Europe boasts so many countries overflowing with architectural marvels, natural landscapes, and diverse culinary traditions and flavors. And what’s better than enjoying exquisite European food while admiring the view? In this article we have included 5 waterfront restaurants where you can live a top culinary experience while listening to the sound of water.
1. L’Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso, Italy
L’Ancora della Tortuga was opened in 2007 by Silvia and Giovanni Battista, two locals from Monterosso, a village located on the coast in the famous Cinque Terre area. This amazing restaurant set on a cliff overlooking the sea features an elegant dining room with a nautical and seaside style, where it is possible to see the original living rock of the San Cristoforo hill. The restaurant has several windows which all provide unforgettable views, and an outdoor square overlooking the sea. The menu includes both fish and meat dishes, as well as a selection of fresh pasta and homemade Ligurian desserts. The catch comes from the local sea only. The restaurant offers two different menus: the first one includes traditional starters, first courses, second courses, bread, sorbet, and desserts, for €35. The second menu is à la carte, featuring a variety of local flavors. The menus change periodically, following the course of the seasons. Thanks to its spectacular location, L’Ancora della Tortuga is the perfect place to organize ceremonies and special events, or for a romantic dinner.
2. Argo Restaurant, Santorini, Greece
Considered by many the most romantic place in the world, Santorini boasts several picturesque elegant views. With its hidden marvels and unquestionable beauty, the caldera of Santorini is with no doubt the most famous part of the island. It is the perfect place for a wedding, a honeymoon, or a romantic getaway. Argo Restaurant is located in the city of Fira, right in the center of the caldera and just above the Old Port of Santorini. As soon as you step into the Argo Restaurant, you will be amazed by the elegance of the place with its delicate décor and the spectacular view. The menu showcases the uniqueness of Santorini typical dishes, with a particular attention not only to the aromas and flavors, but also to the presentation. All dishes are made with handpicked ingredients from selected local farms or trusted vendors from all around Greece, freshly caught seafood, local cheeses and extra virgin olive oil. The food is complemented with an extensive wine cellar and a broad selection of cocktails and drinks.
3. Il Riccio, Anacapri, Italy
Il Riccio is a fine restaurant located in the Capri Palace, an exclusive luxury hotel in the heart of the Mediterranean where guests immerse themselves into the breathtaking natural beauty of Capri and unique contemporary artworks. The restaurant is perched on a cliff in Anacapri and overlooks the famous Blue Grotto. Il Riccio features a windowless dining room perfectly ventilated by onshore breezes. There is even a beach club with sun decks, white cabanas and blue tables where you can sip a glass of prosecco under a parasol before taking the staircase leading down to the sea. The menu created by chef Salvatore Elefante delights the guests with sublime Mediterranean flavors, including assorted raw fish from clams and scampi to tuna and cuttlefish, and tasty main courses with pasta. At the back of the restaurant there is an impressive dessert room (the “Temptation Room”) showcasing cannoli, sfogliatelle, babà, and several other Neapolitans tarts and cakes.
4. Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, Leça da Palmeira, Portugal
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is a fine restaurant built on the rocks in Leça da Palmeira. It is considered one of the most ambitious projects of Rui Paula, a distinguished chef with two Michelin stars. Thanks to the quality and creativity of the cuisine, as well as to the attentive customer service, the restaurant has been awarded the first Michelin star in 2016, and the second one in 2019. The restaurant offers different menus (both fixed and a la carte menu) that feature original suggestions. The menus – which are inspired by the poetry and songs of Luís de Camões – take the diners through an ethno-emotional cuisine experience without geographical limits, but linked to Portuguese cultural roots. With several windows overlooking the horizon, the location is as stunning as the menu. The building that houses the restaurant is an exceptional architectural wonder designed by the architect Pritzker Siza Vieira. The property has been designated as a National Monument and integrated in the International Architecture Itinerary.
5. La Villa Madie, Cassis, France
Nestled in the Cotton Cove, facing the Cap Canaille, la Villa Madie is an exclusive fine dining restaurant with stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. The Villa is located in Cassis, a Mediterranean coastal village around 20 km east of Marseille. The 2 Michelin star restaurant run by Marielle Droisneau and Dimitri Droisneau stands out for a view taking in the sea and the pines, a minimalist interior decor in pastel tones and light wood, a relaxed atmosphere, and a splendid terrace overlooking the sea. The combination of these elements make it the ideal location for lunches and post-summer dinners. The menus range from a 4 course menu at €130 to a wider course menu at €180. The cuisine follows the seasons, and is based on selected ingredients from selected top quality local producers.
