This isn’t just a metaphor: here, the top restaurants all share the same direction: facing the stunning West Ligurian Riviera, turning the horizon into an essential part of the dining experience.

Whether you choose a table set directly on the sand, a charming outdoor terrace overlooking a seaside piazza, or a panoramic balcony with breathtaking coastal views, the scenery is never just a detail—it’s the first course.

The cuisine you’ll find on the table

‍Before sitting down, it’s worth understanding what to expect.
The gastronomy of Laigueglia is rooted in the farming and seafaring traditions of the western Savona area, quite distinct from that of Genoa, with Provençal and Piedmontese influences.

Expect sardenaira (the Ligurian-style pizza with anchovies, olives, and capers), trofie with mortar-made pesto, buridda of stockfish with pinenuts and Taggiasca olives, mixed fried local catch, and—at more refined restaurants—raw seafood prepared with modern techniques on a foundation of local tradition.

The best restaurants in Laigueglia almost all work with a short supply chain: the fish comes from the Alassio market or directly from local fishing boats.

Where to eat seafood in Laigueglia

Laigueglia is, first and foremost, a seaside village. And from a seaside village, you expect just one thing: fresh fish. Here, the answer is almost always yes, because the supply chain is short out of geographical necessity—the Alassio fish market is just three kilometers away, and local fishing boats still bring in their fresh catch every morning.

The range of seafood restaurants in Laigueglia is surprisingly diverse for a village of 1,700 inhabitants. It goes from the most classic and informal seaside cuisine (grilled fish, fried seafood, seafood pasta) to high-end fish gastronomy recognized by the Michelin Guide. The common thread among the three best spots is simple: you dine overlooking the sea—and that’s no minor detail.

Our top three restaurants in Laigueglia

Da Tino e Marco: the sea at your feet

There’s only one place in Laigueglia where you can dine with sand under your shoes, listening to the waves less than three meters from your table: Da Tino e Marco, in Piazza Cavour 8B, right on the village seafront.

The restaurant has a spacious area along the promenade, with well-spaced tables offering an open view over the entire bay. But its real strength is the private stretch of beach set up as an open-air dining area: an informal and authentic experience, perfect for dinner with friends or family.

In the kitchen, Ligurian tradition is the starting point. The seafood paccheri are the most celebrated dish: fresh ingredients and pasta cooked with proper timing, without shortcuts. For children—or for those who prefer something other than fish—there’s also pinsa, a light and crispy alternative. To pair: a glass of Pigato, the quintessential white wine of western Liguria.

The atmosphere is convivial, without any pretense of formal elegance. It’s the right place when you want to feel on vacation while you eat.

Vascello Fantasma: elegance overlooking the sea

In Piazza Giuseppe Musso, in the heart of the village, Vascello Fantasma occupies one of the most beautiful and renowned outdoor dining areas in Laigueglia: a light-stone square with a direct view of the sea, where tables—set with white tablecloths—seem suspended between the village and the Mediterranean.

The style is that of classic fine dining: waiters in uniform, attentive and precise service, and a well-curated wine list. Seafood is at the heart of the menu, interpreted in a way that respects Ligurian tradition while handling it with care. The Gran crudo di pesce—featuring oyster, langoustine, purple prawn, scallop, hand-chopped pink shrimp, and sashimi—is the signature dish, changing daily according to the available catch.

A noteworthy detail: upon request, Vascello Fantasma organizes private dinners on the beach with a single table, right by the shoreline—an experience for those who want to turn an evening into a truly unforgettable memory.

The atmosphere here is romantic and formal, ideal for special occasions or dinners for two.

SAVŌ Restaurant, the essence of the Riviera between avant-garde and design

Located inside the Hotel Windsor, SAVŌ is the perfect meeting point between modern fine dining excellence and the authentic soul of Liguria. Local ingredients and regional traditions are elevated through innovative techniques, resulting in balanced, vibrant, and never predictable dishes.

Whether you choose the emotion of the seaside terrace or the elegance of the indoor dining room—a tribute to the design of the Riviera’s golden age—the atmosphere provides the ideal setting for any occasion: a relaxed, sunlit lunch or a gourmet dinner, available à la carte or through our tasting menus.

Proudly featured in the Michelin Guide and Gambero Rosso, the restaurant offers a wine cellar that celebrates both Ligurian and Italian winemaking. Completing the experience, the adjacent cocktail bar presents a refined selection of classics and signature cocktails.

Trattorias in the historic center: for those seeking authentic flavors

The narrow alleys of Laigueglia hide some of the finest gastronomic experiences in western Liguria. The trattorias in the historic center mostly follow a shared principle: local ingredients, recipes passed down or revived from Savona’s culinary tradition, and minimal frills.

In this type of establishment, you can expect carefully prepared seafood cuisine, dishes built around the catch of the day, and—at the most attentive venues—a genuine focus on the historical gastronomy of the western Riviera: Taggiasca olives, hillside-grown basil, stockfish, and inland legumes. The atmosphere is generally intimate, prices are moderate, and reservations are recommended during peak season.

Pizzerias and casual eateries

For a laid-back evening, Laigueglia also offers a good selection of informal spots. The village’s pizzerias work with artisanal doughs, often available in alternative versions such as whole wheat or gluten-free, and feature as a house specialty the cheese focaccia in the Recco style—a Ligurian classic that’s always worth ordering.

Those looking for something a bit more dynamic will find bistro-style venues with creative seafood cuisine, where homemade seafood pasta is almost always the standout dish. These places are ideal for a quick meal, a dinner with friends, or an evening out with children.

Seaside aperitivo

For an aperitivo with the best view in Laigueglia, head up to the Blue Bar at the Acciuga Hotel: a terrace overlooking the Bay of the Sun, with views of Gallinara Island and Capo Mele. At sunset, the sky turns shades of orange over the sea—hard to imagine a more evocative setting for a Spritz or a glass of Pigato.

The terrace is also open to external guests during aperitivo hours and hosts themed gastronomic evenings throughout the season.

Laigueglia offers a surprisingly rich food scene for a village of just 1,700 inhabitants. Whether you’re looking for the freshest seafood, traditional cuisine, or a gluten-free pizza with a sea view, you’ll find what you’re after just a few steps from the old town alleys. Book your stay and start planning your dinners: the western Ligurian table never disappoints.

FAQ — People Also Ask

What is the best time to dine outdoors?

Outdoor seating areas and beach tables are open from June to September, with peak season in July and August. September is often the most pleasant time: fewer crowds, the sea is still warm, and evenings are cooler but not cold.

What typical Western Ligurian dishes should you order?

In addition to classic Ligurian dishes such as trofie al pesto and focaccia, in the western Savona area you’ll also find sardenaira, stockfish stew with Taggiasca olives (buridda di stoccafisso), Ligurian-style rabbit, and sweet farinata.

Do I need to book in advance to dine at the mentioned restaurants?

During peak season (July–August), booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for outdoor seating or beach tables. Savò, in particular, has a limited number of covers (40 indoors + 20 on the terrace) and fills up quickly on summer weekends.

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