6 Best Restaurants in The Italian Riviera, Italy

Perched amid the clustered old houses in seaside Tellaro, 4 km (2½ miles) southeast of Lerici, this small, unpretentious family-run restaurant with wooden tables and plenty of windows has become a foodie destination. The imaginative seafood-focused menu changes often, and the pretty building also houses a small inn with seven charming and comfortable rooms.

You could easily become a homemade-pesto snob at this restored 5th-century olive oil mill-turned-chic restaurant in the historical center of Finalborgo. The high prices are justified by excellent seafood and meat dishes as well as the pampering setting of clean white, arched and vaulted rooms that foster an air of space and tranquility. The five-course tasting menu is a great way to sample the dishes on offer.

In the local dialect, bontà nascoste means "hidden goodness," a reference to its back-alleyway location and consistently delicious dishes, which include fresh pasta, local fish, and a handful of meat choices. There are only six tables (and a couple more outside in summer), so reserve ahead.

Across the small bay of Portovenere lies the rugged island of Palmaria, where there are only a few restaurants (making for high prices), including this place with lovely seafront views and headliners like fresh pasta and local fish. To get here, take the restaurant's free Riva boat from the Portovenere jetty.

If you want to be in the middle of everything and dine well, and don't mind spending a small fortune, then you'll want (and need) a reservation at this waterfront restaurant in Portofino. Quite simply, it's the place to be seen while dining on baked fish and homemade pasta dishes. The covered patio on the port is great for people-watching.

At the entrance of the old town is this intimate and comfortable restaurant that focuses on traditional seafood recipes, such as a soup featuring anchovies. The tavern's cuisine is typical of the Riviera di Ponente, and they also serve a good variety of gluten-free dishes.