Cinque Terre is known for its dramatic landscapes, colorful houses, and delicious food. Cinque Terre is a food paradise. There are so many delicious things to eat, and it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 of the best foods to try in Cinque Terre. From pesto to gelato, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the amazing cuisine of Cinque Terre today!
1. Pesto
There’s nothing quite like a delicious pesto dish to top off a perfect day of exploring in Cinque Terre. Pesto is a sauce typically made from garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, and it can be used on everything from pasta to bread to meat.
The best pesto is made with fresh ingredients, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Cinque Terre. The local farmer’s markets are full of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pungent garlic, and the restaurants here know how to turn those ingredients into something truly special.
Whether you’re looking for a simple dish of spaghetti with pesto or more elaborate seafood risotto, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Cinque Terre.
2. Focaccia di Recco
The Cinque Terre, a rugged stretch of coastline in northwestern Italy, is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the country. It is also home to one of the tastiest dishes: Focaccia di Recco.
This dish consists of a thin layer of dough, filled with cheese and baked until golden brown. The dough is then topped with a healthy dollop of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Focaccia di Recco is traditionally served as an appetizer, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course. No matter how you enjoy it, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
3. Farinata
Cinque Terre, Italy is a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking scenery and delicious food. One of the most iconic dishes of the region is Farinata, a type of flatbread made from chickpea flour.
Farinata is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven and served with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, or cured meats. The dish is simple but extremely flavorful, and it’s no wonder that it’s been a staple of Cinque Terre cuisine for centuries.
Stop by to Ristorante Il Pirata e Buk Aero. This family-run restaurant is tucked away in the Volastra village and specializes in Farinata.
4. Salsa di Noci
Salsa di Noci is a traditional Italian sauce made from walnuts, olive oil, and garlic. It’s typically served with pasta, but it can also be used as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.
The sauce originates from the Cinque Terre region of Italy, where it’s still made using traditional methods. To make the sauce, the walnuts are first ground into a paste using a mortar and pestle. Then, the olive oil and garlic are added to the paste and combined until smooth.
The finished sauce has a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for complementing pasta dishes. So, If you’re traveling to Italy, be sure to visit Restoranti La Terrazza. One of their signature dishes is Salsa di Noci.
5. Tiella
When in Cinque Terre, be sure to try the Tiella! Tiella means “small cake”. This traditional dish originated in the town of Riomaggiore and is made by layering seafood, vegetables, and rice in a round pan.
The pan is then covered and baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful meal. While there are many variations of Tiella, the classic recipe includes shrimp, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Tiella is typically served with a simple salad on the side, making it the perfect dish to enjoy while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Bon appetit!
6. Fried Anchovies
Cinque Terre of Italy is known for its dramatic coastline and colorful villages. The food here is just as vibrant, and one of the most popular dishes is fritto misto di pesce, a fried seafood platter that usually includes anchovies.
Visitors to Cinque Terre will often find fried anchovies for sale in the markets, and these salty little fish make a delicious snack or an interesting addition to a meal.
While some people may be hesitant to try anchovies, those who are brave enough to give them a try will be rewarded with a unique and flavorful experience. So don’t forget to pick up some fried anchovies to take home with you.
7. Panna Cotta
If you’re looking for a delicious dessert to enjoy while visiting Cinque Terre, be sure to try Panna Cotta. This traditional Italian dish is made with cream, milk, and sugar, and flavored with vanilla or other ingredients.
The result is a rich, creamy custard that’s perfect for ending a meal. Panna Cotta is typically served chilled, along with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
So make sure to stop by at Ristorante da Beppe! They have the most amazing Panna Cotta I’ve ever tasted.
8. Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Stuffed Zucchini Flowers are a traditional food in Cinque Terre, Italy. The flowers are usually picked early in the morning, before they have a chance to open.
They are then stuffed with a mixture of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs, and fried in olive oil. The result is a delicious and unique dish that can be enjoyed year-round. In addition to being a popular food item, stuffed zucchini flowers are also believed to have medicinal properties.
Some people believe that they can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Whether or not this is true, one thing is certain: Stuffed Zucchini Flowers are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the bounty of Cinque Terre.
9. Gelato
There’s nothing like a cold, creamy gelato on a hot summer day. And in Cinque Terre, Italy, you’ll find some of the best gelato in the world. The town of Vernazza is home to a number of gelaterias, each with its own unique flavor lineup.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the limoncello gelato at Il Gabbiano. For something more traditional, head to Gelateria Susanna for classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla.
No matter which gelateria you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious treat. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to Cinque Terre and indulge in some of the best gelato around.
10. Limoncello
There’s nothing like a refreshing glass of limoncello after a long day of exploring Cinque Terre. This delicious Italian liqueur is made from lemons grown in the region, and it has a lovely citrus flavor that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.
Best of all, limoncello is relatively inexpensive and easy to find in Cinque Terre. Whether you buy it from a local shop or enjoy it at a restaurant, it’s the perfect way to toast to your travels in this beautiful part of the world.
In Conclusion
So there you have it – 10 delicious foods to try while visiting Cinque Terre, Italy. From traditional dishes like Tiella and Panna Cotta to more unique items like Stuffed Zucchini Flowers and Limoncello gelato, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Cinque Terre today. Buon appetito!
