Camogli is a romantic, charming fishing village, with its colorful waterfront buildings, characteristic little harbor, and pedestrian streets, is part of the Portofino Regional Park, a vast protected natural area. Thanks to the dense network of trails, you can reach the San Fruttuoso Abbey and Punta Chiappa, just two of the many attractions in this corner of the region.
Fish, particularly anchovies, dominate the dining tables, but during the right season, various types of mushrooms reign supreme.
The best restaurants in Camogli
La Bossa di Mario
Wine Bar. This establishment – with outdoor seating – owes its creation to the owner's passion for Brazilian music, wine, and good food. A longstanding favorite, it offers a pleasant convivial atmosphere. The culinary offerings frequently change: octopus with chickpea hummus, peaches, and arugula sauce; fusilloni with roasted tomato sauce, calamari, Taggiasca olives, stracciatella, and caper powder; tuna with zucchini cream, sweet and sour onions, and garlic mayonnaise. The wine cellar is top-notch, with many options by the glass.
La Bossa di Mario – via della Repubblica, 124 – 0185 772505 – www.facebook.com/p/La-Bossa-di-Mario-enoteca-con-cucina/
Îzoa
Restaurant. In an enviable location with a lovely outdoor area overlooking the sea, this is a modern establishment both in ambiance and menu, run by a young, capable, and motivated team in both the dining room and the kitchen. The freshness of the ingredients is unquestionable, creativity is used wisely, and the combinations and flavors are spot-on. Examples include scallop with fennel, orange, and coconut; lobster tortelli with shellfish dashi and oyster; mackerel with celery root and green apple; lemon tart and burnt meringue. Completing the experience is a well-thought-out and comprehensive wine list.
Îzoa – via G. Garibaldi, 99 – 0185 697768 – www.instagram.com/izoa.ristorante/
La Loggia
Trattoria. From the spectacular sea view through the windows and on the terrace, you can just sense the salty air and the lapping waves. If you look down at your plate, you'll see the countryside and forest from where all the top-quality ingredients used in the kitchen come. After a start with salami and coppa, fried cheese focaccette, and round Genoese stuffed eggplants, the first courses feature chestnut flour trofie with pesto, pansoti (a highlight) in walnut sauce, and taglierini with porcini mushrooms. The meal continues with fried rabbit and perfectly cooked veal asado. Simple but impeccable desserts.
La Loggia – frazione Ruta strada statale Aurelia, 31 – 0185 770791
Revello
Street Food. The Recco Dop focaccia with cheese is the undisputed star of this seafront establishment, which boasts 60 years of history, always run by the Revello family. Baked continuously, it's a delicacy worth waiting in line for. From the pastry section, don't miss the Camogliesi, a house specialty created by Mr. Giacomo – delicious rum pastries. Also worth trying are the traditional pandolce (available in a “hazelnut” version), large holiday leavened cakes, and amaretti cookies.
Revello – via G. Garibaldi, 183 – 0185 770777 – www.revellocamogli.it
Sâ
Restaurant. In a historic building in the heart of the town, not far from the little harbor, this informal but well-kept and tastefully decorated place offers a warm and friendly welcome, pampering guests from start to finish. The menu features few items, focusing on seafood and local produce, ensuring maximum freshness. Even the post-meal coffee is good, especially when paired with the homemade canestrelli. The wine list includes non-trivial selections, showing passion and research. Note: seating is limited, reservations are a must as there are many admirers.
Sâ – via P. Schiaffino, 5 – 0185 774512 – www.facebook.com/saristorante/
Ostaia da Ö Sigù
Trattoria. On the beautiful waterfront offering unique views, especially at sunset, this is a reliable spot to enjoy a cuisine of substance and flavor, successfully balancing land and sea with more than satisfying results. In addition to the regular menu, there are always market specials: breaded and fried anchovies, chestnut flour trofie with pesto, potatoes and green beans, spaghetti with anchovies, cherry tomatoes, olives, and breadcrumbs, grilled squid with sautéed vegetables, and the catch of the day prepared as you like. The wine selection rightly highlights Ligurian producers.
Ostaia da Ö Sigù – via G. Garibaldi, 82 – 0185 770689 – www.ostaiadaosigu.com