Hidden in the colorful coastal town of Santa Margherita Ligure, Taverna del Marinaio invites you to try authentic Ligurian seafood. Locals and travelers often recommend this spot, and with a 4.1/5 rating on Tripadvisor from nearly 300 reviews, it’s clear many folks leave happy.
At Taverna del Marinaio, you’ll find fresh seafood dishes—think marinated prawns, seafood salad with calamari and octopus, and classic pasta like pesto, a local favorite. The menu really leans into the region’s flavors, with highlights like salt-cured anchovies with tomato and swordfish that regulars seem to love.
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Sure, prices reflect the area’s popularity with tourists, but you still get a real taste of coastal Italian food here. It’s one of several seafood restaurants in Santa Margherita Ligure, and honestly, it’s a charming alternative to Portofino—plus, it feels a bit more down-to-earth and easier to get an authentic meal.
Dining Experience at Taverna del Marinaio
At Taverna del Marinaio, they serve up classic Ligurian dishes, focusing on fresh seafood right by the water. The kitchen keeps things traditional but doesn’t skimp on nice presentation, and the place feels welcoming, not pretentious.
Signature Dishes
The seafood here really shows off what Liguria’s all about. If you’re starting with antipasti della casa, you’ll get local specialties like acciughe salate (salted anchovies) and gamberi marinati (marinated shrimp).
For mains, the spaghetti ai frutti di mare stands out—perfectly cooked pasta loaded with fresh seafood. They keep the ingredients simple, which lets the flavors shine.
Don’t miss the trofie al pesto. This handmade pasta gets tossed in real Ligurian pesto with local basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. If you’re not in the mood for pasta, the frittura di pesce (fried seafood) or pesce al forno (baked fish) are both solid choices. The kitchen uses whatever’s freshest that day and keeps the seasoning light.
Ambience and Service
You’ll get some lovely views of Santa Margherita Ligure’s waterfront from the restaurant. It sits just off the main road, but if you can snag a table closer to the water, the view gets even better.
The vibe hits that sweet spot between casual and classy. White tablecloths and nice settings add a touch of elegance, but it never feels uptight.
Service depends on when you go. When it’s not packed, the staff is usually attentive and happy to explain the menu or suggest a dish. If you show up during the busy summer rush, things can slow down.
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Heads up: the kitchen closes pretty quickly after the last seating (about 15 minutes), so it’s smart to arrive with time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Desserts and Local Specialties
Desserts here blend Italian classics with some Ligurian twists. The tiramisu gets a lot of love for its just-right mix of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa.
If you’re craving something lighter, try the sorbetto di mela (apple sorbet) or go for the version with a kick—sorbetto di mela al calvados, which comes with apple brandy.
Torta di mele (apple cake) brings a bit of homey comfort, warm and spiced, often served with a scoop of vanilla gelato. And if you’re in the mood for something simple, the frutta di stagione (seasonal fruit) is a great pick, especially in summer when local peaches, figs, and berries are at their best. It’s a nice, unfussy way to finish a seaside meal.
Wine List and Beverage Pairings
The wine list mainly features regional Italian bottles, with a strong focus on whites that pair well with seafood. Vermentino from Liguria is a top pick—crisp, a bit mineral, and just right with most of the menu.
If you want to try something different, ask for Pigato, another Ligurian white that’s got a bit more character. The staff can help you match wines to your meal if you’re not sure.
For those who prefer reds, lighter options like Rossese di Dolceacqua work with richer dishes like grilled filet or carne all’uccelletto.
There’s more than just wine, though. You’ll find classic Italian aperitifs and digestifs. Starting with a Spritz or local vermouth is a good move, and finishing up with limoncello or amaro feels just right.
Location and Surroundings
Taverna del Marinaio sits right in the heart of the Italian Riviera’s beauty and charm. You’ll find it in Santa Margherita Ligure, a postcard-perfect town that’s a great base for exploring the Ligurian coast.
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Santa Margherita Ligure and Ligurian Charm
Santa Margherita Ligure mixes laid-back seaside vibes with a bit of Italian flair. Colorful buildings with painted decorations line the waterfront, and palm trees sway along the promenade. It’s got that Mediterranean feel that just makes you want to slow down.
Compared to nearby Portofino, Santa Margherita feels more authentic. There aren’t as many tourists, so you get a better sense of real Italian life.
The restaurant’s spot in Piazza S. Bernardo puts you close to everything—walk to the harbor, browse local shops, or sip coffee at one of the many cafes.
The area around the restaurant is classic Italian coast: hills rise up from the sea, and the views are honestly hard to beat.
Nearby Attractions and Destinations
Portofino is just 5 km away, so it’s easy to make a quick trip there while you’re in town. That famous fishing village draws celebrities and luxury travelers, but it’s still worth a peek for its pretty harbor and fancy shops.
You can get to Portofino by:
- Taking a scenic 45-minute walk along the coast
- Hopping on a 15-minute bus ride
- Catching a boat across the bay if you’re feeling romantic
Other cool places nearby:
- Rapallo: A bigger town with a historic castle (about 10 minutes away)
- Camogli: A colorful fishing village with great seafood (20 minutes)
- Cinque Terre: Those famous five villages—perfect for a day trip if you’re up for hiking
The Ligurian coast has plenty of swimming spots and beaches within walking distance of the restaurant, so it’s easy to pair a meal at Taverna del Marinaio with a lazy day by the sea.
Reviews and Guest Feedback
People keep talking about Taverna del Marinaio’s spot—honestly, it’s hard not to notice. Most folks rave about how close it sits to the water, and for many, that’s what really makes their meal memorable.
If you check Tripadvisor, you’ll see the place used to run in both Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. Now, it looks like only the Portofino spot is open, and it’s holding a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Guests seem to love grabbing a table outside, soaking in those views. Quite a few mention that family-run vibe, saying it really nails the feel of the region.
One person called it “a perfect location” and pointed out the handy mix of indoor and outdoor seating—so you’re covered whether the sun’s out or the weather turns. It’s right where you want it, especially if you’re local or just staying nearby.
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Santa Margherita Ligure Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Getting to Santa Margherita Ligure
History of Santa Margherita Ligure
Things to Do in Santa Margherita Ligure
