Urbanologie presents the best restaurants the Italian Riviera has to offer.

Phi Beach

Located en route to Sardinia, Phi beach is an open air club located near the military base of Forte Cappellini, but don't let that fool you, the club is surrounded by beautiful rocks shaped by the sea and wind over time. Boasting views of the sunset and sea each evening, at night "the rock club" provides ambient lighting as you sip a cocktail or two outdoors. The cuisine on offer at the restaurant combines fresh seafood and modern European dishes such as, 'cold cut veal on tuna sauce' and 'linguine with Sardinian clams'. The club also hosts a range of events such as DJ gigs and elegant white parties.  

Il Pitosforo 

This celebrity favourite is located on the water's edge, just off the centre of Portofino square. First established in 1951 (by Marco Vinelli for his family after his maritime experience building yachts), the restaurant has since been enjoyed by guests such as Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jordan and is famed for its pizza and fresh, ever changing seafood menu based on traditional Ligurian cuisine. Il Pitosforo also boasts a large wine cellar with an extensive collection of wines from across the world which can be enjoyed whilst looking out at "one of the greatest views of the bay in the whole of Portofino".

Aqua Lounge   

As well as a restaurant, Aqua lounge is also home to a cocktail bar and deli, selling local wines, meats and cheeses. Aqua lounge is situated in the Porto Cerva Marina in the Edificio Yacht Club. Choose from a short and sweet menu including salads, fish of the day and beef cut on the grill. The cocktail menu offers an array of classic and dessert cocktails, as well as a choice of spirts, wines and Champagne. The sleek and sophisticated lounge also hosts events such as DJ sets and booking for private events is also available.

La Stalla Dei Frati 

As a family run restaurant this venue has a very homely feel, but despite it's difference in décor compared to the other venues, this restaurant remains incredibly popular among its guests. Overlooking the gulf of Tigullio you can experience the traditional Italian, Ligurian and international cuisine the restaurant has to offer, that varies depending on the seasonal, fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as, 'fried zucchini with fresh pesto' and 'homemade noodles with freshly caught shrimp and ripe cherry tomatoes' and the wine cellar offers a choice of carefully selected international and national wines as well as Champagne. In the hot summer sun you also have the option to sit outside on the terrace located in the hills of Santa Margherita Ligure that overlook the clear waters of the gulf. 

Ai Torchi

This restored fifth century olive-oil mill turned restaurant (which still has its milestone and wooden press for diners to see) is certainly a unique setting for dining. Located in the heart of Liguria, this intimate and chic restaurant specialises in homemade pesto and seafood. Expect hearty portions of both classic and more inventive seafood dishes such as, 'fresh shellfish paella' and a 'seafood platter', complete with 'rare tuna on a bed of asparagus'. Contact number- +39 0916 90531

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The best the region has to offer