City dining guide

Best restaurants in Sestri Levante

7 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 2

Rezzano Cucina e Vino

★ Michelin€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Farm to table

The historic family restaurant on the Ligurian Levant sees young Matteo in the kitchen, marking the fifth generation of Rezzano involved in this field. This year they've also recruited Jorg Giubbani, who boasts stellar experiences in the area, further elevating the quality of the offering with three tasting menus primarily dedicated to seafood and gardens (three in total) to deliver dishes consistently delicate but flavourful, balanced in pairings, never contrived and visually striking. We were particularly conquered by the caponata of mackerel and desserts, all served in the lovely veranda ov

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 101 reviews

Located in the center of Sestri Levante, Rezzano Cucina e Vino is a Mediterranean restaurant holding one Michelin star. Reviews highlight its creative Italian cuisine blending with Ligurian traditions, emphasizing fresh ingredients and the impact of Chef Jorge. Service is generally praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, though some guests report issues with slow pacing, limited accommodation for allergies (celiac, lactose intolerance), and high prices for children. The atmosphere is described as familiar yet intimate, with some noting tables are too close together. While most diners enjoy the refined culinary experience, negative feedback points to inconsistencies in service flexibility and value perception.

Suitable for diners seeking refined Ligurian cuisine without strict dietary restrictions; communicate needs in advance.

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Impronta d'Acqua

★ Michelin€€€Italian Contemporary, Creative

Between the sea and the railway, an open-space restaurant with a minimalist, contemporary design welcomes guests with its open kitchen, where chef and owner Ivan Maniago and his team transform ingredients from Liguria into sensory experiences. The philosophy is clear: 90% of the products come from small local producers. Three tasting menus offer an original interpretation of Liguria: Altitudine, a jouney from the coast towards inland Liguria; Profondità, an immersion in the wonders of the sea; and Vege-table, dedicated to green freshness.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 100 reviews

Impronta d'Acqua, located in Cavi di Lavagna, offers contemporary Italian cuisine focused on local products and regional terroir. Most reviews highlight exceptional food quality, professional service, and an inviting atmosphere, describing dishes as artistic presentations that balance tradition and innovation. However, some guests report inconsistent service, including cold attitudes or lack of preparation. Negative feedback cites disappointment regarding the food's alignment with its Michelin star status and poor value for money. While allergy accommodations are noted as rigorous, overall experiences vary significantly, reflecting a polarized reception despite high general ratings.

Suitable for diners seeking refined local flavors and a ceremonial experience, though be prepared for potential service inconsistencies.

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Bib Gourmand 1

Raieü

Bib Gourmand€€Seafood, Ligurian

After over 60 years in business, this trattoria, which started out in a warehouse that was once used to store fishing nets, is still a reliable choice in terms of quality and price. Located in the centre of the little village, simple and old-fashioned, with outdoor seating overlooking the characteristic narrow street, it still serves the same deliciously tasty and generous Ligurian seafood cuisine it did when it first opened. The fish soup is a great classic, but is rivalled by some delicious versions of fish tartare.

TripAdvisor review sample · 3.4/5 · 80 reviews

Raieü specializes in Ligurian seafood, with many guests praising the freshness and authentic taste of dishes like sardine skewers and stuffed mussels. The family-run atmosphere is often described as warm, with some noting good value and friendly service. However, negative reviews highlight recent declines in quality, including bones in fish ravioli, muddy soups, and a lack of allergy alternatives. Service varies, ranging from welcoming to unprepared or poorly paced. The venue can become crowded and noisy during peak times, detracting from the experience. While it offers genuine coastal flavors, consistency remains an issue.

Suitable for travelers seeking authentic Ligurian seafood, but verify menu details and avoid peak hours.

Other guide picks 4

Le Cantine

€€€Grills, Contemporary

A few management changes, but they are still in charge: Enrico in the kitchen and Nadia in the dining room. Already in a bucolic setting, but just a few steps from the centre and the sea, preceded by its own vegetable gardens, you dine within the restored 1590 walls of a former oil cellar, in a pleasantly rustic and romantic atmosphere overflowing with decorations. But the best comes with the cuisine, with no fish menu at all, with a strong focus on self-produced vegetables and succulent meat dishes, mostly barbecued with olive wood, along with a good selection of wines, mostly regional and hi

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

Le Cantine in Sestri Levante specializes in grills and contemporary cuisine, particularly noted for high-quality meat dishes and creative presentations. Guests frequently praise the charming cellar-like ambiance and the extensive wine list, with specific commendation for the sommelier's expertise. Service receives mixed reviews; while some find it attentive and friendly, others report coldness or communication barriers. Value is a significant point of contention. Although some consider the prices adequate for the quality, a notable number of reviewers criticize the small portion sizes relative to the cost, describing them as insufficient. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience in a historic setting, but expectations regarding portion sizes should be managed accordingly.

Suitable for diners prioritizing food quality and ambiance over large portion sizes.

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Baia del Silenzio

€€€Italian Contemporary, Ligurian

In a beautiful position inside the bay, the restaurant serves dishes with a contemporary twist that enhance the local products and the good ingredients. The offer is divided between the bistrot for lunch, the gourmet dinner and the wine bar. In summer you can dine alfresco on the outdoor terrace or directly on the beach.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews

Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante offers a serene atmosphere with stunning bay views. Reviews highlight high-quality, fresh seafood and fish dishes, complemented by excellent chef-made gelato. Staff, particularly Francesco, receive praise for professional service and wine recommendations. However, concerns exist regarding value, with some guests citing inflated prices, unexpected charges for off-menu items, and pacing issues. Negative experiences include reports of food freshness leading to illness and conflicts over outdoor seating arrangements. While many find the culinary experience superior, others advise caution regarding billing transparency and service consistency.

Suitable for diners prioritizing seafood quality and views who remain vigilant about billing details.

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Balin Sestri Levante

€€€Contemporary, Mediterranean Cuisine

An intimate restaurant on the seafront with a tiny dining room and small veranda, and a young, contemporary ambience. The Mediterranean-style cuisine is modern and creative with a focus on Ligurian ingredients to which the chef adds the occasional Asian twist, often in the sauces. Booking ahead is recommended given the limited number of tables here!

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews

Balin Sestri Levante offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences, praised for creative pairings and attention to detail. Guests frequently commend the high-quality food, attentive service, and intimate, elegant atmosphere, making it suitable for couples. However, some reviews criticize small portions, high prices, and occasional issues like canceled reservations or pacing inconsistencies. While generally well-rated, value perceptions vary, so verifying bookings and portion expectations is advised.

Ideal for couples seeking refined, creative cuisine and a romantic setting, with realistic expectations regarding portion sizes.

Aria

€€€€Italian Contemporary, Modern Cuisine

The Villa Riviera resort home to this restaurant is situated slightly inland and uphill from the sea in a tranquil oasis of greenery. The modern, minimalist veranda-style dining room is welcoming and elegant, while the summer terrace has a romantic ambience with superb views of the coast, especially at sunset. The menu features modern, occasionally creative cuisine with Ligurian influences evident in dishes such as the “La mia Liguria” dessert which combines ingredients such as basil and olives with white chocolate, pine nuts and fiordilatte ice cream.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews

Aria, located in Cerveteri, offers contemporary Italian cuisine. Reviews highlight high-quality ingredients, well-prepared dishes, and excellent presentation, with specific praise for starters like cold cuts and unique desserts. Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and professional, though occasional comments note issues with meal pacing. The ambiance blends historic castle features with modern comfort, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Most visitors find the value for money fair and prices reasonable. However, a minority of critics felt the menu was limited and lacked innovation. Overall, Aria is a detail-oriented establishment suitable for family lunches or dining with friends, offering a pleasant experience despite minor inconsistencies.

Suitable for families or friends seeking high-quality ingredients and a warm dining atmosphere.

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