Gambero Rosso

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Table on the Piazza

On Piazza Marconi, steps from Vernazza's small harbour, Gambero Rosso occupies a historic building that has kept its original character intact. Diners sit outdoors on the characteristic little square facing the water, with local wines in hand and the Ligurian coast as a backdrop. The setting is effortless, and the kitchen matches it.

Ligurian Cooking, Rooted in the Sea

The restaurant describes its philosophy plainly: a menu built on the daily catch and on local ingredients, with Ligurian tradition as the foundation and a creative touch in the execution. It has been called "the link between Ligurian tradition and a fresher way of preparing recipes" — and the menu bears that out.

Anchovies sourced directly from Cinque Terre fishermen and mussels from the Gulf of Spezia farms anchor the antipasti. The house signature, Misto di acciughe alla Gambero Rosso, presents them in multiple preparations. From the Gulf also come the mussels served in the Padella di cozze di Porto Venere, a local classic alongside Tegame di Vernazza — a potato and anchovy gratin with tomato that belongs entirely to this stretch of coast.

Fresh pasta is made by hand on the premises. The Tagliolino all'aragosta is the kitchen's own recommendation, while Paccheri alla Gambero Rosso — with tomato and red mullet fillet — has become a signature dish. Trofie al pesto Ligure is made with pesto prepared fresh each day. For the main course, the catch of the day arrives as whole fish baked in the Ligurian style, grilled, or cooked in salt, alongside a mixed seafood grill that changes with what the boats bring in.

The wine list draws on the territory, with Vermentino and the rare Sciacchetrà DOC among the natural companions to this kind of seafood cooking.

Recognition That Holds Up

Between 2005 and 2009, Gambero Rosso appeared consecutively in The World's 50 Best Restaurants — reaching as high as 12th place in both 2007 and 2008. That level of international recognition, sustained over several years, speaks to a consistency that goes well beyond a single good season. The restaurant continues to operate with the same direct, ingredient-led approach that earned it that standing.

Gluten-free options are available across the menu, and outdoor seating with wheelchair access makes the piazza table accessible to most guests.