Places to eat in Vernazza

Set on the rim of Vernazza's small harbor, amidst tiny fishing boats and snoozing cats, Trattoria del Capitano has an elegant atmosphere enhanced by gentle waves lapping the rocks nearby. The servers are polite and patient, offering personal recommendations and a dessert menu at the drop of a hat. Capitano's heavenly plate of Pansotti (a local dish consisting of spinach and ricotta topped in a creamy walnut sauce) is matched only by the wide variety of seafood appearing under the second course menu (prepare for something that looks back at you while you eat it). For dessert, try the Torta della Nonna, Grandmother's cake. Remember to ask for a bottle of the local white wine (vino della Cinque Terre) with dinner!

Besides the enticing outdoor, waterfront location, this restaurant had it all: a warm reception, excellent personal service and mouth-watering dishes. Our waiter was especially attentive and helpful - with suggestions to meet everyone's needs.
The restaurant offers traditional Ligurian cuisine which includes a variety of seafood. There were 8 of us dining, all ordering different meals and every dish we ordered was exceptional - from the anti-pasto to the dessert.

Favorite Dish: Melt-in-your-mouth mussels, savory trofie al pesto and divine catch of the day!

I am truly not a fan of mussels, but these were extraordinary - cooked perfectly in a savory sauce (muscoli ripieni). A Trattoria Gianni specialty and a must-have! Trofie al pesto had enough zesty pesto sauce to make the dish complete, but did not overwhelm the pasta. The grilled fish (pesce alla griglia) was brought to our table whole, but our wonderful waiter expertly removed the head, bones and filleted it for us in under a minute. As was everything else, cooked perfectly to melt in your mouth.

Don't forget to ask for a bottle of local D.O.C. wine!