Tasting Liguria: Local Food & Wine During or After Your Portofino Boat Tour

A Portofino boat tour offers far more than scenic views and crystal-clear waters. It’s also an invitation to explore one of Italy’s most refined and authentic culinary traditions: the cuisine and wine of Liguria.

This narrow coastal region, nestled between the mountains and the sea, has developed a cuisine that is light, aromatic, and deeply tied to the land and sea. Experiencing it before, during, or after your boat tour is an essential part of discovering the Italian Riviera in its full dimension.

Whether you’re sipping wine on deck in the Gulf of Tigullio or enjoying freshly made pesto in a seaside trattoria after docking, Ligurian food and wine will transform your boat tour into a true taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Why Ligurian Cuisine Is the Ideal Pairing for a Portofino Boat Tour

Liguria’s culinary identity is shaped by its geography: steep hillsides planted with vineyards and olive groves descend into the sea, while tiny fishing villages hug the coastline. This duality creates a cuisine that is simultaneously delicate and flavorful.

Unlike heavier Italian regional dishes, Ligurian food emphasizes freshness, seasonal vegetables, herbs like basil and marjoram, olive oil, and simple but high-quality ingredients. These elements make it ideal for pairing with a light, sun-drenched activity like a Portofino boat tour.

Tasting on Board: Dining with a View

If you opt for a private boat tour with Orange Wave, you have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting experience while cruising. Imagine anchoring in a secluded bay, surrounded by cliffs and sea, while savoring local delicacies.

Popular options include:

• Taggiasca olives, focaccia, and Ligurian cheeses
  A perfect appetizer while sailing past the rocky coves of Paraggi or Punta Chiappa.
• Local white wines such as Vermentino or Pigato
  These crisp, aromatic wines are ideal for sipping under the sun.
• Marinated anchovies (acciughe al limone o alla ligure)
  A light and refreshing dish rooted in Liguria’s fishing heritage.
• Fresh pesto on crostini or with trofie pasta
  An informal tasting can be elevated with this world-famous sauce made from local basil.

This type of onboard experience is not just a lunch—it becomes a highlight of the tour itself, offering relaxation, indulgence, and a genuine connection to the region’s culture.

What to Eat After Your Portofino Boat Tour

Once your Portofino boat tour ends and you’re back on dry land, there are plenty of opportunities to extend your experience through Ligurian cuisine. Whether you’re in Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, or Camogli, you’ll find restaurants that reflect the soul of the region.

Dishes to try include:

Trofie al pesto
The iconic Ligurian pasta, hand-rolled and served with fresh basil pesto. Best enjoyed with grated Parmigiano and a glass of local wine.

Insalata di polpo
Octopus salad, often paired with potatoes, parsley, and lemon. A light, balanced dish that’s especially satisfying after a day at sea.

Frittura di paranza
A mixed fry of local seafood such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. Served hot and crispy, this dish is a staple in seaside towns.

Focaccia genovese
Soft, salty, and golden with olive oil, this bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even paired with cured meats and cheeses.

Focaccia di Recco
A thinner version filled with creamy local cheese. Less known internationally, but unforgettable once tasted.

Pansoti in walnut sauce
Vegetarian ravioli stuffed with wild herbs and greens, served with a rich and aromatic walnut sauce.

Each of these dishes tells a story—of tradition, of the land and sea, and of Liguria’s slow, intentional way of life.

Ligurian Wines: What to Drink

Ligurian wines are lesser known than those from Tuscany or Piedmont, but they are uniquely suited to the region’s cuisine and climate. Their fresh, mineral character complements seafood, vegetables, and the light, herbaceous flavors of local dishes.

Vermentino
A dry white wine with citrus and herbal notes. Perfect as an aperitivo or paired with grilled fish and pasta with pesto.

Pigato
A white wine related to Vermentino, often fuller-bodied with more aromatic complexity. Ideal for stronger seafood dishes or aged cheeses.

Rossese di Dolceacqua
A light-bodied red wine with floral and berry notes. Pairs well with tomato-based dishes or grilled vegetables.

Sciacchetrà
A rare dessert wine from the Cinque Terre made from dried grapes. Excellent with biscotti or local desserts like castagnaccio.

Where to Eat Near Portofino After Your Boat Tour

If you’re looking to complete your day with a memorable meal, these are some of the top spots in the area:

Trattoria Tripoli – Portofino
Traditional Ligurian fare in a relaxed setting, located just steps from the harbor.

Da I Gemelli – Portofino
Refined seafood and pasta dishes, ideal for a romantic dinner after your tour.

Trattoria San Fruttuoso – San Fruttuoso Bay
Rustic dishes served in a magical location, accessible only by foot or boat.

Enoteca La Cantina del Vino – Santa Margherita Ligure
A charming wine bar offering tasting menus with local products.

Ristorante Rosa – Camogli
If your tour takes you further west, this elegant spot in Camogli serves fresh seafood and handmade pasta right by the sea.

Custom Food and Wine Experiences by Sea

For travelers looking to combine their love of food with the beauty of the Riviera, Orange Wave offers custom Portofino boat tours that include food and wine pairings. Options range from onboard tastings and aperitivo to full lunch stops at waterfront restaurants or wine tastings on shore.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in the best Liguria has to offer, these experiences can be tailored to your tastes and timing.

More Than a Tour: A Taste of the Riviera

A Portofino boat tour is not only about sailing and scenery—it’s about fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere, the rhythm, and the flavors of Liguria. When you combine sea views with local wines and traditional dishes, you experience the Riviera not just as a destination, but as a way of life.

From anchovy crostini on a shaded deck to a bowl of fresh trofie al pesto by the harbor, the culinary journey is just as rich as the visual one.

Discover the Taste of Liguria with Orange Wave

Let your Portofino boat tour become a journey for all the senses. With Orange Wave, you can explore hidden coves, swim in turquoise waters, and savor the best of Liguria’s food and wine—on board or on land.

Book your experience today and let us craft the perfect blend of sea, sun, and flavor for your Riviera adventure.