Everyone is talking about the most fascinating among the seven towns of the Tigullio Gulf, stormed by foreign tourists (a good 85% of the total) but also by Milanese who love the showcase of the jet set. The haute couture launches (including the one of a seasonal boutique of the French maison Jacquemus) as well as the latest much-discussed municipal ordinances on the “food sovereignty” of local products on the prohibition of extended parking and photos on the quays and in the piazzetta, turn the spotlight even more on the Portofino catwalk. Where - good news – there’s a wide range of choice even for the most demanding and curious gourmets. Here are the best restaurants where to eat in Portofino.
Where to eat and drink in Portofino
Panificio Canale
Street Food. An institution in town, family-run and a favourite destination for many VIPs. The must is the focaccia, “natural” or enriched with other toppings, celebrated even by the New York Times.
Panificio Canale - via Roma, 30 - 0185 269248 – panificiocanale.it
Cracco Portofino
Restaurant. In the former Pitosforo, a city’s landmark, there’s now the refined and all round home of Carlo Cracco, the “star chef” based in Milan's Galleria. Two terraces, the pergola in the sun, the bar counter in the rock, all sea in front and inside. And an all-day long opening with fine dining, cafeteria, pizzeria, bistro, cocktail bar for a unique experience.
Cracco Portofino - Molo Umberto I, 9 - 0185 1636026 – craccoportofino.it
Trattoria Concordia
Trattoria. Genuine and uncompromising, it’s the perfect place for a healthy binge of fresh fish, handled and served with seafaring wisdom by the fisherman-owner. Antipasti and risotto not to be missed. Book.
Trattoria Concordia - via del Fondaco, 5 - 0185 269207
DaV Mare
Restaurant. A monument of local catering here at the helm of an exceptional “trattoria di pesce”. They’re the Cerea of Da Vittorio in Brusaporto, who supervise the Belmond Mare’s kitchen run by one of their pupils. The menu is tasty and classy, as house tradition. Cellar and staff are perfect for the place and clients.
DaV Mare - via Roma, 2 - 0185 267802 – davmare.com
Dolce & Gabbana at Caffè Excelsior
Gourmet break. As announced a month ago, the new Caffè Excelsior has risen again on 26 May by the signature of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The place to be of the 2023 season, conceived according to the format tested before in Milan, was launched with a parade and fireworks in the piazza and a super private party in the gardens of the Cervara Abbazia of San Girolamo al Monte.
Dolce & Gabbana al Caffè Excelsior - p.zza Martiri dell’Olivetta, 54 - 0185 269123
Al Faro di Portofino
Cocktail Bar. “Tassello della Portofinese”, a larger project with an eco-farm in the Portofino park above the Cala degli Inglesi and other venues in the city, is – along with the Faretto - on the cliff top. You get there in a 20-minute walk from downtown, then rehydrate with the house Spritz and enjoy the view over the whole Tigullio area.
Al Faro di Portofino - via della Penisola, 18 - 320 3087036
Gepi
Gelateria. In business for more than a decade, it’s a benchmark with several spots with a genuine and handcrafted production. Gourmand creams ranging from the classics to elaborations such as almond with pistachio cream and candied orange, Sicilian-inspired, pure fruit, savoury flavours to try, such as Cantabrian anchovies. Also bar.
Gepi - p.tta della Magnolia, 2 - 0185 269165
Bar Morena
Cocktail Bar. Another great classic for the aperitivo in the piazzetta, here officiated by the legendary founder Ugo Repetto, firmly at the helm for several decades. Tickets aligned with location and reputation.
Bar Morena - p.zza Martiri dell'Olivetta, 22 - 0185 269018 – Facebook
Winterose
Wine Bar. Stocked retail but also an enjoyable wine bar with a dehors a stone's throw from the sea, close to the port’s authority office. As well as nosing around the wide choice of bottles, with plenty of France, there is also the opportunity to nibble something from the food specialties pantry. No reservations.
Winterose - Calata Marconi, 42 - 0185 269500 – winteroseportofino.it
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