Wondering what the best restaurants in La Spezia are?
La Spezia in the region of Liguria is best known as the main gateway to the Cinque Terre villages and an important Italian naval base. This lively port city offers an authentic Italian atmosphere, with a charming waterfront promenade, interesting museums, and a strong local dining scene.
Compared to the nearby tourist-heavy Cinque Terre villages, La Spezia provides a more relaxed, less crowded experience while still being close to the coast’s main attractions. It’s also a great choice for travelers looking for better value, with more budget-friendly accommodation and restaurants than the surrounding seaside towns.
So, where to eat in La Spezia? Keep reading for our curated selection of the top places to enjoy everything from fresh seafood and traditional Ligurian dishes to creative modern cuisine.
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10 Best Restaurants in La Spezia, Italy
Here are our handpicked best restaurants in La Spezia, Italy. Enjoy!
1. Antica Osteria dei Camalli
Tucked in the heart of La Spezia, Antica Osteria dei Camalli is a true culinary gem where history meets flavor. Known for its traditional recipes dating back to the 1700s, this charming osteria brings Ligurian heritage to life in the most delicious way.
Every dish has a story. Start with mouthwatering antipasti, then dive into comforting classics like rich lasagna or linguini al nero di seppia. Don’t miss the iconic cappon magro, a colorful seafood masterpiece, or the soft gnocchi di prescinseua, served with a beautifully rich, authentic sauce.
Warm, welcoming, and full of character, this is more than just a meal – it’s a fun and flavorful journey through Liguria’s culinary past.
2. La Nuova Spezia
La Nuova Spezia offers fresh fish and seafood prepared just the way you like it – grilled, baked, fried, or tossed with pasta – all served in a cozy, maritime-themed setting.
The food is homemade and full of character, from comforting pasta dishes to perfectly cooked seafood, paired with a great selection of wines and a super tasty house option. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of ingredients and generous portions.
Add in warm, personal service, and you’ve got a place that feels both welcoming and truly satisfying from start to finish!
3. Osteria da Bartali
At Osteria da Bartali, you can expect a great mix of honest cooking, fresh ingredients, and warm atmosphere. The osteria provides classic Ligurian-style seafood and spaghetti in a compact, homey setting with a lovely terrace – perfect for a relaxed and delicious meal at a very reasonable price.
Highlights include the seafood spaghetti and pesto pasta, both full of authentic local flavor. The menu also features fresh tuna, octopus, carpaccio, and a comforting mussel soup, all prepared with care and simplicity.
To finish, don’t miss the heavenly millefoglie dessert – it’s the perfect sweet ending to an already memorable meal!
4. Antica Osteria dell’Uva La Spezia
Antica Osteria dell’Uva La Spezia is nice little osteria tucked away in an alley in the historic center of La Spezia, close to the cruise port. It serves simple but truly exquisite cuisine, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The staff are very kind and friendly, adding to the relaxed, easygoing experience. It’s especially known for serving some of the best trofie al pesto along the Ligurian coast, paired with really good house wine.
The menu is small and seafood-focused, featuring excellent quality pasta and fresh seafood that is well prepared and never overdone. Prices are very reasonable, with a modest cover charge of around €1–€2 per person.
To sum it up, Antica Osteria dell’Uva is a charming eatery for fresh food, great service, and a laid-back local feel in La Spezia.
5. Osteria all’Inferno dal 1905
Osteria all’Inferno is a cozy, family-run cellar restaurant full of character, serving up local pasta, fresh seafood, and classic homemade desserts in a truly charming setting.
The food is a real highlight – don’t miss the tagliolini with pesto, the delicious stuffed mussels, or the rich cuttlefish ink pasta. The smoked fish carpaccio is outstanding, and the tiramisu is the perfect finish: light, creamy, and just right.
Warm, welcoming, and always lively, this popular spot fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early or book ahead to make sure you don’t miss out.
6. L’Osteria della Corte
From starters to seafood, pasta, meat, and even desserts, every dish reflects both quality and genuine goodness – so much so that L’Osteria della Corte feels worthy of a Michelin star, yet remains very reasonably priced.
This storied osteria is known for its creative risottos and pastas, served in a charming setting with a leafy courtyard, a cozy cellar bar, and an impressive long wine list.
Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in La Spezia, L’Osteria della Corte also stands out for its warm hospitality – the owner often greets guests personally, making every visit feel welcoming, relaxed, and truly special.
7. Trattoria Bellavista
Experience refined Italian cuisine at Trattoria Bellavista in La Spezia, where classic flavors meet Ligurian specialties in a warm and inviting setting.
The menu is known for its excellent steak, amazing pasta, and tender, flavorful pork ribs. Every dish is well prepared, balancing traditional Italian taste with regional character. Desserts are just as impressive – beautifully presented, not overly sweet, and a perfect way to finish the meal.
Guests can also rely on attentive staff for wine recommendations, with helpful guidance through local Ligurian and Cinque Terre selections, including clear explanations of quality and price points.
While portions tend to be on the smaller side, the exceptional quality more than makes up for it, and prices remain fairly reasonable for the level of cooking on offer.
8. Vicolo Intherno
Vicolo Intherno offers classic homestyle seafood and pasta dishes, paired with good wine, and served in a simple and understated setting with an authentically charming atmosphere.
Located in the pedestrian area, close to the Museo Amedeo Lia and the lively Piazza Cavour market, Vicolo Intherno Restaurant sits in one of the oldest buildings in the city center, with an entrance through a narrow, typical vicolo – a small alley between historic buildings.
The menu focuses on fresh, daily-sourced ingredients: fish, mussels, and other shellfish bought each day, along with cheeses and meats from trusted local suppliers. Dishes change frequently, with appealing daily specials that reflect what’s fresh and available.
The wine cellar also showcases a strong selection from across Liguria, including well-known varieties like Pigato and Vermentino, as well as lesser-known bottles that are well worth discovering. Vicolo Intherno won’t disappoint!
9. Margherita E Le Sue Sorelle
Amazing pizza with perfect dough, high-quality ingredients, and a beautiful setting in La Spezia? Sounds like Margherita E Le Sue Sorelle!
Margherita E Le Sue Sorelle also offers amazing gluten-free pizzas, making it a great option for everyone. The restaurant is modern and elegant, with the choice to dine in a lovely garden.
The atmosphere here is especially memorable – twinkling lights, a relaxed garden space, and stunning views over La Spezia create a truly special dining experience.
While it is slightly pricier than other pizzerias in the area, Margherita E Le Sue Sorelle is well worth every euro spent!
10. Vecchia Osteria San Rocco
Vecchia Osteria San Rocco is a cozy yet modern mountain restaurant with gorgeous views, perfect for a relaxed and memorable meal. Expect friendly staff, quick service, and a warm, welcoming vibe from the moment you arrive.
The food is absolutely incredible, a solid 10/10, and surprisingly well priced for the quality. Don’t miss the mixed seafood grill, and sea bass ravioli – each dish is packed with flavor and beautifully prepared! And for dessert, the white chocolate soufflé is a true showstopper – light, indulgent, and unforgettable.
With its stunning scenery, great value, and feel-good atmosphere, Vecchia Osteria San Rocco is the kind of place you’ll be excited to come back to.
Looking for a place to stay in La Spezia? Check out the latest hotel deals and prices here.