Cinque Terre: Scenic Eats Guide

In Cinque Terre, a meal is more than just food, it’s about living the landscape. Whether it’s a terrace overlooking colorful houses or a hidden alley with candlelit tables, each place carries its own charm.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Cinque Terre.

/// Monterosso — Torre Aurora

Perched on a cliff between the old town and the sea, Torre Aurora feels like dining inside a postcard. The terrace is spectacular at sunset with panoramic views stretching from the beach to the horizon, while the medieval tower rises just behind you. The menu leans toward refined Ligurian seafood: think delicate crudos, fresh pasta with lobster or clams, and beautifully plated mains. Pair it with their creative cocktails or a crisp local white wine for a truly cinematic dinner. It’s elegant without being pretentious, being the kind of place where the view, the flavors, and the moment all come together.

Adress: Via Bastioni, 5, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy. To reserve: https://www.torreauroracinqueterre.com/

/// Manarola — Nessun Dorma

Perhaps the most famous spot in the region, perched dramatically on the cliffs with a postcard-perfect view of Manarola. It’s more suited for aperitivo and small plates. Their bruschetta menu is the real star — endless flavors to choose from. The burrata version was our favorite, creamy, vibrant, topped with tomatoes so sweet and ripe they taste like summer itself.

>> Expect a wait, even in late August and September. Luckily, they have a QR code waiting list, so you can add your name and wander around while the sun sets.

They also offer the Pesto Experience, which invites you to slow down and taste Liguria with all your senses. Between the scent of fresh basil and the view over the sea, you’ll learn to prepare pesto the traditional way, grinding leaves and pine nuts on Carrara marble before enjoying your creation with local wine and small bites. A delicious pause suspended between tradition and the Mediterranean breeze. To book the experience : https://www.nessundormacinqueterre.com/pestoexperience

Adress: Località Punta Bonfiglio, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

/// Corniglia — Ittiturismo SP4488

Authenticity lives here: fish caught that very morning, paired with whatever vegetables and herbs the season brings. The menu changes with the market, so every visit feels like a genuine taste of the Mediterranean, fresh, simple and deeply satisfying. Run by a local family, the atmosphere is unhurried and warm, inviting you to slow down, sip your wine and let the flavors unfold at their own rhythm.

>> Getting here can be a challenge without a car. From Corniglia’s center it is about a 25 minute uphill walk along the road under the summer sun. It takes effort, but the view and the experience at the table make it unforgettable.

Adress: Strada provinciale corniglia-san bernardino, 19018 Corniglia SP, Italy

/// Manarola — La Regina di Manarola

Traditional Ligurian flavors are given a subtle modern touch, served on a terrace with one of the loveliest views in Manarola. The menu highlights fresh fish and seafood and homemade pasta, including their pesto, which feels both authentic and comforting. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the cocktails are an excellent addition to the experience. From the tables you can look out over the colorful houses of the village, a view that makes the setting both charming and memorable.

Adress: Via Ettore Cozzani, 25, 19017 Manarola SP, Italy

https://lareginadimanarola.it/fr

/// Monterosso — Enoteca da Eliseo

Hidden in a small alley, this little wine bar is an ideal stop for an apéritif after a day at the beach. There is no sea view, but the charm lies elsewhere: a cozy, intimate space where you can sip a glass while watching the old town’s life pass by. The wine list is great, with many options available both by the glass and by the bottle, showcasing the best of the region and beyond. Pair it with small bites and you have the perfect setting for people-watching in a scene that feels straight out of an Italian film.

Adress:  3 Piazza Matteotti, 19016 Monterosso Italy

Practical tips for eating in Cinque Terre

• Reservations: Essential in summer, especially for Nessun Dorma and Torre Aurora.
• Best times: Lunch is often easier without booking; for dinner, aim for sunset.
• Prices: Sea-view spots come with higher prices. Balance your trip with small trattorias hidden in the alleys.
• Wine: Try Sciacchetrà, a rare sweet wine made only in Cinque Terre.