Osteria del Rododendro

in ,

This osteria is located in the historic center of a splendid small village and it is managed by Grazia and her daughter Barbara. It offers authentic cuisine using local products which make up the “White Cuisine” a cuisine that’s called this way because of the use of ingredients such as potatoes, leeks, turnips, dairy and flour-based products which were eaten by the shepherds during the transhumance period. Their tasting menu is priced at 25 € and it is made up of 6 appetizers, three first courses, three seconds and a dessert. We recommend their pasta fagottini with thirteen wild herbs, the chef’s specialty as well as the fried rabbit bites, the eye of round braised in Ormeasco and the snails. There’s a good selection of cheeses served with homemade jams. Exquisite desserts such as chestnut and rum ice cream and licorice Bavarian cream. Both the olive oil and bread are produced on site. There’s a wide selection of local wines among which you’ll find the Ormeasco. Honest prices.Their menu prices range from € 25 to about € 30 and it is strictly seasonal.

Ristorante Colle Melosa

in ,

Located in a magical setting surrounded by the mountains and forest, the restaurant offers homemade traditional cuisine together with authentic ingredients and a warm welcome. The inn was re-opened in 2010 after having been closed for many years by Pierangelo Borfiga and his wife Laura, the third family generation to manage the historic “Locanda Colle Melosa”. A hike around these parts is always suggested in any season; the inn offers delicious dishes using local seasonal ingredients. During theme nights in the winter you can try their “bagna cauda nel fojòt” in its characteristic terracotta dish as well as the polenta and wild boar. You must try their ravioli with alpine herbs, the goat with beans and the lamb with artichokes. During the summer you should try the “gran pistou”, crushed grains with ham. You should also try their homemade desserts such as the bonet and apple cake. Wine from local producers such as Rossese or Ormeasco are available as well as wines from nearby Piemonte. There’s also the possibility of staying overnight but it’s best to book in advance. Tasting menu priced from 22 to 32 euro.

Ristorante Sarri

in ,

A sensorial experience of a great level is proposed by the chef Andrea Sarri. The restaurant is located in the small fishing village just outside Imperia. The interior of the restaurant is furnished in modern and essential wood, but refined and welcoming. The presentation of the dishes is very accurate, the dining room service is assigned to his wife Alessandra, professional and courteous. The cuisine is based on local products, coming from the family vegetable garden and local fishermen, while the meat comes from Martini di Boves. It is recommended the menù “Let me stay” at 45 euros, where the chef will amaze you with particolar dishes. Wide choice also in the a la carte menu where, among the appetizers we mention the Oneglia shrimp sprinkled with passito wine, goose liver escalope, barley soup with shallot or the glossy mackerel with vermouth and roasted on red onions, grilled friggitelli and buffalo mozzarella. Among the first courses artisan spaghettini with juvenile fish, “trombette” courgettes and artisan tuna bottarga or the fish soup and Pigna beans with liquid potato raviolini. Among the second courses the shellfish of Oneglia flavoured with Vermentino and aromatic herbs or the fresh fish of the day with pesto, potatoes and green beans. Do not miss the desserts such as the mousse al chai latte, pistachio sponge, spice crumble and apricot sorbet. Refined and selected wine list.

Osteria Martini da Federico Lanteri

in ,

After the experience of the “Torrione” in Vallecrosia, chef Federico Lanteri left with great enthusiasm in the beautiful village of the upper Nervia valley. The gastronomic proposal has been partially renewed while maintaining the dishes that have made the family restaurant famous, such as tripe and Ligurian rabbit. The rooms have elegant and refined furnishings, a romantic terrace, overlooking the alleys, and tables arranged in the large square, offer shelter for those who want to escape from the confusion and heat of the coast. On the menu, preparations are both highly refined and very simple. You can also choose between two menus, which vary according to the seasons. The land and meat menu (€38) with Brandacujun, Barbagiuai, Ravioli, Ligurian rabbit and dessert. The trustful relationship between the local fishermen and the restaurant’s owner plays a key role in the quality of seafood menu (€48). Sanremo prawns always cooked with creativity and simplicity, as in the spaghetti with artichokes, baked or grilled. The menu is attentive to traditional dishes such as Turtun, Gran pisteu and stew of goat meat with Pigna beans. In the cellar, excellent local wines and prestigious labels. In the dining room Aurora and her staff deliver a warm and nice welcome. Also crucial is the partnership with Pierangelo Fazio, who continues to supply the uniquely tasting tropical fruits grown on the border with France.