then you must visit this cozy wine bar which is a perfect spot for your cravings.

Location: Via Roma, 62, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy | +39 0187 817278
Daily Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Insider Tip: Try their cheese and charcuterie platters, perfect with wine.
Best Dish to Try: Cheese and Charcuterie Platter – pairs beautifully with local wines.

3. Ristorante Belvedere: This place is known for its spectacular views and fresh seafood which offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes.

Location: Piazza Garibaldi, 38, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy | +39 0187 817033
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Get a table on the terrace for the best view.
Best Dish to Try: Ciuppin – a rich and flavorful fish stew.

Top Restaurants in Corniglia

1. A Cantina de Mananan: If you want to have an authentic dishes with charming atmosphere then this cozy, rustic spot perfect for a hearty, traditional Ligurian meal.

Location: Fieschi, 117, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy | +39 0187 821166
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Insider Tip: Make a reservation as it’s a small and popular spot.
Best Dish to Try: Tagliatelle con Funghi – homemade pasta with local mushrooms.

2. Bar La Terza Terra Corniglia: A charming bar offering stunning panoramic views and light snacks with a casual vibe.

Bruschetta in a top restaurants in Cinque Terre

Location: Via Fieschi, 215, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy | +39 0187 821044
Daily Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Insider Tip: Perfect spot for enjoying a drink with a view.
Best Dish to Try: Bruschetta – simple yet bursting with fresh flavors.

3. Ristorante Cecio: This restaurant offers terrace seating with stunning views and a menu full of local favorites.

Location: Serra, 58, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy | +39 0187 821070
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Insider Tip: Book a terrace seating to enjoy the scenic views.
Best Dish to Try: Pansotti con Salsa di Noci – pasta with a rich walnut sauce.

Top Restaurants in Manarola

1. Trattoria Dal Billy: High above Manarola, this trattoria offers breathtaking views and fresh seafood.

Location: Via Aldo Rollandi, 122, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy | +39 0187 920628
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Ask about the daily catch for the freshest seafood.
Best Dish to Try: Fritto Misto di Mare – a crispy, mixed seafood fry.

2. Nessun Dorma: This spot offers a laid-back vibe with amazing views and great bruschettas. You will surely enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking views.

a girl holding wine in front of scenic top restaurants in Cinque Terre
Image Courtesy: Nessun Dorma

Location: Localita Punta Bonfiglio, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy | +39 333 888 8252
Daily Timings: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Insider Tip: Perfect place to unwind with a drink at sunset.
Best Dish to Try: Bruschetta al Pomodoro – fresh and delicious.

3. Ristorante Marina Piccola: Located right by the water, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner with fantastic seafood. Make sure you book the table in advance to enjoy the waterfront dining and fresh seafood.

Location: Piazza Birolli, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy | +39 0187 920923
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Ideal for a romantic evening by the sea.
Best Dish to Try: Spaghetti allo Scoglio – packed with fresh seafood.

Top Restaurants in Riomaggiore

1. Enoteca Dau Cila: This charming spot blends traditional and modern Ligurian cuisine with fresh ingredients.

Location: San Giacomo, 65, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy | +39 0187 920589
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Explore their wine selection for local flavors.
Best Dish to Try: Trofie al Pesto – traditional pasta with homemade pesto.

2. Ristorante La Lampara: Known for its friendly atmosphere and fantastic seafood, this is a local favorite.

Location: Malborghetto, 8, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy | +39 0187 760040
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: A must-visit for seafood lovers.
Best Dish to Try: Spaghetti allo Scoglio – a local favorite.

3. Trattoria La Grotta: Another family-run restaurant offers cozy ambiance and traditional and authentic Ligurian cuisine which surely has to be on your list of where to eat in Cinque Terre without a doubt.

vendor holding stuffed-anchovies in a top restaurants in Cinque Terre

Location: Via Colombo, 214, 19017 Riomaggiore SP, Italy | +39 0187 920938
Daily Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM & 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Insider Tip: Perfect for a traditional, home-cooked meal.
Best Dish to Try: Acciughe Ripiene – stuffed anchovies that are simply delicious.

Useful Dining Hacks for Cinque Terre Restaurants

  • Avoid the “Tourist Menu” Trap: Restaurants near the harbors often push overpriced, generic “tourist menus.” Tip: Walk a few streets inland or uphill—family-run trattorias have better prices and authenticity.
  • Order the Catch of the Day Like a Local: Look for handwritten signs: “Oggi c’è…” (“Today we have…”) listing fresh catches. Best picks: Acciughe fresche (fresh & juicy anchovies), polpo (octopus), or branzino (sea bass).
  • BYOB (But Check First): Some casual spots allow you to bring your own wine (sold at nearby enotecas). Ask: “Posso portare la mia bottiglia?” (“Can I bring my own bottle?”)—some charge a small corkage fee.
  • Eat Focaccia on the Go: Skip sit-down breakfast—grab Ligurian focaccia (topped with olives or rosemary) from bakeries like Panificio Rosi (Monterosso) for a cheap, delicious snack.
  • The “Pasta Test” for Authenticity: Avoid restaurants with neon signs or photos of every dish. Look for: Handmade pasta (e.g., trofie al pesto), a short menu (changes seasonally), and locals dining there.
  • Sunset Aperitivo with a View: Bars like Nessun Dorma (Manarola) charge premium prices for drinks—but the sunset views are free. Hack: Order a €5 Aperol Spritz, then enjoy the scenery without a dinner bill.
  • Reserve for Lunch, Not Just Dinner: Popular spots (e.g., Ristorante Belforte) book up for dinner months ahead. Workaround: Lunch reservations are easier to snag, with the same views and menus.
  • The “Coperto” Isn’t a Scam—But Check the Bread: A coperto (cover charge, €2–5) is normal, but some places bring unwanted (and chargeable) bread baskets. If you don’t want it; Say “No pane, grazie”
  • Eat Early or Late to Beat Crowds: Ideal times: Lunch at 12:30pm (before tour groups) or dinner after 8:30pm (when day-trippers leave).
  • Trust the Nonna: In villages like Corniglia, tiny spots with no English menus (e.g., A Cantina de Mananan) often serve the best meals. Point-and-order: Smile and say “Mi consiglia?” (“What do you recommend?”).

Top Restaurants in Cinque Terre Map

How to use this map: Use your mouse (or pinch on touchscreens) to get a closer look or see the bigger picture. Click on the icons to uncover details about that dreamy spot. Hit the arrow (↖) in the top-left corner to jump to the full list of locations. Click the star next to the map’s name to add it to your Google Maps—so you can revisit anytime! To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, tap the menu ☰, then go to “Your Places” or “Maps.”. Click “View larger map” (top-right corner) to expand or print it for your travels.

Are You Ready To Have The Best Dining in Cinque Terre?

Remember that especially during peak season, it’s wise to call ahead and reserve a table. Don’t miss out on trying local wines like Sciacchetrà or a crisp white from the region. Menus often change with the seasons, so ask about daily specials for the freshest dishes.

Enjoy your culinary adventure through Cinque Terre!

Let me know your dining experience in the comments below; will love to hear them all:)

Buon appetito!

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