Location: Vernazza
Top Restaurants in Vernazza
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Vernazza Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Vernazza
With Cinque Terre’s only proper harbor, Vernazza has a long history as a fishing village. While there is a small beach, sightseeing is more common in this astoundingly beautiful cliffside town. Highlights include the 16th-century Belforte Tower (which offers incredible views of the area), the 11th-century Doria Castle and the 14th-century Santa Margherita d'Antiochia church. It involves a steep hike, but the shrine at Nostra Signora Di Reggio (Our Lady of Reggio) is well worth it.
Things to do in Vernazza
1. Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ArtistJames - Salem, Oregon
During our week in Vernazza, we began nearly each day with a pastry, cappuccino and fresh blood-orange juice at Il Pirata. The "Cannoli Brothers" take a little getting used to with their humor, but once you understand their fun, they're an utter delight.
Their food and beverages are great, too. We enjoyed a dinner here one evening and especially loved our pesto dish. My mixed salad had such a lovely presentation, as did everything, really. But the desserts--oh, that's especially why you should come by in the evening.
In summary, these twins are jokesters, but they take their food seriously. Enjoy!
2. Belforte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By HBARRY740 - Haverford, Pennsylvania
This restaurant was the dining highlight of our (my son and self) 1 week stay in the CINQUE TERRE region. Vernazza is arguably the most picturesque of the 5 towns and BELFORTE certainly among the best of the Vernazza restaurants. MAGNIFICENT views complement excellent service and fresh wonderful food -specializing naturally in fish.
This was an overall super dining experience. I recommend it highly and without -excuse the pun- reservation.
3. Ristorante Il Gambero Rosso
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By RCT63 - McDonough, Georgia
On our last night in Vernazza, we decided to give this harbor side restaurant a try. We had been observing their various dishes by sight and smell as they seated their patrons on the beach umbrella covered patio directly under our second story apartment window. My wife had a fried fish dish consisting of anchovies, octopuses, squid, shrimp, and prawns. I ordered a spaghetti dish with shrimp covered in a rich cream sauce. Both were excellent. We had planned on a dessert, but the amount of food served left us utterly stuffed. We'll miss this place when we leave.
4. Il Frantoio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Tomme T - Sydney, Australia
Yet another excellent recommendation from our tour guide.
Tucked away towards the back of the town and on a little side street, this place may be hard to find, but definitely worth the effort. Ask for a freshly baked cheeseball and you will know what we mean. Simply amazing and just so yummy. Unfortunately for us, we only bought one to share between my wife & I when we had to run back to the port to catch our boat. Wished we had bought a dozen of them to enjoy, as both of us wanted more as did others in our tour group who tried it.
5. Osteria A Cantina De Mananan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
Reviewed By larrybobroy - california
Tiny place but worth the effort to find it. Great food selection and everyone was happy with what they ordered, very fresh. Inside is very quaint and well done. Would defiantly return.
6. L'Ancora della Tortuga
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Locale in stile marina aggrappato alla scogliera a picco sul mare Una zona privè ricavata da una parete di roccia viva ,il dehors superiore ha una vista mozzafiato Cucina con piatti tipici rielaborati dallo chef monterossino DOC.partendo da ottimi prodotti sia di mare che di terra.
Reviewed By lfbmonkey - fort lee , new jersey
Ewe loved this restaurant. Walk up from the seaside by the old fortress and gaze at the sea. Enter into a cozy restaurant. The waiter was superbly personable. Appetizers were octopus and olives and capers, and we split a pasta that was delicious. Fish was split- a roasted whole Bronzino with olives and capers . Fabulous sauce! Chocolate cake dessert also great.
7. Caffe Matteo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By James W
We enjoyed lunch here with good service, good food, and it didn't take too long. The outdoor Seating area looked nice too but we were indoors. Nice to get good salads.
8. Enoteca da Eliseo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
Reviewed By abzster - Manchester, United Kingdom
Spent our last night in Cinque Terre here enjoying some local wine and nibbles. The capers were delicious! Lovely bar and great setting - highly recommend. We then crossed over the square to Da Eraldo for dinner which was excellent (but worth booking ahead!).
9. Gelateria Il Porticciolo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 486 reviews
Reviewed By AngelSonrisa - Washington
Decent place for gelato, no free samples offered though, which kinda irritates because who wants to try anything new if you don't know if you'll like it? It's not like they were packed with customers either- we came at a non busy time. The place up the street was better.
10. Terra Rossa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By rgrant182 - Belfast, United Kingdom
I walked the cinque terre and was so happy that I waited to have lunch in this lovely spot! Amazing focaccia sandwiches (would recommend the cipolle e balsamico one!). Very cute Seating area outside and some nice drinks to choose from. The owner was a lovely lady who was very helpful! I would go back to corniglia just for this place!
