A Terrace with a View

So it seems that it is finally starting to warm up after our incredibly long, long winter. The first day when I can walk ol' Elvis without wearing a jacket has me already dreaming of day trips to the beach and serene seafood dinners.

How lucky are we that the closest beach is the Cinque Terre at a very do-able hour and a half car ride? Chances are if you have visited Italy before, the Cinque Terre were on your "Must Visit" list and for good reason. Check out how insanely beautiful this coastal area is.

Sigh

My first visit was three years ago when my family flew over for a little Italian holiday. Turns out that my aunt's colleague was friends with Franco the owner of Ristorante La Torre, and sent her armed with a letter of introduction. Thank goodness for that because otherwise I doubt I would have ever found La Torre, now my regular dinner spot for days at the beach.

Cinque Terre means "five lands" in Italian, and that's exactly what this natural reserve is: five villages built into the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. They are connected either by train or by hiking paths that vary in difficulty. La Torre is located at the top of Vernazza and unless you are hiking the trail between Vernazza and Corniglia (one of the most difficult), you would never have reason to pass it.

The Mediterranean before you, embraced by vineyards

The menu is typical for the Ligurian coast: spaghetti with plump muscles and clams, lasagna with beautifully perfumed pesto (pesto comes from this part of Italy), anchovies from the nearby village Monterosso bathed in local olive oil and lemon juice, and a simple, but gorgeously prepared tomato bruschetta. Choose a crisp white wine made from the grapes that come from the vineyards right over your shoulder. Since seating is limited to less than 10 tables outside on the terrace, you are guaranteed a panorama of cheery Vernazza and the deep blue Mediterranean.

Not bad

Now for those of you who know me well, you know I am not exactly the most athletic chick in the barnyard, but for dinner and the view, I will gladly hike the hundreds of steps to get up to the restaurant. Wouldn't you too?


Ristorante La Torre
Via Carattino, 64
Vernazza Italy
0187 821082