There’s more to their beloved Portofino than meets the eye. Follow these tips from the founders of Portofino Dry Gin
Beyond the glittering storefronts that recall Via Montenapoleone or Fifth Avenue, Portofino reveals itself slowly, quietly, to those who take the time to look. In that spirit, the founders of Portofino Dry Gin invite you to discover some of their favorite local spots – places that capture the essence of Portofino.
Few know about the private sculpture collection tucked into a garden overlooking the harbor, accessible through a practically invisible door: Museo del Parco. Book your visit in advance to immerse yourself in this secluded art oasis, where you can admire works by Fontana, Fiume, Beuys, Rotella, and Ceccobelli, to name a few.
If the Piazzetta dei Martiri dell’Olivetta feels too crowded, then head up the hill toward Castello Brown. In just a few minutes, you’ll be enjoying a peaceful, breathtaking view–no elbowing required. No special training needed either. And if you want to keep going, you can reach Paraggi on foot in nearly 40 minutes. The path, mostly shaded by woodland, winds along the hillside and is complete with sea views.
If you’re up for more of an adventure, hike further into the Regional Park of Portofino, a nature preserve crisscrossed with trails that pass celebrity villas, farms, and olive groves. One of the most stunning leads to San Fruttuoso, a secluded bay only reachable on foot (a 90-minute hike), by ferry (15 minutes), or by kayak (up to two hours). The monastery occasionally hosts classical music concerts, and a submerged bronze statue, Christ of the Abyss, installed in 1954, dwells at a depth of 17 meters. At the rustic inn, treat yourself to peppered mussels after sunbathing on the public beach.
Of course, you don’t have to leave the village to savor its spirit. Some of the best moments happen at a table in the harbor over a simple plate of pasta and a refreshing Portofino and tonic. So, here are some of Alessandro Briola, Christopher Egger, and Ruggero Raymo’s must-try spots, all of which capture the same balance of elegance and ease that characterizes their creation: Portofino Dry Gin.
Here’s where to go—all within the Piazzetta, save for one worthy detour.
Seafood Crudo, Da I Gemelli
When it comes to raw seafood, Da I Gemelli stands unrivaled. The plateau royal arrives piled high with prawns, oysters, langoustines, and swordfish and tuna tartares. It’s the perfect prelude to a meal that perhaps continues with the restaurant’s namesake risotto prepared with sole fish. Founded in 1850 as a sailor’s inn, the restaurant today is run by twin brothers carrying on their family tradition.
The Mandilli, Trattoria Tripoli
Like most Portofino locales, this restaurant is historic and family-run. At Tripoli, fourth-generation owner Sebastiano Denaro recommends the mandilli al pesto, a regional specialty of the Tigullio Gulf. Imagine those silky handkerchief-like sheets of fresh pasta that usually make up lasagna—here, they’re briefly boiled and served unlayered, smothered in rich pesto prepared the traditional way: with basil from Prà (a village near Genoa), pine nuts, Pecorino, and Parmigiano. It’s finished with a generous dusting of cheese–savour a plateful while watching the gozzi boats bob in the harbour.
Spaghetto alle Vongole, Taverna del MARINAIO
Spaghetti alle vongole (with clams) is an iconic dish in Italian seafood menus. What makes La Taverna’s so special? Flavour-packed clams sautéed in oil, deglazed with white wine, and seasoned with garlic and parsley. The pasta is finished with a light creamy sauce and served perfectly al dente, just the way Italians love it.
Fritto Misto, o Magazin
You’ll be spoiled for choice at this traditional seafood spot tucked into the far end of the Piazzetta, where the foot traffic begins to thin out. Book a waterfront table and go for the must-try: Il Fritto Misto. A crispy, fried combination of prawns and squid, served with freshly squeezed lemon. This dish is a local go-to during summer, and if you order it, you’ll understand why. It’s made for sharing – set it in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy.
SALT-BAKED FISH, RISTORANTE PUNY
In 1980, when it opened in the Piazzetta, it was a hangout for the international jet set. You could easily spot Liz Taylor and Clark Gable at the next table, enjoying “penne alla Puny” and fresh fish. Today, it’s run by Andrea, the son of founder Luigi Miroli, who keeps the traditional menu alive. And his salt-baked fish is still unmatched in its lightness.
The Paciugo, Bar Da Ugo
Arriving in the afternoon? Just in time for a snack. Take a seat at Bar Da Ugo, the last spot in the Piazzetta to slip into the shadow (don’t worry—there are umbrellas if you’re sun-sensitive!). Order a Paciugo – an epic dessert that lives up to its reputation, so make sure you come hungry. Mixing strawberry gelato, vanilla custard gelato, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream with syrupy cherries on top. It’s delicious and indulgent, but take our advice: get one to share (it’s massive!).
Gin & Tonic, Winterose
Tucked at the end of the harbor, this tiny wine and cocktail bar might be easy to miss, but don’t overlook it–Winterose boasts one of the best selections in town. Want a tip? Sit right on the quay at a table shaped like a champagne cork and order a Portofino Dry Gin and tonic. It arrives tall and on ice with tonic water, local gin, and a rosemary and lemon garnish—plus, a generous board of fine Italian meats and cheese: pure poetry and good taste.
La Vela Negroni, Belmond Splendido Mare
For an aperitivo, head to one of the chicest spots in town: the bar at Hotel Splendido Mare, known for its elegant ambiance, five-star service, and refined cocktails. Our favorite is the Negroni La Vela with Portofino Dry Gin, pine nut vermouth from a small Genoese producer, and local amaro Camatti. It’s accompanied by warm focaccia and gourmet bites, along with a golden hour view of the harbor complete with racing sails on the horizon and the verdant promontory above. It’s difficult to imagine a more magical reality.
Just a short boat ride away or a scenic trek across Monte di Portofino, San Fruttuoso is well worth a visit for another tasty stop.
Antipasto Misto Da Laura San Fruttuoso
On the small inlet of San Fruttuoso, where the historical, 11th-century Benedictine abbey stands, lies the beloved restaurant Da Laura. From here, a lemon-scented pergola accompanies a delicious, Ligurian lunch. Our go-to? The mixed antipasto: marinated and salted anchovies, tuna mosciame (dried), smoked swordfish, and baby octopus salad–every bite captures the flavours of the sea.
