Regardless of which village you’re staying at, you’ll definitely step foot on Monterosso.
The largest of the five fishing villages in Cinque Terre, Monterosso is comprised of merely a few streets, vineyards, and lots of hotels.
Since the village is relatively small, looking for where to eat and drink in Monterosso isn’t difficult. Just in case you want a visual preparation, here are some of my personal favorites:
Bar Colpi Di Timone
19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy. Next to the train station exit (map)
Right when you get off the train station in Monterosso al Mare is a country bar, blasting American country music. George Strait, Johnny Cash, Tim McGraw! Owner Gian spent time in the States, and wanted to bring a little bit of the American southern charm right in the heart of Cinque Terre. This place is jam-packed during summertime, with thirsty beach crowds. Get ready for buckets full of daiquiris!
La Balena Blu
Via V.Emanuele 26/28, Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy (map, website)
Head over to the Blue Whale or La Balena Blu. My friend Federico’s bar just opened this spring and it’s pretty awesome! After a nice dinner, get a Lemon Spritz at the bar, tell him my name and Federico will take good care of you. Have fun mingling with local Italians and drink ’til the wee hours!
Trattoria Da Oscar
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 67, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy (map)
On the coast of the Italian Riviera, these aren’t fisherman villages for nothing! Eating in Cinque Terre is a treat all on its own, especially if you’re a big fan of seafood. Perfectly steamed sea bass, the freshest tuna carpaccio can be deliciously orgasmic. When in Monterosso, stop by Trattoria Da Oscar for a meal. Sip on a glass of local Begasti white, and dig right into seafood. Fried, steamed, raw…it’s all good, REAL good!
Ristorante Al Pozzo
Via Roma, 26, Monterosso al mare SP, Italy (map)
Entering Al Pozzo, you’ll see today’s latest catch lined up on crushed ice. Proving how fresh seafood is in Cinque Terre, just in case you’re still in disbelief, you’ll taste it in the food. Even a simple spaghetti marinara is so tasty that you’ll never want the meal to end!
Enoteca Internazionale
Via Roma, 63, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy (map, website)
The grapes of Cinque Terre are used to produce two locally made wines. So of course, if you’re here, you’ve GOT to do a little (or a lot) of wine tasting. Enoteca is where you can come to do exactly that. Cinque Terre vineyards are planted on steep slopes, so close to the sea that the ocean spray creates a little mist over the vines. Since labor is intense, it reflects on price per bottle, and the wines come out to be on the drier and lighter side but aromatic.
