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    L'Ancora della Tortuga

    4.4 (69 reviews)
    PriceySeafood, Ligurian

    L'Ancora della Tortuga Photos

    L'ANCORA DELLA TORTUGA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - L'Ancora della Tortuga

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    Reviews With Photos

    Dining room
    Elisabeth P.

    After seeing the reviews for this place, we had our hotel secure reservations for their last seating of the evening. We'd heard the view was amazing, but our table was downstairs and inside where you couldn't see anything at all, so be sure you aren't coming just for the view! Even though there were only a couple occupied tables in the dining room, our server took a really long time to come greet us, longer to come back for our drink order, I almost fell asleep before she took our food order, and I was dozing by the time food came out.. and she never checked on us in between. It was actually the first time in Italy we had a server who was unpleasant too. The husband and I had been amazed at how nice and hospitable waitstaff was in italy, so it was a bit surprising to be greeted with a bit of an attitude. We were extra nice, though, and finally got her to smile by the end. We'd had a late lunch, so we weren't starving, and each ordered just one thing. The husband really enjoyed his truffle pasta and devoured it despite saying he was too full for dinner. This was the only time on our trip I got risotto, and I picked a good time cause it was delicious. Herbaceous from the basil and topped with a local prawn and lots of shrimp bites mixed in.. really was phenomenal. If dining here again, I'd definitely reserve a good table in advance and come hungry so I could try more things.

    Risotto
    Erin F.

    This was one of our favorite meals from start to finish. Our party of 8 had a reservation, and arrived to a beautiful table set up overlooking the sea. The tasting menu looked like a great way to try local seafood and test your comfort zone, but our party chose to order a la carte. We started with the tartare which set a wonderful tone for the whole meal. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their main dishes, I had the risotto which was delicious and I heard especially rave reviews about the ravioli. The service was very attentive, which made our experience even more enjoyable. This restaurant is a must try if you are in Monterosso!

    Menu
    Kirsten A.

    We had heard great things, but all expectations were exceeded! We arrived a bit early, and were able to be accommodated. We had requested a sea view table and were seated closest to the water. We ordered the fish sampler, pesto risotto, and tuna. The seafood sampler included nine types of fish, ever one was excellent. The pesto risotto had prawns in it and was delicious and very fresh. The tuna was cooked perfectly. The restaurant recommended a bottle of local wine which was also excellent. I would recommend this place to anyone coming to Monterosso! Definitely make a booking in advance, we saw several people get turned away who didn't have a booking.

    We confirmed on the phone...
    David O.

    I made a reservation 3 weeks in advance. Was confirmed on the phone. I arrived today (July 25th) and was informed I had no reservation though I called, was confirmed, and I added it to my personal calendar to not miss it because I heard great things about the restaurant. Very disheartening.

    Gabrielle D.

    After a day hiking Cinque Terre we ended here for dinner at the most beautiful cliffside view. Service was good. Although, just a heads up, when you do call to make a reservation, you have to specify you want a table RIGHT along the water. We didn't know that so we were sat a row up even though there were empty tables by the water (they were being saved for walk ins I think..) a bit disappointing but we still enjoyed the view and night. The food was good. Beautiful presentation but lacking a tad in flavor. Overall nice night, nice views, okay service, good food.

    Alexandrea F.

    Yum! We were able to get a reservation the next night after calling. Originally we made it for outside but since it was a rainy evening, they allowed us to move inside with a short wait. Once it was time to order my husband decided he wanted to do the tasting menu, while I only wanted the truffle pasta. They allowed us to do that which was really nice and uncommon. The bread they brought out as well was phenomenal! Like a seasoned beignet. We enjoyed all of our food so much, and were completely stuffed when it was time to leave. If you make a reservation for inside, I would recommend the little raised nook area surrounded by rock. They'll know what you're talking about. Looked like a fun spot to sit (it had cushions). We sat at main level which was totally fine, but if you're looking for something different that seat was unique. Service was great as well. On top of things. Fun vibe inside. Would recommend!

    Karen H.

    We luckily got seated without a reservation for a late lunch outside. I would recommend the outdoor seating. We enjoyed fresh seafood and wine and had a wonderful time.

    Ivy L.

    This place deserves a 5 star just cause of the view! Right on the cliff off to the side in Monterosso, you have an amazing view of the beach and town down below and of course the sunset of the Mediterranean Sea! Can't get any better than this view from the terrace and outdoor seating! They're limited on seating so come by and make reservations! The service is spectacular cause this is considered a fine dining experience. Servers run your food up and down those stairs from the kitchen and restaurant below to the outside seating upstairs. We ordered the fried bread - I know right?! You heard that right! Fried bread! And I thought I was carbo-loading?! I couldn't stop eating this! It was fried bread seasoned lightly with sea salt and spices! Yum! Get a basket of this! We also ordered the anchovies and olives caprese salad, which of course came with buffala mozzarella! The anchovies gave it a nice touch! I had the anchovy spaghetti - seasoned well and lovely lovely flavors! The pastas cooked to perfection once again - why am I even surprised?! Italians got pastas down! My friend got the ravioli Ragu, which we weren't a fan of.. and my other friend got the whole fish (sea bream or sea bass) - fresh fish of the day. They debone and Filet the fish tableside for you, which is fun to watch. The fish was definitely so so fresh, you can taste it! It's served with potatoes! For dessert, we had the yogurt with honey (tasted like it sounds, except Italian yogurt is a bit more loose and not as custardy, like I'm use to in the states. The tiramisu was ok - a bit sweet and not enough of the coffee flavor and drenched ladyfingers! Overall, a fantastic dining experience in Cinque Terre! We would come back just for the views! Food was delicious!

    Shrimp
    Indrajit O.

    Probably one of the best restaurants in all of Italy--a dozen tables set off against the ridge with a drop dead view of the Ligurian coast. On a summer Day the white table cloth setting complements the wonderful courses, from the antipasti to the primi on to the secondi. The service was regrettably poor, with 4 or 5 lovely servers all eagerly hanging out together and talking, forgetting the orders, generally ignoring the guests but really who cares. It's one of those bucket list singing experiences in Italy

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    1 year ago

    Great atmosphere and food! Wonderful view too! Definitely worth going and enjoying the food, drinks, and view.

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    The service was great. We ordered the gnocchi Batti Batti and it was delicious. The ambiance was charming.

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    Page 1 of 2

    L'Ancora della Tortuga Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - L'Ancora della Tortuga

    The duck, and pesto risotto with scampi were delicious, as was the bread.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Emy’s Way - Delicious bruschetta with pesto and flavorful tomatoes

    Emy’s Way

    4.8(12 reviews)
    0.1 km

    The food was the best I've had so far in northern Italy. Everything is made to order with local…read moreingredients. Emy the owner makes the experience unforgettable. There are only a few tables but well worth the wait!

    Emy's Way is the best pizza I've ever had. It's a must-go if you're in Monterosso! My wife and I…read morestopped by for dinner and she ordered the Tricolore, while I ordered the Nicola--both were fantastic. The Tricolore in particular was phenomenal. It was a more unique pizza on a special focaccia crust with burrata, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The burrata melted in our mouths and the crust was a perfect balance between crunchy and chewy. Emy was our server and he explained that he created an original blend of three different kinds of flour to create the dough for the Tricolore crust--we loved that personal touch, and it really came through in how delicious the pizza was! Speaking of Emy, he was such a delight to have as our server. He asked us if we wanted anything to drink as soon as we were situated at our table, and when I asked about one of the beers they have on tap, he explained the backstories and flavor profiles of all of their beers, and even brought me a sample of the one I thought I wanted to try to make sure I liked it before I ordered it. Throughout the dinner, he told us stories about Monterosso, how he runs his restaurant, and the lore behind his different (and original!) pizza combinations and recipes. It's so clear that he is passionate about his food and his business, and it absolutely makes a difference in how enjoyable and delicious our dinner was. At the end of our evening, a couple came in with their dog, and Emy even brought the dog a small dish with some water to drink. Such a thoughtful move! My wife and I were thoroughly impressed. Plus, Emy gets bonus points for being open for dinner on a weeknight during the tourist offseason (we visited in early March)--my wife and I stayed near the "new town" portion of Monterosso, where not a single shop or restaurant seemed to be open past 4pm, but Emy's Way welcomed us in! This has been my first-ever trip to Italy, and Emy's Way provided the exact dining experience I was hoping to have--small business, charismatic owner, cute setting, and absolutely phenomenal food. It was perfection. I cannot wait to return to Monterosso and come to Emy's Way again--next time, I may have to be a daily customer.

    Photos
    Emy’s Way
    Emy’s Way - Pansotti al pesto

    Pansotti al pesto

    Emy’s Way - Bruschette

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    Bruschette

    Trattoria da Oscar - Mussels

    Trattoria da Oscar

    4.3(18 reviews)
    0.2 km
    €€€

    Excellent Choice For Dinner…read more.. My wife and I arrived in Monterosso al Mare for the first week of our vacation around Cinque Terre. Where to eat? Our hotel - Villa Steno.....a wonderful place - plotted several recommendations on a map. The first place we tried was Oscar. Our impressions were as follows: Pros: - Most of the seating was on the patio out front which was delightful - We shared the Seafood Salad and Pasta with Seafood. Both were great! The second dish was among the best I've ever tried. - Dark bread accompanying dinner was amazing - A bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc went perfectly with the meal - It seemed the owner or one of the owners served all the customers. She was friendly, efficient and how she did it I'll never know. - Prices were very reasonable for everything we ordered Cons: - Only one: Oscar, like most restaurants in town, opened at 7 PM which was a bit late for us Americans. Both my wife and I heartily suggest trying Oscar.

    It's good clean food for a fair price don't get me wrong. But this as the same menu and same…read moretasting food as like 75% of restaurants on cinque terre. Pesto pasta, seafood pasta, calamari, mussels... pretty much the only thing a great handful of restaurants around here serve (usually pizza too) Overall it's fine it just won't be a memorable meal. Service is mediocre.

    Photos
    Trattoria da Oscar - Spaghetti, olive oil, a little white wine, butter, parsley, and clams. Simple and delicious!

    Spaghetti, olive oil, a little white wine, butter, parsley, and clams. Simple and delicious!

    Trattoria da Oscar - Octopus salad

    Octopus salad

    Trattoria da Oscar - Gnocchi pesto

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    Gnocchi pesto

    L'Ancora della Tortuga - seafood - Updated May 2026

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