L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso, Italy: A Charming Seaside Restaurant on the Italian Riviera

Perched in the charming coastal town of Monterosso Al Mare in Italy’s Cinque Terre, L’Ancora della Tortuga offers visitors a delightful seafood dining experience with stunning sea views. The restaurant sits at Salita Cappuccini 4, where you can enjoy carefully prepared dishes that showcase the flavors of the Italian Riviera.

When you visit L’Ancora della Tortuga, you’ll find interesting menu choices including a tasting menu option that provides exceptional value at 45 euros for multiple courses. The restaurant combines traditional Italian coastal cuisine with attentive service, making it a noteworthy stop during your exploration of the colorful villages of Cinque Terre.

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 L’Ancora della Tortuga

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, L’Ancora della Tortuga offers one of the most romantic dining spots in Monterosso al Mare. Opened in 2007 by local owners Silvia and Giovanni Battista, this restaurant combines authentic Ligurian flavors with breathtaking views that frame the Mediterranean like a living painting.

The elegant nautical-themed interior reveals the natural rock of San Cristoforo Hill, while the outdoor terrace lets you dine with the sound of waves as your soundtrack. Every window presents a stunning vista that will become one of your most treasured memories of the Cinque Terre.

The menu celebrates the bounty of the sea with fresh-caught seafood and house-made pasta prepared on-site. Chef G.B. Viviani creates dishes that honor traditional Ligurian cuisine while adding creative touches. Don’t miss their handmade gnocchi using potatoes from the Ligurian countryside and save room for their regional desserts.

The restaurant has earned international acclaim, appearing in the Michelin Guide, Gambero Rosso, and even the New York Times. It’s a perfect spot for special occasions, where the spectacular setting enhances any celebration.

Rating: 4.5 (996 reviews)
Location: Salita Frati Cappuccini, 4, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy
Contact: +39 0187 800065
Website: Visit Website

Exploring L’Ancora della Tortuga

L’Ancora della Tortuga offers a breathtaking dining experience built directly into the cliffs of Monterosso. The restaurant combines stunning sea views with exceptional local cuisine that has earned praise from visitors worldwide.

Renowned Italian Cuisine

The menu at L’Ancora della Tortuga showcases the best of Italian coastal cooking. You’ll find carefully prepared seafood dishes that highlight fresh local ingredients. Their tasting menu, priced at around 45 euros, provides an excellent way to sample multiple courses and specialties.

Many visitors describe the food as “the best meal” they had during their European travels. The restaurant pairs its dishes with local wines that complement the flavors perfectly.

The three-course meal options are particularly popular, offering a balance of traditional and creative Italian cooking. Portions are generous but elegantly presented.

Both meat and seafood options are available, though seafood naturally takes center stage given the coastal location.

Unique Dining Experience

What makes L’Ancora della Tortuga truly special is its remarkable setting. The restaurant is literally carved into the cliff face, with one wall being the natural rock itself.

You’ll dine on a terrace overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, with gentle breezes enhancing the sensory experience.

The upper terrace offers the most impressive views, making it the preferred seating area for most guests. The maritime-style decor complements the dramatic natural surroundings without distracting from them.

Service is consistently described as “on point” by visitors, adding to the overall excellence of the experience.

For the best experience, consider making reservations well in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This ensures you’ll get the optimal table for enjoying both the cuisine and the unforgettable views.

Location and Scenic Views

L’Ancora della Tortuga sits in one of the most breathtaking spots in the Cinque Terre, offering you an unforgettable dining experience where the natural beauty of the Italian coastline becomes part of your meal.

Situated in Monterosso

You’ll find this gem perched on a beautiful cliff in Monterosso al Mare, the largest of the five villages in Italy’s famous Cinque Terre. The restaurant is nestled among whitewashed rocks that protect it from strong winds while adding to its charm. As you approach, you’ll notice its elegant maritime-style design that blends perfectly with the surroundings.

The setting allows you to dine outdoors on one of the most stunning cliffs along this stretch of the Ligurian coast. The restaurant’s position makes it easily accessible from the beach area of Monterosso, yet removed enough to offer a sense of exclusivity and tranquility.

Panoramic Coastal Vistas

The views from L’Ancora della Tortuga are simply spectacular. From the upper terrace, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea stretching to the horizon. This vantage point is especially magical at sunset, when the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges and pinks reflecting on the water.

As you dine, the gentle sea breeze will caress your skin, enhancing the sensory experience. The restaurant’s positioning allows for unobstructed views of Monterosso’s coastline and the azure waters below.

Many visitors recommend timing your reservation around sunset to fully appreciate the visual feast alongside your meal. The combination of twinkling evening lights, crashing waves below, and star-filled skies creates a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to match elsewhere in the region.

Architectural and Interior Design

L’Ancora della Tortuga sits dramatically perched on the cliffs between Monterosso’s Old Town and New Town. This unique restaurant features maritime-style décor that complements its stunning natural setting.

One of the most remarkable architectural features is how the restaurant incorporates the cliff itself. One wall is actually made of natural rock, creating a seamless blend between the building and its surroundings.

The dining space offers two main seating options:

Interior dining room: Elegant maritime-themed décor
Upper terrace: Provides breathtaking panoramic sea views

When visiting, you’ll want to request outdoor seating if weather permits. The upper terrace allows you to enjoy the sea breeze while taking in spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

The restaurant’s interior design maintains a nautical theme throughout. Maritime elements and elegant touches create a sophisticated atmosphere, though some visitors note the real magic happens outside where the views steal the show.

For the best experience, time your visit around sunset when the lighting transforms the already beautiful setting into something truly magical. You’ll find the combination of natural cliff elements and thoughtful design creates an unforgettable dining backdrop.