Belforte - VERNAZZA

Super confused on the reviews as this place was not at all what was expected. Reserved ahead of time. Sat in a decent place (not on the cliff but close). Had a group of six just expecting a normal dinner. The first red flag was the staff being utterly silent wearing their staff shirts not explaining any dishes or standard operations around the menu they seemed to not care. Second the food came out way fast almost premade and tasted that way, as though it had been sitting for some time. Many people had the pesto pasta and I had the lobster and spaghetti. Nothing really to write home about. Third red flag was the plastic bags of packaged Parmesan. Almost like we were having an airline/in flight meal with the drop off and pick up attendant. Not sure how our experience was so different from these reviews but the Hype is not real as of fall 2023. Don 't bother support the smaller dining spots.

More of a 3.5. Food is good, view is unreal. Any seafood you order is going to be good. I got the mussels and really enjoyed them. Service is not great. Do not eat here if you are in any sort of a rush. We were rushing to make a train and told them this and our server proceeded to completely ignore us for 20 mins after that. GET A RESERVATION IN ADVANCE. You will need one in busy season.

Excellent food. Reservations preferred but we came at opening time (before noon) and made the line. One waiter said NO they 're full, came back in 5 minutes and another waiter sat us... Disorganized seating and no real book for writing down your name. It depends on the waiter I suppose. But sounded like many people sat without reservations. Come back in 1 hour is what they kept saying. 1- ANCHOVIES. 16€. three types, lemon, fried and salted. All were excellent and so fresh!!! Even if you 're not an anchovies fan, try them. It 'll change your mind. 2- MUSSELS. 15€. Amazinggg. So fresh they tasted sweet and almost undercooked which is fine. Delicious, rightly seasoned with garlic and white wine. 3- SQUID INK PASTA MARINARA. 18€ Also good, al dente, sweet savory tomatoes for the sauce with some subpar shrimp. Still, devoured everything. 4- WHITE WINE 5€. House. Good enough. 5- TIRAMISU. 8€. Nothing like US tiramisu. Soft, sweet. Can 't describe it but definitely tasted different in a good way. 6- Still water? 3€ bottle. RECOMMENDED. View is out of this world but try to seat further from the people waiting near the stairs. Too much foot traffic. Pricy but hey, look where you are now.

This restaurant is in one of the two most ideal locations in town for epic views. The staff was very friendly and the food was very good too. However I feel like the price of the food reflected the toll you pay for those views. One of the highlights was drinking excellent wine from grapes grown on the hills across from the restaurant.

The most obvious character of this restaurant is the spectacular location and view, but the real star is the food. The menu consists of a variety of fresh seafood and delicate pasta dishes. We made a reservation before we arrived in Vernazza, so we were seated immediately. Plan to get there around sunset, and you will be treated to an unforgettable romantic Ligurian meal.