Cinque Terre is located in the Liguria region, which is world-renowned as the birthplace of pesto and a paradise for fresh seafood. When embarking on a culinary tour in these five coastal villages, here are the iconic foods and drinks you absolutely must try.
1. Street Food & Quick Bites
Perfect for grabbing on the go while hiking or exploring the narrow streets of the villages.
Focaccia: A thick, soft, and deliciously oily flatbread that is a staple in Liguria. The classic version is simply topped with sea salt, olive oil, and rosemary, but you can also find it topped with olives, tomatoes, or onions.
Fritto Misto (Fried Seafood Cone): A highly popular street food across the villages (especially in Riomaggiore). It consists of fresh, bite-sized seafood like calamari, shrimp, and small fish, deep-fried to perfection and served in a paper cone with a slice of lemon.
Farinata: A savory, naturally gluten-free pancake made from chickpea flour, water, salt, and olive oil. It is baked in a wood-fired oven until the edges are crispy and the inside remains soft.
2. Main Courses & Pasta
For a proper sit-down meal, these regional specialties are the stars of the menu.
Trofie al Pesto: This is the most famous dish of the region. Trofie is a short, twisted, hand-rolled pasta that holds sauce beautifully. It is tossed in fresh, authentic Ligurian pesto made from local basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and premium olive oil.
Acciughe (Monterosso Anchovies): Do not skip the anchovies in Cinque Terre! The anchovies from Monterosso are famous for their delicate, sweet flavor. They are served in various ways: marinated in lemon and olive oil (Acciughe al Limone), salted, or stuffed and fried.
Pansotti alla Salsa di Noci: A delicious vegetarian option, Pansotti is a triangular, ravioli-like pasta stuffed with a mix of wild herbs and ricotta cheese, then coated in a rich, creamy walnut sauce.
3. Sweets & Breakfast
Start your morning right or cool down in the afternoon with these treats.
Cornetto: The Italian cousin of the French croissant. It is slightly sweeter and less buttery, often filled with pistachio cream, custard, or apricot jam. It is the perfect breakfast paired with a cappuccino.
Artisanal Gelato: No Italian trip is complete without gelato. Gelaterias in villages like Vernazza and Corniglia offer amazing flavors. For a rich treat, combining classic Italian flavors like Tiramisu and dark chocolate is highly recommended.
4. Local Wines
Cinque Terre's steep, terraced vineyards produce unique and highly prized wines.
Cinque Terre DOC (White Wine): A crisp, dry white wine with a slightly salty, mineral finish that perfectly complements the local seafood and pesto dishes.
Sciacchetrà: A rare, sweet dessert wine native to the Cinque Terre region. It is made from dried grapes and has notes of honey, apricot, and herbs. It is typically enjoyed at the end of a meal, often paired with dry local biscotti or sharp cheeses.
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