La Reserve, Bordighera, Italy: A Cozy Mediterranean Dining Experience on the Italian Riviera

La Reserve sits along Via Arziglia in the charming coastal town of Bordighera, Italy. This Italian restaurant offers a taste of Ligurian and Northern-Italian cuisine in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. You’ll find a mix of dining options including lunch, dinner, and drinks, with menu choices that cater to vegetarian diets as well.

The restaurant has gathered hundreds of reviews from visitors, showing its popularity among tourists and locals alike. When you visit La Reserve, you’re not just enjoying a meal – you’re experiencing a slice of Italian coastal dining culture. The restaurant’s beachside location adds to its appeal, making it more than just a place to eat.

Italian Riviera 2025 Deals!
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in the Italian Riviera! Look for deals here:

Italian Riviera Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

Ristorante La Reserve

Ristorante La Reserve is a charming Italian restaurant nestled along the coast in beautiful Bordighera. You’ll find it on Via Arziglia, just steps from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The restaurant has earned a solid reputation among locals and tourists alike.

When you visit La Reserve, you can expect authentic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant takes advantage of its coastal location to serve fish and shellfish caught daily from local waters. Their menu changes seasonally to showcase the best ingredients available.

The atmosphere at La Reserve blends casual elegance with coastal charm. You can choose to dine inside their tastefully decorated dining room or opt for outdoor seating with stunning sea views. Many guests recommend timing your dinner to catch the breathtaking sunset over the water.

Service at La Reserve is attentive yet relaxed, embodying the warm hospitality that defines Italian dining culture. You’ll find the staff helpful with menu recommendations and wine pairings to enhance your meal.

Rating: 4 (1119 reviews)
Location: Via Arziglia, 20, 18012 Bordighera IM, Italy
Contact: +39 0184 261322
Website: Visit Website

History of La Reserve Bordighera

La Reserve stands as one of Bordighera’s notable dining establishments with a rich backstory that connects to the town’s development as a tourism destination along the Italian Riviera.

Origins and Founding

La Reserve restaurant was established as Bordighera began gaining popularity as a vacation spot for wealthy Europeans. The restaurant found its home in this charming seaside town that dates back to the Fifth Century. Located on the picturesque Ligurian Riviera near the French border, La Reserve capitalized on the town’s natural beauty and growing tourism.

When you visit La Reserve, you’re experiencing a piece of Bordighera’s hospitality tradition. The restaurant embraced the region’s culinary heritage, serving local specialties that highlight the flavors of Liguria.

The building itself reflects the elegant architectural style common in this pastel-colored sea town that has long inspired artists and visitors alike.

Historical Significance

La Reserve has become an important part of Bordighera’s dining scene, as evidenced by its 848 reviews on Tripadvisor. The restaurant developed during a time when the Italian Riviera was transforming into a sophisticated destination for travelers seeking beauty and culture.

You’ll find that La Reserve continues the tradition of Italian hospitality that became central to Bordighera’s identity. The restaurant adopted wine service practices similar to pioneering establishments like Turin’s Tastevin, which in 1973 amazed guests by introducing wine by the glass.

As you dine at La Reserve, you’re participating in Bordighera’s ongoing story as a hidden gem along the Italian Riviera. The restaurant remains part of the cultural fabric that makes this region special.

Architectural Highlights

La Reserve’s structure stands as an architectural gem overlooking the stunning Ligurian coast. The building combines traditional Italian design elements with modern touches that enhance the dining experience.

Design and Style

The restaurant occupies a beautifully designed structure that maximizes its prime seaside location. Large windows frame the Mediterranean views, creating a seamless connection between the interior dining space and the natural beauty outside.

The main dining room features high ceilings with exposed wooden beams that add rustic charm to the elegant space. You’ll notice the thoughtful lighting design that changes throughout the day, enhancing the ambiance as evening approaches.

Natural stone walls and terracotta floors honor the regional building traditions, while contemporary furnishings provide comfort without detracting from the views. The outdoor terrace, perhaps the restaurant’s most striking feature, extends over the rocks with unobstructed panoramic vistas.

Renovations Over the Years

La Reserve has undergone several tasteful renovations while preserving its architectural integrity. The most significant update came in 2018 when the owners expanded the terrace area and installed retractable glass panels to allow year-round enjoyment of the space regardless of weather.

The bar area received a modern refresh in 2020, incorporating locally sourced materials and artwork from Ligurian artists. The kitchen was completely redesigned in 2022 to improve functionality while remaining true to the building’s character.

Recent updates focused on sustainability, including solar panels discreetly installed on the roof and an improved water recycling system. Despite these changes, you’ll find that each renovation has respected the original charm that makes La Reserve architecturally special.

Cultural and Natural Attractions Nearby

While staying at La Reserve in Bordighera, you’ll find yourself surrounded by incredible cultural sites and natural beauty that make the Italian Riviera so enchanting.

Local Culture and Events

Bordighera’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its historic sites and local traditions. The Chiesa Di Sant’Ampelio, a beautiful religious site, sits dramatically on a rocky promontory extending into the sea. This church is named after the town’s patron saint and offers stunning Mediterranean views.

Take a leisurely stroll along Lungomare Argentina, Bordighera’s elegant seaside promenade. This palm-lined walkway is perfect for enjoying the Italian pastime of “passeggiata” (evening walk) among locals.

Hotel Angst, though no longer operational, stands as a magnificent reminder of Bordighera’s Belle Époque era when the town was a fashionable winter retreat for European aristocracy. The building’s impressive architecture tells stories of a glamorous past.

Natural Scenery and Parks

Giardino Esotico Pallanca is a must-visit botanical wonder featuring an extraordinary collection of cacti and succulents from around the world. Perched on a hillside with panoramic sea views, this garden showcases over 3,000 plant species.

The natural beauty surrounding Bordighera is truly spectacular, with the unique geographic position where the Alps meet the Mediterranean creating dramatic landscapes. You can enjoy hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of both mountains and sea.

Marcello Cammi’s Sculpture Garden presents an unusual blend of art and nature. This quirky outdoor space features handmade concrete sculptures among the vegetation, creating a fascinating environment where artistic expression meets the natural world.