Family owned and operated as many Italian restaurants are, Ippogrifo is a shining star in my memory…read moreof Italy. I can safely say that this is the *BEST* pesto I've ever had. I would slather everything in this stuff if I could because it is literally that amazing! I think it alone is worth the trip. But if you need more reasons, let me also add that the branzino is spectacular. It's roasted and served table side. Quickly de-boned and served by the owner himself, the fish is light and simply prepared with herbs and olive oil. It's funny how the simplest of foods in Italy turn into something incredible. We also had anchovies with lemon (who knew I even liked anchovies?) and this dish of crudo. Also known as sashimi for those of you who don't speak Italian. It's basically a dish of all raw fresh fishes. They seemed different from the Japanese fishes but wow.. just as good! Great food, great wine... and great people. That's what makes a great restaurant and all of those things are true here. It's a must on my list when I return later this month. My mouth is watering just thinking of the awesome food we had here.

In transit from Alba to Levanto, so I decided to stop and refuel…read more While the staff didn't speak much English, they tried hard and made me felt welcome. The assorted seafood on mashed potato was fresh and delicious. Pachere pasta with fish and tomato: The pasta was al dente, I loved the simplicity of simmered grape tomatoes. Had a bottle of Buranco Bianco from Cinque Terre. For dessert, the apple tart and gelato was devine. I've never had an apple tart so airy and fluffy. Amazing finish for a wonderful meal. Simple ingredients, but superb execution and service. I couldn't have possibly asked for more. I would intentionally just to make a stop here next time when I'm in Liguria, even if it's out of the way, that's how much I liked eating here. p.s. Bought a bottle of 2003 Bruno Giacosa Falletto from the restaurant for €90, which appeared to be a bargain. That being said, it was slightly maderized.

This restaurant is for beef-lovers and only beef lovers. Although it's in the harbor area, they…read moredon't serve fish or chicken. The steaks were cooked to perfection. I recommend the filet over the regular cut. It's family run with the owner circulating amongst the tables. The menu is personally presented, item by item, to each table and the process is a bit overwhelming to the English-speaking diner but, hey, just order a steak, mushrooms, grilled vegetables and some potatoes and you won't be disappointed.

The food was amazing. Great service. Great location, right across from the bay. I highly recommend…read moretrying this place out.

Great selection of not only pasta but other dishes like grilled fish, vegetables, focaccia, etc…read more and food was delicious. Fast, friendly service. It's tucked away in an alley but still very close to the main drag. Such a hidden gem. And prices are very reasonable.

Excellent Food & Staff. Ate there twice in two days. Authentic local cooking with a light touch…read more A very pleasant meal with relaxing music. Highly recommended.

We dined here for the first time on the outdoor, sidewalk patio. It was certainly busy with…read moretourists along the streets but the outdoor seating was very nice. The staff was friendly and attentive. The food and drinks were good - especially the Lemon Spritz! Would recommend for a quality meal in an otherwise touristy spot.

This is a classic Genovese restaurant where the locals come for a good meal, or a special night out…read morewith the family, but it's by no means expensive. The menu and wine list are extensive, focusing on Neapolitan-style pizza, and the kitchen did a great job on the trofie al pesto and calamari fritti I had, Genovese classics both. From the number and variety of pizzas constantly being brought to others' tables, I could see that this place does a good job on them, too. It's a large, commodious place, with ample seating inside, at the bar, and outside al fresco. The bar has a nice big TV, which was showing one of the Euro 16 games when I visited, and the patrons were all enjoying themselves in that friendly expansive way that makes Italians such great people to meet and talk to.

Stayed a couple of days at Monterosso al Mare for part our honeymoon and we ended up at Ristorante…read moreBelvedere our first night for a late dinner. We visited early March so it was the rainy season and most of the restaurants in the area were still closed for business. The restaurant was welcoming and had a steady stream of patrons. It appeared a lot of the locals eat here so that was very reassuring. The atmosphere was casual and friendly. We had these great little salted anchovies with toast and split a pasta with mussels. There was a very good pasta to seafood ratio in the dish. We left with a good impression and ate here again the following night. This time, we ordered a Cinque Terre wine, had the anchovies again and ordered the seafood soup which was kinda pricey. But what came to our table was definitely worth the price. I would describe it as a cauldron, yes it was that big, of every creature in the ocean. The broth reminds me of a really good ciopinno. There was mostly seafood in this dish consisting of mussels, giant shrimps, crab, chunks of fish, a whole octopus, etc. A wonderfully epic meal that became one of the highlights of our trip to Italy.

Enjoyed the views of the harbor great beer, and great food had a seafood pizza great service,…read morefriendly atmosphere

Arrived 30 min before lunch ended (no reservations) on a weekday, and the waiter graciously…read moresqueezed our party of 3 in. A few individuals came around 10 min later, and were turned away. However, some opted to be added to the dinner reservation list. The restaurant is very busy, and waitstaff are bustling around. There was a sizable lunch group, so they can accommodate large groups. Everything we had was delicious. They are part of the "slow food" movement, and the dedication showed in their food. We ordered: Lasagna - I've never had a lasagna like this. Very, VERY thin sheets of pasta supporting layers of tomato and pesto sauce. The portion size was on the smaller side. Fantastic. Pesto - When in Genoa, you must try pesto! Perfectly al dente tossed in a vibrant and fresh pesto sauce. Seafood pasta - special of the day ~ I think this had mussels and local veggies, was pretty good. Fish + potato - This was a toss-up, but a unique (at least to us) combination. Fish flesh is mixed with mashed potatoes. Prominent fish flavor and heavy on the tongue, likely due to fat/flavor added to the potatoes. Finished with a dessert (pine nut cake) that we honestly could have done without. Highly recommend the lasagna and pesto.

Located in the port area of Genoa, this little restaurant serves mostly seafood. The place was…read morepacked with both locals and tourists when we visited. The atmosphere is a little old fashioned, as if the place is frozen in time, quite charming. Prices are moderate, the food is good and simple (matches the decor). Nothing fancy there, but I liked my stuffed anchovies and my husband was happy with his pesto pasta. The house wine is cheap and good enough. We were both happy with our dinner.