There are no water views here. Food is served on paper plates and eaten with plastic cutlery. But talk about a local gem! Tucked away in a quaint back alley of bustling Monterosso, this glorified cafeteria (with free Wi-Fi) delivers some of the best-tasting and best-value food anywhere in the Cinque Terre. What chef-owners Moreno and Sabrina serve depends on the day, but there is a surprisingly varied menu (printed on a chalkboard), with a wide selection of both classic and more creative primi and secondi. You can even mix and match pastas and sauces—unheard of in Italy, but a hit with certain DIY-loving foreigners—and take meals to go. Seating is limited to five outside tables on the stepped alleyway, plus a small interior dining section, but there is just something about this place and its casual gourmet grub made with palpable passion and love that trumps sea views and draws patrons back again and again. Oh, and in case you were wondering: Yes, there is wine. Good wine (and beer). Paper plates or not, this is Italy, after all.
The Cinque Terre
Travel Guide
The Cinque Terre› Restaurant
Gastronomia San Martino
Via San Martino 3, Monterosso al Mare
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Around town
Hours
Tue-Sun noon-3pm, 6-10pm
Phone
338/569-9017, 346/186-0764
Prices
Mains € 6-€ 10
Cuisine Type
Italian
Map
Via San Martino 3, Monterosso al Mare The Cinque TerreNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.