Best Restaurants with Stunning Views in Cinque Terre | Top Instagrammable Dining Spots

17/Sep/2025

Discover the most breathtaking seaside restaurants in Cinque Terre — perfect for Instagram photos, romantic dinners, and unforgettable coastal vistas

Looking for the best restaurants with incredible views in Cinque Terre? If you want to enjoy stunning coastal scenery, perfect for Instagram photos, romantic dinners, or creating unforgettable memories, this list has you covered.

These top-rated seaside restaurants offer breathtaking panoramas of the Ligurian Sea, colorful villages, and dramatic cliffs — making them ideal for anyone seeking a scenic dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, want to impress a date, looking for instagrammable spots, or just want to dine with a view, these places are the ultimate choice for beautiful sunsets, picture-perfect settings, and a truly memorable meal in Cinque Terre. Here is our personal top 10:

10. Nessun Dorma — Iconic View Terrace 

This is a very popular place thanks to the terrace overlooking the sea with spectacular vistas over the sea and the town of Manarola. If you are looking for a great spot for your Instagram this is perfect, but overall we think is overrated.

- Location: Manarola

- Plus: Great views, perfect for photos, reasonable prices 

- Minus: Very touristy, food is... not the highlight of the place

- Insider Tip: If it's too crowded, grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the same view from the nearby terrace

Best for: aperitivo with a postcard-perfect view of Manarola.

Website 

 

9. La Torre — Romantic Dining in a Historic Tower

Perched in a medieval tower above Vernazza, this spot offers traditional Ligurian fare and panoramic harbor views. Perfect for a romantic evening.

- Location: Vernazza

- Plus: Unique setting, amazing views

- Minus: Limited space, a bit out of town (about 10 minutes walking from the port, uphill)

Insider Tip: Go at sunset for incredible photos of Vernazza’s colorful bay.

Best for: a quiet, romantic dinner away from the crowds.

Website  

 

8. Cantina di Miky — Casual Dining by the Beach

Casual place in the center of Monterosso. It’s right in front of the beach, so it’s a great option if you are also planning to enjoy some beach time. Great food and quick service.

- Location: Monterosso

- Plus: Delicious food, friendly service, right on the beach, centrally located. 

- Minus: Can be crowded, tables are very close to each other, the view is nice but not as dramatic as some other places

- Insider Tip: Perfect choice if you’re spending the day at Monterosso’s sandy beach and want a quick but tasty meal nearby.

Best for: casual beachside dining with authentic local flavors.

Website

 

7. La Posada — Authentic & Family-Run with Views

Charming restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the sea. Authentic Ligurian cuisine. Family-run vibe.

- Location: Corniglia

- Plus: Beautiful panoramic views, cozy atmosphere. 

- Minus: Located in Corniglia so access involves some steep walks. 

Insider Tip: Try the trofie al pesto — a classic Ligurian pasta dish that pairs perfectly with the views.

Best for: a quiet, authentic dining experience away from the crowds.

Website

 

6. Pie de Ma — Wine & Views on the Lover’s Path

Cozy eatery with a peaceful outdoor terrace right on the sea. It’s located right before the entrance of the Via Dell’Amore / Lover’s Pathway. Also great if you just want a glass of wine. 

- Location: Riomaggiore

- Plus: Spectacular location, authentic flavors, tranquil setting, great wine list 

- Minus: Limited menu, more casual than fine dining

- Insider Tip: Come here for a glass of Cinque Terre DOC wine at sunset — one of the most romantic moments you can have in Riomaggiore.

Best for: wine lovers and sunset seekers.

Website

Table with  white wine at Pie De Ma one of the restaurant with best view in Riomaggiore town of Cinque Terre overlooking the blue Ligurian sea on a beautiful sunny day of spring 

 

5. Trattoria dal Billy  — Famous for Seafood & Vistas

Famous for seafood and views, with outdoor terraces overlooking the coast. Informal service, among the best for price/quality.  

- Location: Manarola

- Plus: Great seafood, informal but warm service, great value for quality

- Minus: A bit out of town (about 10 minutes walking from the port, uphill)

Insider Tip: Order the seafood risotto — it’s one of their signature dishes and perfect for sharing.

Best for: authentic seafood feasts with unforgettable views at a reasonable price.

Website

 

4. Torre Aurora  — Dining Between History & the Sea

Amazing location with panoramic views of the sea and coastline, blending history with cuisine. The view is absolutely spectacular. The food is great but a bit over priced.  

- Location: Monterosso

- Plus: Breathtaking scenery, historic charm, great food 

- Minus: Service not always on par with the view, pricey

Insider Tip: Request an outdoor terrace table — the views over Monterosso are among the best in Cinque Terre.

Best for: special occasions with a historic flair.

Website

Table with view on the sea and town of Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy, at Torre Aurora restaurant, one of the best restaurants with a view in Cinque Terre 

 

3. Rio Bistrot  — Refined Dining at the Marina

Located right on Riomaggiore’s marina, Rio Bistrot combines Michelin-reviewed cuisine with intimate seaside dining.

- Location: Riomaggiore

- Plus: Excellent food and service, romantic setting

- Minus: Limited seating on the terrace, prices on the high side

Insider Tip: Book weeks in advance for a terrace table — they go quickly, especially in summer.

Best for: gourmet dining with an intimate harbor view. 

Website

 

2. Belforte — Unbeatable Views

Spectacular views on the sea and over the town of Vernazza. Super conveniently located right at the port. Great food and friendly service.

- Location: Vernazza

- Plus: Stunning vistas, fresh seafood, romantic ambiance. 

- Minus: On the pricey side, busy during high season 

Insider Tip: Try to book for sunset — the light over Vernazza’s harbor is unforgettable.

Best for: a romantic dinner in the most picturesque setting.

Website

Table with  seafood and white wine at Belforte restaurant in Vernazza town of Cinque Terre with beautiful view on the blue Ligurian sea. 

 

1. Ancora della Tortuga — Intimate Dining Over the Sea

Cozy harbor-side spot with creative Ligurian dishes and a spectacular terrace overlooking the sea. The indoor is cozy and nicely decorated, making it a great choice also for off-season dining.

- Location: Monterosso

- Plus: Intimate atmosphere, harbor views, flavorful cuisine, excellent service  

- Minus: Crowded at peak times, limited space outdoor

Insider Tip: A fantastic choice even in cooler months — the interior is cozy, with large windows framing the sea.

Best for: couples looking for the most romantic dinner in Cinque Terre.

Website

 

Final Tips for Dining with a View in Cinque Terre

Thanks to the great views and atmoshphere, these Instagram-worthy Cinque Terre restaurants are sometimes difficult to book. See our tips to ensure you will have a memorable experience: 

  • Always book in advance: These popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so make sure to reserve your spot early.
  • Specify your preference: When making your reservation, ask for a table with a view. Some places have indoor seating without a view, so it's worth confirming you’ll be sitting somewhere scenic.
  • Reconfirm your reservation: If you’re booking months ahead, it’s a good idea to call and reconfirm a day before your reservation to secure your spot and avoid any surprises.
  • Visit during off-peak hours: For the best experience and fewer crowds, try to dine early or later in the evening, especially at sunset for the most breathtaking views.
  • Arrive early: Arriving a little before your reservation ensures you get your preferred table with a view and can enjoy the scenery without rushing.
  • Check the weather: Clear skies and good weather mean better views and perfect photo opportunities, so plan accordingly.

Enjoy your scenic dining experience in Cinque Terre!

 

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