Portofino
One if my best mates got married here so I took advantage and stayed for a few extra days to explore. It would have been rude not to. It is quite an expensive part of the world so make sure you bring some dollar. It is worth it though!
Gelateria Bar San Giorgio
This place is not only a gelateria, it has class and a lovely old-school style as well. Situated in the heart of the little port and always with a queue, quite rightly so! Everything from the smartly dressed girl who served us to the delicious and extremely fresh gelato in tasty cones was on point. I only wish I had been back twice!
P. Martiri Dell'olivetta. 64, 16034 Portofino, Italy
Tel: 0185/26931
San Fruttuoso
This was featured on Steve Coogan's "Trip To Italy" and can only be accessed by boat. There is a lovely little beach and restaurant serving up all the usual pasta and seafood options. If you go swimming take a mask and look out for the Jesus statue hidden in the water. This little rocky cove is stunning!
Via S. Fruttuoso, 18, 16032 Camogli GE, Italy
Tel: +39 0185 772703
http://www.sanfruttuoso.eu/toc.htm
La Cervara
I went to a wedding here last weekend and it was totally insane. You can stay here or use it for events. I realise this is not quite a restaurant but I felt that it had to be included in this Portofino section. Worth going if only for a visit. The gardens are stunning!
Via Cervara, 10, Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy
Tel: +39 0185 293026
Gemelli Di Paolo & Matteo
This was where we ate lunch on the Sunday after the wedding and it was delicious. Not only could it cater for a large crowd but they even allowed us to play our own music and dance round the tables. It is run by a family which includes two very good looking twins and the service was warm and friendly. The menu is reasonably priced and you can eat all the favourites including the trofie Genovese pesto but this time I had a rather wonderful pasta alle vongole. (pictured)
Calata Marconi 7, 16034, Portofino, Riviera ligure, Liguria, 16034 Portofino, Italy
0185 269257
https://www.facebook.com/Ristorante-da-I-Gemelli-di-Paolo-Matteo-Portofino-510940492351787/
Hotel Splendido
Famous for being part of one of the most prestigious and elegant hotel groups in Italy. This place for dinner is definitely a treat but I had a wonderful and unforgettable time for 100 euros. You are paying for the stunning view which I'm sure I recognised from a few Slim Aarons shots. All the sights from the road off the coast are good but the Splendido has the ultimate vista point. You walk through an amazing garden filled with flowers and when you reach the top you are greeted with a breathtaking view of their pool followed by the harbour. I ate a local dish from Liguria of ravioli filled with vegetables, parmesan and a creamy walnut sauce. This is what you should get or even the Elizabeth Taylor three tomato spaghetti!
Worth visiting if only for pre or post dinner drinks.
Via Roma, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
+39 0185 267800
Taverna Del Marinaio
This is one of the favourites situated in the famous port and it does not disappoint! I am still dreaming of this pasta (pictured) which is a Portofino speciality using the iconic Genovese pesto combined with a classic tomato sauce and some delicate fresh pappardelle. This was life-changing and the stuff dreams are made of. It only cost me 16 euros which in Portofino is good value. Some of my mates had a simple Caprese and the well-known trofie with pesto - all delicious. Seriously friendly staff to top it off!
Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta, 36
16034 Portofino (GE)
+39 0185 269103
http://www.tavernadelmarinaio.com/photogallery_taverna_portofino.html