To finally celebrate the reopening of public places after this period of forced stop, we want to introduce you to some of the restaurants of the Western Ligurian Riviera you really should not miss.
I would like to point out that for this post I asked advice to our very expert: here is our top five of the best haute cuisine restaurants in Western Liguria, compiled by no-less-than her, the only, inimitable, the Countess of the Foodies County, Elena Scalambrin
As you will have learned by now if you know us a little or if you have already visited us, Elena has a great passion for good food and good wine. Whenever a customer is in doubt about the restaurant to choose for dinner, she can find every time a new place and, of course, always of outstanding quality.
Here are the five winners: five restaurants of unquestionable quality located on the Riviera which, without a doubt, will gift you a magical evening of pampering and attention; but above all, they will enchant you with the high quality of the food and products used…and yes, well of course also of the wine…we are talking about Elena’s choice after all!
Sarri Restaurant in Imperia – www.ristorantesarri.it
You never change a winning team! Today famous to the most also thanks to the Michelin starred chef Andrea Sarri, this restaurant near the picturesque Borgo Prino in Imperia definitely has a special place in our heart. Offering a nice glimpse of the sea, exquisite refinement of the spaces and gastronomic proposals, accurate and alert service: at Sarri you will spend a very special evening.
Andrea’s style undoubtedly has its roots in the choice of local products but with a twist thanks to his original reinterpretation made of unusual combinations.
Elena’s advice: if you don’t know what to order, go for the “Lasciatemi fare” (“Let me do it”) tasting menu proposed by the chef. A short dream experience that, once you get to dessert, you will hardly be able to forget.
Price: 60€ – 80€
Salvo Cacciatori Restaurant in Imperia – www.ristorantesalvocacciatori.it
The one who best represents the history of Imperia’s restaurant panorama: since 1905 the Salvo family has been carrying on what, born as a tavern for traders and hunters – hence the name “Cacciatori” – today continues to be a central place in the gastronomy of our city and one of its higher level restaurants. Here we are really talking about a historical enterprise: 115 years of activity carried out by the same family is certainly something unique, especially when it comes to restaurants, a field where today the keyword is “change”.
This restaurant had been feature in the Michelin Guide for thirty years, but in recent periods the quality of the dishes and style has undergone a surge thanks also to the expert hands of the new chefs, guided by Enrico’s charismatic management skills. The atmosphere you breathe is warm, enveloping and reminds us of our roots: the restaurant was in fact created through the architectural recovery of the materials of the historic restaurant and with them, it preserved intact also the values that the Salvo family transmits from about a century in their kitchen.
Elena’s advice: we all know that you are either a first plate or a second plate lover. For example, I hardly give up pasta (Italian DNA, what can you do about it) but here the latter, which are meat or fish, are real masterpieces.
Price: 60€ – 80€
3. U Titti Restaurant in Lingueglietta – Da Riccardo & Chiara – www.facebook.com/dautitti/
The first thing that wins you over? The breathtaking view on a hill that allows the location to make even the hardest of hearts fall in love! If we add that the owners are a couple of blinding tenderness, I would say that we have found the ideal place for the most romantic dinner of your life. I am not exaggerating, and if you have the opportunity to enjoy a meal with Chiara and Riccardo you will surely find that my words need even a bit more honey.
A graceful and delicate environment just like the touch of chef Riccardo in his delicious dishes and Chiara’s gracefulness in serving you a good bottle of Vermentino at the table. The proposal is bold, innovative and tasty, certainly the most advanced of our Riviera: you will hardly find something similar and in fact, the U Titti restaurant has managed to earn a place in the well-known television challenge “4 Ristoranti” conducted by chef Alessandro Borghese, ranking first.
Elena’s advice: leave some room for dessert, it’s a must here!
Price: 50€ – 70€
4. Il Gallo della Checca Restaurant in Ranzo – www.ilgallodellacheccaranzo.it
In Liguria, you will find yourself loving not just the riviera, but also the enchanting inland. Especially since it offers goodies like this restaurant! The cooking style is between Liguria and Piedmont: difficult to say where the balance is inclined but the beauty is right here, in not having to choose. If you love meat, truffles and good wine, you can definitely get in your car straight away to here, since at Gallo you will be able to experiment with recipes made to perfection thanks to the selection of excellent ingredients. “What to add more?” you are wondering. Well, then there’s the fact that oil, wine and truffles are not at km0 – surprised, aren’t you? – but at cm0, because they are entirely produced right there, next to the restaurant. To know a little more, run to read the post about their truffle ground HERE!
Elena’s advice: no doubt about it, order the risotto with truffle: Elena’s favourite dish since she was a child
Price: 40€ – 60€
5. Il Pirata Restaurant in Laigueglia – www.ristorantepirata.com
Don’t be confused by the wide choice of places on the riviera: there is only one Pirata!
The restaurant has been recently renovated but has maintained a simple and well-kept environment. Luca wants to distinguish himself from the others by keeping his feet on the ground while giving excellent quality dishes, also thanks to the ingredients he chooses personally. Here you will find a little bit of everything: spectacular first courses, fresh fish, a good dose of tradition and…even pizzas!
Elena’s advice: cod fritters? Yes, yes and yes! Also, check out their wine list to lose your head!
Price: 40€ – 60€
if you are ready to start your gastronomic trip in Liguria, give a look also to our new offer, created to celebrate the opening of the new restaurant of our friends in Imperia ( restaurant that is not featured on this list just because it is still not open :)) Click HERE for more informations
