Nestled in the charming harbor of Portofino, La Gritta offers a delightful dining experience with stunning seaside views. This floating barge restaurant specializes in creative cuisine, focusing primarily on fresh seafood caught daily. You’ll find friendly staff ready to guide you through their menu, which includes specialties like black squid ink tagliolini with shrimp and baked prawns and scampi.
At La Gritta, you can enjoy both culinary delights and spectacular drinks from their American Bar, making it perfect for a complete evening experience. The restaurant also boasts a carefully selected wine cellar to complement your meal. Open year-round and located at Calata Marconi 20, La Gritta provides a unique dining atmosphere that captures the essence of the Italian Riviera.
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La Gritta
La Gritta is a historic restaurant in Portofino that offers a unique dining experience on a floating barge. Founded in 1954 by Lorenzo Raggio, it has transformed from an American Bar into a culinary destination.
In the 1960s and 70s, La Gritta became a regular gathering spot for international celebrities and royalty visiting Portofino. Today, it continues to attract famous figures from entertainment and politics.
The restaurant specializes in creative seafood dishes made with fresh ingredients. You can enjoy your meal while taking in stunning views of Portofino’s picturesque harbor. La Gritta also offers all-day service including bar options, aperitifs, and yacht service.
If you’re planning a special event, La Gritta can be reserved exclusively for private parties and celebrations. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 2 AM, making it convenient for any meal or late-night drinks.
Rating: 2.7 (689 reviews)
Location: Calata Marconi, 20, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Contact: +39 0185 269126
Website: Visit Website
Exploring The Charm of La Gritta
La Gritta offers a unique blend of history, stunning architecture, and exceptional dining experiences that captivate visitors to Portofino. This seaside gem combines traditional Italian elegance with breathtaking views.
History and Heritage
La Gritta has established itself as one of Portofino’s most cherished dining destinations. The restaurant embraces the rich culinary traditions of the Italian Riviera while adding its own creative touch. You’ll find that seafood plays a starring role in their menu, with dishes prepared using fresh, daily-caught ingredients.
The restaurant has welcomed both locals and travelers for many years, becoming an important part of Portofino’s dining scene. As you dine at La Gritta, you’re participating in a tradition that has delighted guests for generations.
The American Bar section adds another dimension to La Gritta’s heritage, offering a sophisticated space where you can enjoy carefully crafted cocktails while taking in the magnificent views.
Architectural Highlights
La Gritta’s location is truly exceptional – perched directly overlooking the sea. The restaurant’s design makes the most of this prime position, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of Portofino’s picturesque harbor while dining.
Every corner of La Gritta is filled with charm and elegance, as noted by visitors. The space combines traditional Italian design elements with subtle touches that enhance your dining experience.
The restaurant features large windows that frame the stunning coastal views, letting natural light flood the elegant interior during daytime visits. At night, soft lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that complements the twinkling lights of the harbor.
You’ll appreciate how the architecture seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for al fresco dining when weather permits.
Culinary Delights at La Gritta
La Gritta offers a creative menu focused on fresh seafood caught daily from the Mediterranean. Their culinary experience is enhanced by a carefully curated wine cellar featuring select vintages that complement their dishes perfectly.
Signature Dishes
The restaurant specializes in seafood prepared with innovative techniques while honoring Italian traditions. You’ll find exquisite dishes that showcase the flavors of the Mediterranean. Their menu changes regularly based on seasonal availability, ensuring you always experience the freshest ingredients.
Some must-try dishes include:
- Fresh-caught fish prepared simply with local olive oil and herbs
- Seafood pasta featuring clams, mussels, and prawns in delicate sauces
- Creative seafood appetizers that highlight daily catches
The presentation is as impressive as the taste, with each dish artfully arranged. Though prices run high (expect to pay around €156 for lunch for two), the exceptional quality and waterfront setting justify the splurge.
Local Ingredients
La Gritta takes pride in sourcing ingredients from the surrounding Ligurian region. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and quality in their ingredient selection.
Their seafood comes directly from local fishermen who bring in the daily catch from Portofino’s waters. You’ll taste the difference in freshness with every bite.
Other local ingredients that enhance their dishes include:
- Ligurian olive oil with its distinctive peppery notes
- Fresh herbs grown in nearby gardens
- Seasonal vegetables from regional farms
- Artisanal cheeses from small producers
The chefs transform these simple, high-quality ingredients into sophisticated dishes that still maintain authentic Italian flavors. When you dine at La Gritta, you’re experiencing a true taste of Portofino and the surrounding coastline.
Visitor Tips for La Gritta
Planning your visit to La Gritta requires some insider knowledge to ensure you have the best experience at this seaside restaurant in Portofino.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive early to secure a table with the best harbor view. La Gritta tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season from May to September.
Lunchtime offers stunning daytime views of the water, while dinner provides a romantic sunset atmosphere. The restaurant may close early during the off-season, so always check current operating hours before you go.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. If you’re visiting in summer, consider making a reservation 1-2 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
The restaurant is particularly magical in late spring when the weather is pleasant but the summer crowds haven’t yet arrived in full force.
Travel Essentials
Dress smartly casual – Portofino is an upscale destination, and La Gritta reflects this atmosphere. You don’t need formal attire, but neat, presentable clothing is appropriate.
Bring cash as a backup, though credit cards are accepted. Prices are on the higher side, typical for Portofino’s prime location.
Try the seafood pasta and pesto dishes – both are local favorites that showcase regional specialties. The black seafood pasta receives particularly positive reviews.
Don’t rush your meal. Italian dining is meant to be savored, and the beautiful setting deserves your time and appreciation.
Remember to bring a light jacket for evening visits, as the seaside location can get breezy even in summer.
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