A new destination to experience the charm of Portofino, in Liguria. Overlooking the harbor, the Vincenzo Dascanio Cafe has opened its doors—a bistrot serving from breakfast to dinner with a menu that celebrates the flavors of the Riviera di Levante, offering dishes, cocktails, and artisanal gelato.

The interiors draw inspiration from the world of yachting, while the outdoor seating faces the sea. Inside, natural materials and nautical details—wood, rattan, chrome—evoke the feeling of a yacht’s cabin. Outside, green stone tables and woven chairs recall the style of traditional Italian cafés.

In the kitchen, chef Simone Tognetti offers seafood crudo, anchovy panzanella, avocado toast with focaccia, violet prawn tartare, and dishes made with local ingredients like Valleggia apricots and prescinsêua, a fresh creamy cheese. Desserts are curated by pastry chef Imma Iovine, who presents both classic and refined gelato flavors, including ricotta, honey and ginger, or almond and orange.

For aperitivo, the cocktail menu pays tribute to Portofino with drinks like “Pesto Champagne” (gin, basil, and pine nuts), “Sirena di Portofino” (rum, lime, and blue curaçao), and “Princess”, inspired by Baroness von Mumm, made with champagne, vodka, and cranberry juice.

Inside, there’s also a small retail area featuring home fragrances and decorative objects by Dascanio.

VD Cafe is open daily, from morning until sunset.

Discover Vincenzo Dascanio Cafe