You’ll find Da Nello tucked along the winding streets of Santa Margherita Ligure, serving up authentic Ligurian seafood to anyone craving a taste of the coast. Right on Via Antonio Gramsci 105, this spot draws all sorts—locals, travelers, and everyone in between. Reviews? Honestly, they’re all over the place, with ratings landing somewhere between 3.3 and 3.7 out of 5 depending on where you look.
Walk in and you’ll spot fresh seafood dishes right away, highlighting what the Ligurian coast does best. Homemade desserts get almost as much love as the food itself, and people seem to rave about the lemonade. It’s a solid place to grab a meal if you’re wandering through the postcard-perfect streets of Santa Margherita Ligure.
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Da Nello isn’t the flashiest or highest-ranked place in town (it’s around #87 out of 145, if you’re counting), but sometimes that’s exactly what you want. It’s the kind of unfussy, real-deal Italian dining that makes a trip memorable. The staff is genuinely friendly and seems to enjoy making guests feel at home, which fits the simple, flavorful coastal menu.
Dining Experience at Da Nello Restaurant
Da Nello gives you a real Ligurian meal—fresh seafood, traditional dishes, and a setting that doesn’t try too hard. The value’s good, the ingredients taste fresh, and the service feels warm without being overbearing.
Menu Highlights
Seafood’s the main event here. Their seafood spaghetti? People talk about it for a reason—it’s cooked just right, and they don’t skimp on the portions. The frittura di calamari (fried calamari) comes out tender, with a light batter that actually lets you taste the squid.
They grill the branzino (sea bass) with just a few simple touches, letting the fish shine. If you want something classic, order the trofie al pesto. It’s a Ligurian staple, and the basil sauce pops with freshness.
The fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) gives you a little bit of everything from the sea. Ravioli changes depending on the day, but you’ll usually get them stuffed with herbs, cheese, or seafood.
Their tiramisu keeps coming up in reviews, and honestly, it’s hard to skip dessert here.
Atmosphere and Ambience
Da Nello feels laid-back and real—no frills, just a cozy place to eat. The inside’s simple, but there’s something charming about that. They put the focus on food and conversation, not fancy decor.
It’s pretty convenient too, right in the center of Santa Margherita Ligure. Not right on the water, but you can walk there in a few minutes.
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Even when it gets busy, you can still hear yourself think. There’s a nice mix of locals and travelers, so it never feels too touristy or too quiet.
The staff really sets the tone. They’re attentive but don’t hover, and they seem happy to share what makes each dish special.
Family and Group Friendly Features
Families and bigger groups seem to do well here. The staff goes out of their way for kids, and they’ll make adjustments if you ask. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to stress if your kids get a little loud.
The menu’s broad enough that picky eaters won’t be left out. Portions are big, so sharing a few plates works out well if you’re with a group.
If you call ahead, they’ll rearrange tables for larger parties. That flexibility makes it a go-to for family get-togethers and celebrations.
The whole vibe is relaxed, so parents don’t feel out of place. Staff are quick with high chairs or kid-friendly tweaks, and the prices won’t make you wince if you’re feeding a crowd.
Beverages and Specialties
They pour some nice local wines—especially Ligurian whites that really go with seafood. You can grab house wine by the carafe if you’re keeping it simple. Their homemade limoncello is worth a try, and if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, they’ll mix up a classic margarita.
After your meal, you can order cordials or digestifs the way Italians do. Coffee’s strong and made the right way, whether you want an espresso or a cappuccino.
They keep the water coming, and if you’re not sure which wine to pick, the staff will help you out with local recommendations.
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If you don’t drink alcohol, no worries—fresh juices and Italian sodas are on hand, and kids usually go for those.
Useful Information for Visitors
If you’re planning to eat at Da Nello, it helps to know the basics—when to go, where to find it, and what to expect. Here’s the rundown before you make a reservation.
Opening Hours and Location
Da Nello sits right in the charming coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy, serving up seafood and local Ligurian classics.
Address: You’ll find Da Nello in the central area of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Opening Hours:
- Lunch: Usually 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Dinner: About 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Days Open: Most days, especially during tourist season
The place has a lovely spot near the waterfront, so it’s easy to swing by while exploring the picturesque Italian Riviera.
You’ll want to call ahead for a reservation, especially during the busy months—tables fill up fast.
Reviews and Ratings
Da Nello gets pretty mixed reactions from people who stop by. On Tripadvisor, it sits at 3.3 out of 5 stars from 273 reviews—not exactly top of the charts, but not terrible either. Out of 145 places to eat in Santa Margherita Ligure, it lands somewhere around #87 or #88.
What visitors like:
- Seafood that’s actually fresh
- Homemade desserts (the kind you remember)
- Staff who seem genuinely friendly and happy to help
Some Italian guests have left glowing notes, like one who raved about the “pesce molto fresco” (very fresh fish) and called out the “dolci fatti in casa buonissimi” (delicious homemade desserts). You can almost hear their enthusiasm.
Price Range: It’s not the cheapest spot—think mid-range, maybe edging toward pricey, which is pretty much what you’d expect for seafood in a busy Riviera town.
Curious about what people are saying lately? Honestly, it’s worth checking Tripadvisor or another review site before you go. Things change, and you’ll get a better sense of what to expect right now.
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Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure
History of Santa Margherita Ligure
Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure
