Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
A sunny outside terrace is the big draw here, although you'll be far from unhappy with the menu of local dishes: Ligurian rolled rabbit, risotto with…
Must-see restaurants in Northwestern Italy
San Remo
Basking in a quiet medieval square in San Remo's remarkable old town, Urbicia is slavishly faithful to old Ligurian recipes, with a strong bias towards…
La Spezia
A short stroll from Piazza Cavour, Bellavista hits all the right notes, with high-quality produce, good service and creative dishes all served up at a…
Aosta
Fabulous Valdostan cuisine is dished up at this dark and cosy trattoria, tucked down an alleyway off Via E Aubert. Antipasti such as puff pastry filled…
Aosta
Oca means 'goose' and there are plenty, both on the menu and reproduced in hilariously kitsch china forms around the room. This quaint perch under an…
Vernazza
In a perfect location on the waterfront, Il Porticciolo whips up heavenly perfection in its all-natural gelato. Indulge in fruit flavors like strawberry,…
Genoa
A cute little hole in the wall that breathes new life into the traditional rotisserie chicken. Birds are all free range and local; buy them whole (from €9…
Rapallo
Seafood is the star here, and it's done well with the occasional creative touch. House-made stuffed pastas have particular appeal – sea bream ravioli…
Corniglia
If you need a break from sit-down restaurant fare, pay a visit to this lovely deli and food shop. The front counter offers oven-baked veggies, made-to…
Genoa
A selection of beautiful traditional gelato flavours are complemented by a creative menu of semifreddo-filled cups, ice-cream sandwiches and chocolate…
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore's standout street food is a mound of fresh fried seafood – calamari, anchovies, shrimp, cod – stuffed into a paper cone and served on the go…
Manarola
Opposite the more sedate restaurant of the same name, this lively spot with its Latin grooves serves up a small selection of inexpensive specials (pasta…
Genoa
A much-loved local institution, this back-lane bakery fires up some of Genoa's best focaccia, which are available in countless varieties. The Antico Forno…
Manarola
A number of fish dishes, including some tasty antipasti such as soppressata di polpo (sliced boiled octopus) are served up here along with right-by-the…
Vernazza
Traditional Cinque Terre seafood (mussels, seafood ravioli and lemon anchovies) has been served up in this harbourside trattoria since the 1960s. When it…
Riomaggiore
Perched within pebble-lobbing distance of Riomaggiore's wee harbour, Dau Cila is a smart, kitsch-free zone, and specialises in classic seafood and hyper…
Monterosso
If you're looking for something a little more elegant than a seafront fry-up, Miky does a seasonal fish menu in a moody, modern dining room. Booking ahead…
Turin
Sip cups of molten coffee in the glorious, gold-on-black Sala Cinese of the Venaria Reale palace. Also on order are top-quality panini, pastries and ice…
La Spezia
Down on the waterfront, this casual spot is a local institution for delicious plates of octopus salad, steamed mussels and fried fish plates. It's quite…
Manarola
In the running for the title of Cinque Terre's best ice-cream joints. Superbly crafted flavours, including vegan and lactose-free options, never fail to…
Manarola
One of several restaurants lining the main route down to the harbour, this is a popular spot for an alfresco seafood feast. Expect seaside bustle and a…
Monterosso
Perched on a cliff overlooking the crashing waves, this long-running spot serves high-end seafood-topped pastas, grilled fish and roast meat dishes in a…
Corniglia
This casual spot serves simple but delicious market-fresh fare. Think well-balanced seafood risotto, tomato and mozzarella salad, hearty plates of ravioli…
Corniglia
An all-around good option, no matter the time of day. Friendly staff serve up hearty breakfasts, focaccia sandwiches, wine and appetiser specials, and a…
Savona
A popular gathering spot for all – families, young couples, visitors, old timers with small dogs – Green is an easy-going spot with a spacious covered…
Monterosso
Across from the seaside promenade, Slurp! is an obligatory stop when strolling the waterfront. In-house made gelato comes in a variety of rich flavours…
La Spezia
Take a seat around chunky wooden tables beneath beamed ceilings at this buzzing Slow Food–affiliated restaurant and wash down the torte di verdure …
Genoa
A wonderfully old-fashioned place, with fragrant scoops appearing from under metal-topped vats. The panera (a Genovese coffee-and-cream blend), creamy…
Savona
In the cobbled centre, this much-loved local spot serves up outstanding farinata (chickpea flour flat bread), as well as delectable, simply prepared…
Portofino
Puny's harbourside location is the one you've come to Portofino for and the owners treat everyone like they're a visiting celeb. The food sticks loyally…
Riomaggiore
There are always lots of tourists here but you won't feel like one as the service is so genuinely personable. Fish dishes predominate, though the pizza…
Portofino
A fashionable restaurant overlooking the port, Caffè Excelsior is a good perch with romantic outdoor booths – where Greta Garbo used to hide behind dark…
Genoa
Punt a football anywhere in Genoa and you’re bound to hit somewhere that sells focaccia. This focacceria sells a huge range of focaccia slices, pizza,…
Alba
Young chef Andrea Larossa has been wowing them from this unusual basement space for a few years now. This is Italian gastronomy with all its flourishes…
Aosta
You might be lured here by the pizza (which is good), but you'll stay on for the atmosphere, with convivial staff, happy locals and a wonderful position…
Turin
This happy, pretty pizzeria set in an old glassworks does Sicilian-style pizza using good-quality ingredients, along with rather fancy desserts.
Piedmont
The perennially popular pizzeria Pinky is a skiers' favourite, not to mention a post-bar pit stop. During the season, it also has live music.
Genoa
Serves up tasty focaccia slices just a short stroll from the Stazione Principe. Great for grabbing a snack while waiting for your train.
Turin
This small dining room is run by a friendly young couple and makes a nice change from historic, moody Turin. A simple, architecturally astute fit-out…
Genoa
With gingham tablecloths and a cheery clatter emanating from the kitchen, Mangiabuono remains one of the city's fabulously unfancy trattorias. Come and…
