August is peak season, so we strongly recommend making reservations in advance for all restaurants, beach clubs, and special experiences whenever possible.
Osteria N°7
A traditional, unpretentious osteria tucked just behind the marina. A good choice for Ligurian cooking, seafood, pasta, and a casual local atmosphere.
Langosteria Paraggi
An upscale seafood restaurant directly overlooking the turquoise water at Paraggi Beach. The setting is beautiful for a long lunch or special dinner.
Da Gennaro
One of our favorite casual places in town. Da Gennaro has been around since 1947 and is one of Santa Margherita's classic pizzerias. It is easygoing, lively, and a great choice when you want pizza or a relaxed Italian meal.
Portofino Gourmet Italy
A great stop for a quick sandwich, salad, or casual lunch. Grab a table outside along the little pedestrian street or take something to go. No reservation is required.
Trattoria dei Pescatori
A casual spot for lunch or dinner with outdoor seating overlooking the harbor. We stumbled upon it on a rainy day, sat in the little glass-enclosed room, and had one of the nicest and most relaxed meals of our trip.
Zi' Ninella Ristorante & Bistrot
A polished but approachable restaurant offering creative Italian cooking with Ligurian and Mediterranean influences. A great choice for a more refined and contemporary dinner in the center of town.
L'Insolita Zuppa
A small and intimate restaurant away from the waterfront crowds, known for creative seasonal cooking and a quieter, more local-feeling atmosphere.
Ristorante Antonio
A longstanding local restaurant tucked into a small piazza. A good option for traditional Italian cooking, seafood, and a classic dinner away from the busiest waterfront restaurants.
Oca Bianca
A cozy and slightly more romantic dinner spot with Italian and Mediterranean dishes, excellent meat options, and a strong wine selection.
Skipper Bar & Ristorante
A waterfront restaurant in the marina with views of the harbor and boats. A great option for a sunset aperitivo followed by dinner.
Panificio Pinamonti
A local bakery known for classic Ligurian focaccia. Stop by in the morning or pick some up for the beach—ideally while it is still warm and served straight from the paper. No reservation is required.
Panificio Fiordiponti
A historic neighborhood bakery serving traditional Ligurian focaccia, focaccia al formaggio, bread, pastries, and other local specialties. No reservation is required.
Gelateria Gepi Mare
A popular gelateria beside the harbor and an easy stop during an afternoon or evening walk. It is almost next door to Trattoria dei Pescatori. No reservation is required.
Shopping
Manebí Santa Margherita Ligure
A stylish Italian resort-wear boutique known for espadrilles, sandals, swimwear, and relaxed clothing and accessories made for days by the sea. A great stop for something summery to wear during the trip—or to bring home as a reminder of the Riviera.
Il Sandalo Caprese — Santa Margherita Ligure
A charming boutique specializing in handcrafted, Capri-style Italian sandals. Choose your preferred leather, colors, and details, and have a custom pair made for you—a fun and uniquely Italian souvenir from the trip.
Good Lucky Shoes
A fun local shoe boutique in Santa Margherita with a mix of stylish, easy-to-wear footwear and accessories. A good stop for sandals, casual shoes, or something new to wear during the weekend.
Ristorante Puny
An old-school Portofino institution on the famous piazzetta, known for traditional Ligurian seafood, a lively atmosphere, and some of the best people-watching in town.
Da I Gemelli
A lively waterfront restaurant and lounge bar directly on Portofino’s harbor, known for fresh seafood, Ligurian specialties, and beautiful views across the piazzetta. A great choice for a long lunch or dinner with a classic Portofino atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended during high season.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel
For a special drink, head up to Splendido for one of the most beautiful views over Portofino and the bay. It is an unforgettable setting for a sunset cocktail. Dress a little sharp and contact the hotel in advance, as access for non-hotel guests may be limited during peak season.
Imperiale a Mare
A beautiful seaside terrace at the historic Imperiale Palace Hotel, with panoramic views across the bay. One of the most special places in Santa Margherita for Champagne, wine, or a sunset cocktail directly above the water.
Grand Hotel Miramare
An elegant and convenient place for an aperitivo overlooking the hotel gardens and the Ligurian Sea. Since many wedding guests are staying here, it is also an easy place to meet before heading into town or on to dinner.
Portofino Lighthouse Bar
Walk from the Portofino piazzetta past Castello Brown and through the trees to the lighthouse, where a small bar overlooks the open sea. The drinks are casual, but the dramatic setting makes this one of the most memorable aperitivo spots on the coast. Wear comfortable shoes and check the opening hours before making the walk.
Paraggi Beach
A small turquoise cove between Santa Margherita and Portofino—and arguably the prettiest beach along this stretch of coastline. The public area is very limited, so reserve loungers at a beach club well in advance. This is also where we will be on Friday evening.
Friday by the Pool & Beach
Many of us will be spending Friday morning and early afternoon relaxing by the pool at the Grand Hotel Miramare and at the hotel's beach club directly across the street. We plan to have a handful of chairs at each and would love for you to join us, regardless of where you are staying.
Explore the Historic Center and Caruggi
Spend some time wandering through Santa Margherita's narrow pedestrian streets, known locally as caruggi. Just behind the waterfront, you will find colorful buildings, cafés, bakeries, delicatessens, boutiques, and small local shops.
Antica Drogheria Seghezzo
A historic gourmet food shop filled with Ligurian specialties, wine, olive oil, pasta, sweets, prepared foods, and beautifully packaged gifts. A great stop for picnic supplies, something to enjoy at your hotel or Airbnb, or a few things to bring home.
Walk from Santa Margherita to Paraggi and Portofino
Walk along the coast from Santa Margherita through Paraggi and onward to Portofino. Allow approximately one hour to reach Portofino, depending on where you begin and how often you stop. Parts of the route follow sidewalks alongside the coastal road rather than a completely separate seaside trail. Go in the morning before it becomes too hot, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water.
Villa Durazzo and Gardens
A beautiful historic villa surrounded by gardens and overlooking the bay. It is a peaceful place for a morning walk and has some of the best photo spots in Santa Margherita. Check the schedule before visiting, as hours may change and the property occasionally hosts private events.
Boat Trip to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Take a ferry from Santa Margherita or Portofino to this beautiful medieval abbey hidden inside a secluded cove. San Fruttuoso can be reached only by boat or on foot, which makes arriving there feel particularly special. Bring a swimsuit and water shoes if you plan to swim. Ferry schedules are weather-dependent, so check departure and return times in advance and arrive early to purchase tickets.
Portofino Lighthouse Walk
Once you are in Portofino, walk up past Castello Brown and continue through the trees toward the lighthouse. The walk is relatively short but includes steps and inclines, with beautiful views along the way. There is also a small bar near the lighthouse where you can stop for a drink overlooking the sea.
Evening Stroll and Aperitivo Along the Waterfront
The waterfront around Piazza Martiri della Libertà is the heart of Santa Margherita in the evening. Walk along the harbor, browse the shops, and stop for an aperitivo before dinner as the town begins to come alive.