The Best Restaurants
in Santa Margherita and Portofino for a Taste of Ligurian Luxury
Where Tradition Meets Sophistication by the Sea
Dining on the Italian Riviera is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of place, season, and simplicity. In the sun-drenched towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, every table comes with a view: of the sea, of a vine-covered terrace, of life unfolding slowly. For those seeking the best restaurants in Santa Margherita, the town offers a graceful balance between refined dining and authentic local flavor. Meanwhile, the best restaurants in Portofino, Italy, lean into understated glamour, with menus that reflect both the village’s fishing roots and its international allure.
Expect seafood caught that morning, olive oil from nearby hills, and house-made pasta that carries generations of tradition. From Michelin-starred elegance to hidden trattorias tucked behind flower-draped facades, the Riviera’s dining scene invites you to savor every detail—slowly, beautifully, and with a glass of local Vermentino in hand.
Our Insider Picks: Flavours to Remember
In Santa Margherita, just steps from the promenade, DuCoq offers contemporary seafood dishes in a chic, intimate setting, while Trattoria da Pezzi serves up fresh pasta, octopus salad, and timeless simplicity in a setting that feels untouched by time for those seeking a traditional experience.
In Portofino, start with I Gemelli, a charming family-run restaurant that blends tradition and innovation. Known for its heartfelt Ligurian hospitality and an evolving menu that honors the sea, I Gemelli serves up dishes like homemade trofie al pesto, grilled catch of the day, and inventive seasonal plates that surprise and satisfy in equal measure. The ambiance strikes a perfect note between relaxed and refined, making it a local gem for both visitors and residents.
Not too far away, Ristorante Puny is one of the best restaurants in Portofino, Italy. Puny has long drawn guests for its warm service and perfectly executed Ligurian staples. Signature dishes like trofie al pesto, zucchini flowers, and branzino grilled with aromatic herbs speak to the soul of regional cuisine. Its picturesque setting in the heart of the piazzetta adds to the experience, offering diners a front-row seat to Portofino’s enduring allure.
For those looking to dine with a sense of timeless elegance, Vistamare at the Grand Hotel Miramare is a standout destination. Nestled within a Belle Époque masterpiece, the restaurant offers sweeping views of the Gulf of Tigullio and an atmosphere of refined serenity. Vistamare’s menu emphasizes freshness and locality, featuring produce and herbs grown directly in the hotel’s lush Mediterranean gardens. Every dish—whether a delicate seafood risotto or a garden-fresh vegetable medley—is rooted in the season and the landscape, making the dining experience as immersive as it is exquisite.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or simply want to immerse yourself in local cuisine, these are the best restaurants in Santa Margherita and the best restaurants in Portofino, Italy that promise not just a meal—but a memory.
