Ristorante La Cesarina in Santa Margherita Ligure is a true culinary gem that beautifully captures the essence of Ligurian and Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting setting. Nestled on Via Goffredo Mameli, this charming restaurant offers an intimate dining experience that feels like sharing a meal in the cozy home of lifelong friends. From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced by a rustic ambiance highlighted by soft lighting, comfortable seating, and personal touches—like photographs of the chef Matteo's beloved dogs—that speak volumes about the pride and passion infused into every detail.
The menu is a celebration of authentic Italian flavors, featuring a curated selection of local and national wines that perfectly complement the dishes. Wine lovers will delight in exploring the regional treasures such as Vermentino and Albarola from the Colli di Luni, Pigato della Riviera Ligure di Ponente, and Rossese di Dolceacqua. For those who appreciate a classic aperitif, the expertly mixed Negroni, Americano, or a refreshing Spritz provide the perfect start to your meal.
What truly sets La Cesarina apart is the extraordinary quality and freshness of the food. Diners rave about specialties like the heavenly pesto lasagna, a dish so divine it invites repeated visits. The seafood pasta, featuring clams and mussels, bursts with briny freshness that transports you straight to the Ligurian coast. Meat lovers will appreciate the tender fillet steak, prepared with thoughtful care and robust flavors. Another standout recommendation is the delicate Ravioli with veal, hailed by many as one of the best pasta dishes experienced in Italy. And for truffle enthusiasts, the generous pieces of truffle tucked inside creations invite you to savor every indulgent bite.
The heartfelt hospitality plays a vital role in the enchanting experience. The proprietress welcomes guests as if they were family, while Matteo’s culinary talents bring the menu to vibrant life. Service here is attentive yet unhurried, allowing you to truly relax and savor the moment without feeling rushed. Guests consistently highlight the warm atmosphere and personal touches sprinkled throughout their visits, from complimentary dishes thoughtfully served to the genuine smiles of the staff.
Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable gourmet dinner after a day exploring Santa Margherita Ligure or looking for a welcoming spot to unwind and enjoy authentic Ligurian flavors, Ristorante La Cesarina is an exceptional destination. It’s a place where passion for food and hospitality meet to create memories you’ll carry long after the last bite.
For reservations or inquiries, you can contact them directly at +39 0185 042679. Prepare yourself for an Italian dining experience that goes beyond taste—it’s a soulful celebration of local culture, craftsmanship, and heartfelt connection.
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N A
10/12/2025
Ok so we saw this resturant on the way and it looked really nice from inside.. so we decided to give it a try.. First they provided us with a complementary dish.. no matter how hungry you are do not try it. We also ordered some spaghetti with clams and mussels a salad and fillet steak. Our main course selection was just amazing wow sooo good to be honest one of the best taste in portofino and price. For me it is a must try. The steak was so soft and cooked perfectly sea food fresh. Review is yaaaaaaaaaas will do it again if i am back. Full amount 130euro with a full bottle of vino.
Carissa Valva
22/11/2025
Food is unreal, very fresh and had great service. We ended up coming 2 nights in a row on our trip here. Lily is by far best waitress in town! Highly recommended
Eden Shani
18/11/2025
This restaurant is the best one i visited in my travels in italy. The owner of the restaurant is an amazing woman who hosts and provides service like being in her living room. Her husband, a very talented chef, is pleasant and kind. The style of the restaurant is warm, homely, the food is very high quality and rich. The Tartufo is not shown in the pictures but inside there were lots of big peaces. I visit many Michelin restaurants around the world, and this is one of my favorites. I guess that if the fight person will come and visit they will get a star. ⭐
Jolanda Kops
18/11/2025
The food is fantastic Matteo (chef) owns the restaurant since 4 months now (june 2025) Not crowded and no haste you can relax and enjoy the time togheter.
Scott Layne
08/11/2025
We ate here, September 28, 2018, after a very long walk all around Santa Margherita. So hungry, so friendly, like eating at your favorite aunt's house. Five years later my wife, an exceptional chef herself, cannot stop commenting about the absolutely phenomenal pesto lasagna. Like it fell from heaven. The owners spoke almost no English. One of our favorite evenings. Cost was reasonable, but who cares!
Luca Müller
25/10/2025
We went here spontanously with a group of 8 people. The Service was very good and the waiter friendly. The food tasted amazing and you could tell that everything was made freshly! We can completely recommend eating here!
Connor Scott
19/10/2025
Lovely atmosphere and food. The proprietress gave the experience a personal touch and clearly loves what she does.
Gabriel Segal
31/08/2025
On our last night in Santa Margherita Ligure, we went to La Cesarina and it was just an incredible experience. Matteo designed the place to feel like home with couches, great lighting, nice music, and adorable pictures of his 8 dogs. The food was sooooo good (highly recommend the Ravioli with Veal, easily my favorite pasta dish in Italy). It’s a little down the road from the shore, so try to make it there for the experience! Grazie mille, Matteo!!!