Much of the tourist industry in Cinque Terre revolves around the celebrated hiking trails of the namesake National Park. Yet, if truth be told, there’s much more to Cinque Terre than hiking. Dainty feeders might find it comforting to learn Cinque Terre is a gastronomic paradise, accommodating in particular the fancies of fish and seafood dish lovers who know how to duly appreciate the gifts of the sea.

On top of that, the locally produced wines are, due to their historical reputation, a tourist magnet too. They can easily complement a meal and, if appropriately associated with a specific dish, they can make for a great culinary experience.

Traditional produces and dishes in Cinque Terre

Pesto

Pesto is a garlic-based sauce, but though garlic is, indeed, an essential ingredient, the specific garlic flavor is mitigated, so to say, by the mouthwatering bouquet yielded by the rest of the ingredients: pine nuts, basil, extra virgin olive oil and hard cheese. Pesto is, in fact, a product the tradition of which goes back to the Roman era, and its popularity is ascertained by the fact the entire Ligurian region delights in preparing and consuming it. Pesto is also commonly known as pesto alla Genovese, mainly because the historical recipe involves the use of Genovese basil, said to have a particular unique flavor.

In preparing the sauce, a special emphasis is laid on the fact it is not cooked, meaning the ingredients are not subject to any thermal alteration process. They are simply crushed, traditionally in a marble mortar and ground with a wooden pestle. This is a mechanical process which does not tamper with the genuine flavors of the ingredients, but preserves their entire sap such as to finally make the palate tremble with pleasure.

Pesto can accompany or enrich a large range of dishes, from soups to pasta.

Olive oil

The entire Ligurian region is famed for its traditional production of olive oil. The quality of the product is ascertained, amongst others, by the fact three of the types of olive oil have been granted the Ligurian Riviera Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) label, which ensures the authenticity of the product and guarantees its high standard quality.

The olive oil is a highly versatile ingredient, and not only gastronomically speaking, but also from a medical point of view, not to mention the wide range of beauty care products based on this chief active ingredient. Thus, there is a genuine olive oil culture in the Ligurian region of Italy, and visitors can ascertain it immediately after setting foot on the coast: the entire region is covered with olive groves and vineyards, providing not only a spectacular view, but also the prospect of inexhaustible gastronomic and oenological pursuits.

Salted anchovies

It’s true fish is ever-present on locals’ tables. Ranging from bream and bass to cuttlefish and squid, and boiled or salted, dried, fried or grilled, fish and seafood are a virtually unlimited source of inspiration for the local cuisine. However, the salted anchovies have become a mark of the regional cuisine, and, despite the fact this is not a spectacular dish, it does manage to fuel the already flamboyant imagination of keen dainty feeders.

Anchovies in general can be cooked in a variety of ways: fried and associated with vegetables (potatoes, for instance), brined, drowned in garlic sauce enriched with sundry herbs, or, why not, raw with olive oil and lemon juice. Either way, the anchovies are a must-try on the gastronomic tour of both Cinque Terre and of the entire Ligurian coastline.

Wines in Cinque Terre

The wholesome climate and soil of Cinque Terre have created the ideal conditions for olive cultures, but the land is also famed for its vineyards. There are two DOC labels originated here, namely, the Cinque Terre wine and the Sciacchetra wine. Unsurprisingly, the white Cinque Terre goes very well with fish and seafood dishes, whereas the sweet Sciacchetra is blends in very well with the dessert. A particular feature of Sciacchetra is it is made of dried grapes, which is precisely what gives the wine its specific sweetness.

Dining out in Cinque Terre

Tratoria La Lanterna

Tratoria La Lanterna is located right in the proximity of the Riomaggiore marina, which is why it offers clients the occasion to complement their gastronomic experience with the stunning view of the sea. The menu is fairly miscellaneous, but the seafood dishes are the tourists’ favorites since the restaurant is said to keep close to the old traditions of preparing the recipes. Pasta is also appreciated. As if to enhance even more the appeal of the restaurant, the prices are quite reasonable. Reservations are advisable.

During the warm season, tables are available on the outdoor terrace.

Name:
Tratoria La Lanterna
Address:
46, Via S. Giacomo, Riomaggiore, Italy
Telephone:
0039 0187 920589
Fax:
0039 0187 24581
Website:
www.lalanterna.org

Tratoria Gianni Franzi

Tratoria Gianni Franzi is, by far, the most popular eating venue in Vernazza. Its success is guaranteed both by the restaurant’s location and by the mouthwatering menu which mainly focuses on seafood and fish dishes. Tourists flock to Gianni Franzi precisely because the cooks keep true to the ancient recipes which guarantee the excellence of the taste, of the flavor and of the texture. Briefly put, this is a Ligurian paradise where all palates with a craving for marine bouquets are welcomed with confidence. Reservations are highly advisable. During the tourist season, tables are arranged on the open-air terrace of the restaurant.

The owner of the restaurant also runs a hotel in Vernazza.

Name:
Tratoria Gianni Franzi
Address:
5, Piazza G. Marconi, Vernazza, Italy
Telephone:
0039 0187 821003
Fax:
0039 0187 812228
Email:
info@giannifranzi.it
Website:
www.giannifranzi.it

Ristorante Al Pozzo

Unsurprisingly, Ristorante Al Pozzo too excels in cooking and serving fish and seafood specialties. In fact, tourists often go there in order to sample the fresh catch, though pasta too is said to be excellent. Adding the ambiance and the set, it’s no surprise Ristorante Al Pozzo is one of the most popular eating venues in Monterosso al Mare.

Name:
Ristorante Al Pozzo
Address:
4, Via Roma, Monterosso al Mare, Italy
Telephone:
0039 0187 817575
Website:
www.alpozzoristorante.it

Ristorante Miky

Ristorante Miky is a first class eating venue in Monterosso al Mare where not only the menu, but also the atmosphere, contributes to an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The restaurant is, it too, a top choice for tourists who want to sample the genuine flavors and tastes of the Ligurian cuisine. The salted fish is the restaurant’s specialty, but the chef is also famed for his homemade pasta. A fine selection of wines, including the celebrated white Cinque Terre, complements the menu.

Name:
Ristorante Miky
Address:
104, Via Fegina, Monterosso al Mare, Italy
Telephone:
0039 0187 817608
Fax:
0039 0187 817608
Email:
miky@ristorantemiky.it
Website:
www.ristorantemiky.it

Ristorante Via Venti

Ristorante Via Venti welcomes its clients with a Ligurian menu, offering delightful regional and local dishes. The seafood selection is accompanied by a range of pasta specialties, all of these being highly appreciated by most of the tourists who stumble across the small Ristorante Via Venti. On top of that, this eating venue is highly appreciated for its location (on one of the oldest thoroughfares of Monterosso al Mare) and for the friendly welcoming staff.

Name:
Ristorante Via Venti
Address:
32, Via XX Settembre, Monterosso al Mare, Italy
Telephone:
0039 0187 818347
Fax:
0039 0187 818377
Email:
info@ristoranteviaventi.it
Website:
www.ristoranteviaventi.it
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