Il Brigantino di Contardi
An authentic Italian restaurant in Cinque Terre, famed for its exceptional pesto and fresh seafood, offering a family-friendly dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Il Brigantino di Contardi
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An authentic Italian restaurant in Cinque Terre, famed for its exceptional pesto and fresh seafood, offering a family-friendly dining experience.
"Experience the best pesto and freshest seafood in Cinque Terre at Il Brigantino di Contardi!"
Consider the Tourist Menu
Offers a budget-friendly option with multiple courses, good value.
Manage Expectations
Reviews mention small portion sizes and long wait times; be prepared.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+39 331 624 0203
Address
Via Molinelli, 12/14, 19016 Monterosso al Mare SP, Italy
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pesto Perfection
Widely acclaimed as the best pesto in Cinque Terre, a must-try for any visitor.
Fresh Seafood Delights
Savor incredibly fresh fish and octopus, a highlight for many diners.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Consider the Tourist Menu
Offers a budget-friendly option with multiple courses, good value.
Manage Expectations
Reviews mention small portion sizes and long wait times; be prepared.
Book Ahead
To secure a table, especially during peak dining hours, reservations are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Consider the Tourist Menu
Offers a budget-friendly option with multiple courses, good value.
Manage Expectations
Reviews mention small portion sizes and long wait times; be prepared.
Book Ahead
To secure a table, especially during peak dining hours, reservations are recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise the restaurant for its exceptionally fresh seafood, particularly the octopus and grilled fish, and highlight the pesto as the best in Cinque Terre. However, some reviews mention disappointing portion sizes, long wait times, and inconsistent service, with one guest reporting an aggressive interaction with staff. The tourist menu is noted as a good value option.
"We were in Cinque Terre for 3 days. We tried Pesto in different places but this restaurant has the best Pesto for sure. Amazing service, great food. ❤️"
Swarali Bhalerao
"For starters, the people who are working are nice and hospitable. Seating is nice with both outdoor and indoor options. The food isn’t anything crazy but it was pretty good. The downsides are the extremely long wait times for the food and then when it finally is brought out, the food is practically nonexistent. The serving size of the chicken I ordered was very small and, although it tasted good, it wasn’t there for long. Overall it’s an okay spot to eat at if you’re visiting the area but I would definitely try somewhere else next time."
Jason Mikhaiel
"I came here because of my tour and it was evident after my experience our tour guides wanted to help their friends out in their trying restaurant. I ordered a pasta dish with shrimp and it took me at least ten minutes to pull apart the shells from the actual fish. The pasta was alright but I was sick in bed later because something about the shrimp was off. The staff kept watching us and I felt uncomfortable. The bread was hard as a rock and the dessert was very sketchy. Considering there are Michelin rated restaurants just a few minutes away literally on the sea coast, and only for max 10€ more, I do not recommend at all. There are much better options to spend with your time and appetite."
Elizabeth Vanderlaan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Il Brigantino di Contardi is most famous for its pesto, which many consider the best in Cinque Terre, and its exceptionally fresh seafood like octopus and grilled fish.
While the food is good, some reviewers have noted that portion sizes can be quite small, especially for certain dishes.
Yes, the restaurant is described as having a family-friendly atmosphere and is suitable for dining with children.
It is advisable to make a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure you get a table.
Yes, a tourist menu is available and is considered a good budget-friendly option offering multiple courses.
Service can be inconsistent; while some reviewers praise the kind staff, others have reported unfriendliness or long waits.
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Dinner At Ristorante La Barcaccia In Monterosso Al Mare
We noticed there were two restaurants located opposite the supermarket and we decided to have a light meal in one of them – Il Brigantino di Contardi. Kent and I had one pizza each. The rest of the story belongs to another post, this post is about ‘the other restaurant’ – La Barcaccia, which was the one right next door.
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