CITY GUIDES / Portofino / A Weekend in Portofino 🏖️

A Weekend in Portofino 🏖️

Gstaad Guy found his love in Portofino 🎵… and here’s how he did it. Humming the song ‘Love in Portofino’ (Andrea Bocelli’s version, of course) while strolling the cobblestone roads, or sipping on his morning espresso and making his way to one of his favourite Loro Piana stores — that’s how The Gstaad Guy enjoys Portofino best.

By The Gstaad Guy

Hotels

Splendido, A Belmond Hotel 🛌

The Splendido Hotel is an icon
Everything

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

To live La Dolce Vita in Portofino, The Gstaad Guy recommends booking the Dolce Vita suite.

Restaurants

Langosteria Paraggi 🍝 🦞

Italian
Mediterranean
Lunch
Beach Lunch
Lunch With Family
Lunch With Friends

Langosteria is where you go when you want your seafood with a side of pasta at the beach.

What to order

Starters

Amberjack sashimi, Tuna and langoustine tartare.
Mains

Santa Margherita pasta with langoustines, Lobster pasta, Charcoal grilled octopus.
Desserts

Torta della nonna.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Make sure to book your sunbeds in advance. The Gstaad Guy suggests booking a spot in the front row for quick dips in and out of the sea.

Da Ö Batti 🦐

Italian
Seafood
Lunch
Group Meal
Seafood

Do Ö Batti is an institution in Portofino, and here, scampi is everything. Known for its Scampi alla Batti, which you’ll end up ordering in doubles.

What to order

Starters

Raw fish of the day.
Mains

Risotto scampi, Scampi alla batti x5 (this is the original, no one does it like Do Ö Batti, beware of imitations).

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

No menu needed. Go straight for the scampi. It’s the house speciality and a Portofino classic.

Puny 🍝

Italian
Dinner
Post Shopping
Pasta
Date Night
Group Meal

Puny is an Italian restaurant in La Piazzetta (the harbour) where they make some of the best pasta that Portofino has to offer.

What to order

Starters

Penne alla Puny, Pappardelle Portofino, Vongole, Riso al curry con gamberi (share all the pastas).
Mains

Sogliole, Gamberi, Scaloppa alla milanese.
Desserts

Tiramisu.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Try to sit as close to the water as possible: excellent people watching, as the boats cruise in and dock in the harbour.

La Terrazza at The Splendido 🌅

Italian
Lunch
Dinner
Views
Drinks
Date Night
Family Dinner
Live Music

La Terrazza is the Splendido Hotel’s main restaurant. It is known to have the best view of Portofino.

What to order

Starters

Raw tuna, Amberjack and sea bream carpaccio, Pumpkin flowers.
Mains

Homage to Elizabeth Taylor, Trofie di recco, Local fish of the day.
Desserts

Raspberry millefeuille.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Reserve the table in the corner with an unobstructed view of the pool and the sea.

Ö Magazin 🌊 🍝

Italian
Lunch
Dinner (preferably dinner)
Views
Date Night
Group Meal

Ö Magazin is known for its arselle pasta and Portofino pappardelle. Enjoy it all while dining with the waves practically at your feet.

What to order

Starters

Mussels with white wine.
Mains

Pappardelle Portofino (pesto sauce, tomato sauce and cream), Arselle pasta.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

For dessert, grab a gelato from their sister restaurant Ö Magazín Gelateria.

Things To Do

Boat Day 🛥️

A visit to Portofino isn’t truly complete unless you’re either arriving by boat, staying on one, or taking a day boat out for a decent stretch. It’s the best way to enjoy the views that Portofino has to offer. It’s also essential to explore the coves, private beaches, and scenic spots.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

San Fruttuoso is a hidden gem, tucked away in a picturesque cove that’s only accessible by boat or a scenic hike. Make sure to stop there, spend the day, and enjoy the crystal clear waters.

Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta 🛍️

Also known as the Little Square of Portofino. This is where you’ll find all the shopping, the gelaterias, and some of the best restaurants.

It’s All Family (Pro-Tip)

Pick up your favourite gelato at Gelateria Marconi and head to the iconic Castello Brown. If you want the full experience, continue your walk to Faro di Portofino (the lighthouse).

Portofino Regional Park 🚶🏽‍♂️

When it feels like you’ve had too much pasta and gelato, The Gstaad Guy recommends taking a walk in Portofino Regional Park. The park has many trails, and it can be a healthy, quiet escape. The views and the landscapes are breathtaking.