The 10 best desserts and snacks in Portofino

Best gelato i have ever had. Amazing taste and we wanted to have more. Located near the center just a bit of walking. It was very crowded and also you can use the bathroom which was a plus. Highly recommended and i will definitely go again

The ice cream is really good and you can tell it’s high quality. One evening we stopped by around eight, when they were almost closing, and a tall, dark-haired girl kindly opened the door for us and served us ice cream — a really nice gesture! The next day, because we had such a good impression, we went back, but unfortunately found another girl, shorter with Asian features, who was rather rude. It’s a pity, because the ice cream is excellent, but the service should always be at the same level.

Believe or not, we had 3 gelato cones a day at this place. It was exquisite. The texture was right, the flavors were great and the price was not crazy regarding the whole Portofino scene. Honestly, pistachio is never overrated and it's the best flavor.

It was a bit of a cool drizzly day so we chose to have warm drinks and waffels. Great food and service, a nice place to stop for a quick snack.

Amazing authentic gelato. No food coloring and fake ingredients. This was phenomenal gelato with no artificial emulsifiers. Some of the best we’ve had in all of Italy. Fun spot with good seating as well.

I’m not a huge icecream fan, but I was in Italy’s Porto Fino in 30c heat, so saw this quaint little gelateria and decided to try both the dark chocolate and pistachio flavours .. normally I’m underwhelmed by most icecream parlours try at creating exquisite frozen desserts, but I must say that this truly was exquisite in my opinion .. the dark chocolate was as chocolatey as you will find, luxuriously creamy and full of chocolate sweetness.. the pistachio tastes exactly like what it was. All in all , extremely satisfying even for a non ice cream lover .

Very good ice cream and not to expensive considering the location. Always worth a stop off if wanting some cold in the sun. I had the coconut chocolate and mario.

-Vegan flavours available -Cash and card payments -Staff speak English but speak Italian if you can -Two medium sized cones with two flavours was €8 altogether but

We just wanted a simple ice cream – 2 scoops each (3 € per scoop). I ordered mine in a waffel, my husband wanted his in a cup. In the end, we were charged 9 €: my husband was given a large cup without being asked, which came with 4 scoops instead of the 2 he wanted – and of course, we had to pay for it. It felt like a complete rip-off. On top of that, the ice cream didn’t even taste good – very cheap and artificial. We both ended up throwing it away. Bottom line: don’t waste your money here.

Nice ice cream - service stinks. What a shame. Ice cream thrown at me for absolutely no reason. Manager needs to speak to their staff. Will not return as too many other options.

Absolutely terrible service. The young girl who served us was incredibly rude and clearly didn’t care at all. The ice cream is outrageously overpriced and laughably small. There are way better ice cream shops just minutes away — avoid this place at all costs. It’s a total tourist trap!

We have made many trips to Italy. Finding the best gelato in an area is always a priority. This place is our new standard for gelato - full stop - whether in Italy or anywhere else. Made with fresh, natural ingredients. The flavors of the day are truly special. For example, they had watermelon gelato (not sorbetto) and also blueberry. And my ultimate favorite, pesto di pistachio. We came here twice in one day and then back again another day after tasting other vendors and being disappointed. One thing we have learned - don’t buy from shops where the gelato is in open trays. Instead, seek out the ones where they have lids on the canisters for the most genuine, natural gelato. The location is so convenient to the water and the castello that it makes you expect this to be a tourist trap. Instead, this is the

terrible experience for tourists - locals are given a priority service, even though the ice ream was pretty good - after being served on 2nd try ( the 1st try we got tired of seing locals getting served without waiting in line)

Delicious Ice cream. I love it. Went the first time without knowing the location, and then I see it was famous for that. The waiter was also the best. We went a second time for drinks and we also got some companion snacks for free

Avoid this place at all costs. I had a deeply disappointing experience here and would not recommend it to anyone, locals or tourists. I’m Italian, born and raised, currently living in Australia. Yesterday, I visited Portofino with my Australian partner, who doesn’t speak or understand Italian and was visiting Italy for the first time. I was excited to share some fresh Ligurian focaccia and the kind of traditional panini Italy is famous for. We stopped by this bakery hoping to grab a quick bite before heading to the beach. I asked in Italian if they made panini, and a younger staff member confirmed they did. While I was translating to my partner in English, the older lady behind the counter suddenly became extremely rude and aggressive. I politely asked for bresaola, one of the meats we were offered, and that’s when she began abusing me, first in Italian, then in Ligurian dialect (which I understand perfectly). I calmly let her know that I understood every word and asked if she could be a bit kinder, as I was simply trying to order what was already offered. Shockingly, the rudeness continued. She said that making a panino was a huge favor, even though we were paying customers and asked for nothing out of the ordinary and she wasn't even serving us and the bakery has just another client in she was attending to. That gentleman she was serving was very embarrassed meanwhile my partner was very confused since he did not understand a word. In the end, I told her to keep the panino and walked out, completely shocked and embarrassed, especially because this was my partner’s first taste of Italy, and this kind of hostility is not at all representative of true Italian hospitality. It’s incredibly disappointing to be treated with such disrespect in your own country, especially when you're trying to share it with someone you care about. Sadly, Portofino only has 2 bakeries, and perhaps this gives some people the impression they can treat customers however they like. I strongly suggest supporting other local businesses where respect and kindness are still part of the culture. Italian hospitality should be warm, generous, and welcoming. This experience was anything but.

best little pizza i had in all of italy, focaccia was so good. staff was very friendly. went back an hour later for seconds

It’s hard to find options in Portofino, so we stopped at this small supermarket. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience. The selection is limited, everything is seriously overpriced (even for Portofino), and the quality doesn’t justify the cost. The person working there seemed uninterested and unfriendly — not sure why, but it made the atmosphere quite uncomfortable. Only stop here if you really have no other choice.

Terrible service. Only one lady working, glued to her phone the whole time, completely ignoring customers. She forgot to say hello or thank you. Honestly, even a random fast-food place in the U.S. would treat you better. It’s way too expensive for what you get. Hardly any choice on the menu either. Definitely not worth it.

All things 2 euros. Very fresh! Not the best for dining in so take away is preferred.

the best focaccia in portofino in my opinion! cheap, delicious and served by friendly staff, there was even a little seating area outside upon which to devour it! no pictures, too delicious to wait!

The younger server was wonderful, she is who you want to go to. Great, light, and tasty focaccia. Makes for a great takeaway option or save for later in the day. The prices are reasonable for Portofino which can get very pricey.

Fantastic gelato in Santa Margarita with a range of flavours. We went twice during our stay - highly recommend the pistachio flavour. Be prepared for a 10 minute wait at peak times, but is totally worth it.

By far the best gelato I've ever had. Especially the fruit sorbets taste like biting into the best heavenly version of the fruit but it's ice cream! Really recommend strawberry, mango, hazelnut and raspberry (my favourite).

They offer lots of options that I couldn’t see in different gelato stores even in Italy. The staff was really nice and patient while we were trying some of the options there. The price was definitely reasonable for such a touristic place. Also, love the way they decorate the gelato!!

Incredible Pistachio Gelato – A Must-Try! If you're in Santa Margherita, do yourself a favor and stop by Gelateria Centrale. I’ve tried pistachio gelato in many places across Italy, but this one is on another level. The flavor is rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, and definitely not artificial. You can really taste the quality of the pistachios. The texture is silky smooth and incredibly creamy. It’s clear they use top-notch ingredients and take real pride in what they serve. Highly recommended—this was a highlight of my trip! I’d go back just for another scoop (or two). 🍨🌿

Two scoop ice-cream is sooo small I was dissapointed even without trying it. Taste is nothing special. It has good reviews but doesn't stand to the rating. 15 or so tastes, there were deserts in a separate counter. And some cookies and meringue to buy. My friend had one. It was as expected. Sugary and crispy

Great place, busy, but the staff is very nice. Their specialty is the best!

Great ice-cream (5stars in flavor and consistency) but some of the staff is really , really impolite, rude and unpleasant… We have been to the gelateria several times though because we loved the ice-cream but the direction of the gelateria has to look into the matter of some the staffs behavior … its such a pity for the customer to leave the gelateria with “bitter aftertaste” after all. P.S The comment is not directed to the guy in the staff who has been excellent in his behavior and very professional!

we came to have breakfast a bit late but they told us they still had every flavour of croissant so we sat. we were ignored for a lot of time and then when the cappuccino and the croissant finally came, they had only the ones filled with jam which i don't particularly like. i already had payed for the croissant so i took it anyway bit i wish they told us beforehand instead of saying they had every kind available. the quality of the pastry was actually good.

Husband and wife pastry operation here from the USA. Absolutely, and highly recommended. The owner, and the staff are incredibly helpful and wonderful people. We tried two coffee lattes, a rum Baba, and an orange tart. They were absolutely incredible. Please trust us, because we actually make the same thing, and this is an incredible presentation.

Fabulous pastries, service a little slow but they were completely full so understandable. Tasty espresso and nice space.

Great services Friendly staff Good coffee and bakeries

Been here three times during my stay, but today will be my last time visiting. I kept returning not because I found them particularly friendly or the coffee to be anything out of the ordinary, but because it’s the closest place to get espresso near my accommodation. Today I asked for my usual cappuccino and orange juice “take-away” because I was bringing it back to my mom who is sick. I saw the woman preparing the orange juice reach for a larger take-away cup before the man next to her instructed her to use the smaller one instead. I was given a tiny espresso cup of orange juice for €4, and what’s worse, is it was only filled half way. When I asked the cashier if that would cost less because the orange juice I’ve had when “dining in” before was at least 3x as large, she replied “if you want bigger it’s €5”. To pay €4 for what probably amounted to two thimbles full of orange juice is shocking. Not sure if I was treated this way because I’m American or if this is how everyone it treated. I tried my best to order in Italian and am always as polite as I can be, but clearly that doesn’t make a difference.

Just found this place this spring. Somehow we missed it last year when we were in town. It's a pretty busy and popular place. Has some tables outside, perfect to enjoy a dessert in the streets of this lovely town. We bought a whole bunch of little cakes and pattisserie to enjoy as dessert and for breakfast. Pistachio cakes, Black Forest cake, Easter/rice cake and more. And also: Cream Puffs. And really, all the items were delicous! The Easter rice cake was probably the best of that kind I've ever had. And the cream puffs are to die for. Divine! Santa Margherita has lots of bakeries and pasticcerias. But this one here is among the very very best. We will definitely be back next year.

All of the pastries are just GREAT!!!

Amazing! Well worth a visit for a takeaway lunch in Santa Margherita. We popped in after reading great reviews to grab some lunch to take with us to Portofino. Very friendly service. The pistachio croissant was one of the best I've ever had - light, sweet, soft and pistachio cream filled.. delicious. We also had some mini pizzas which were so good! Great prices too. Wish we lived closer and could visit again!

It was the best Formaggio, Margherita pizza and Foccacio I’ve ever had in Italy. For this quality, the price is very reasonable and cheap. Place is so tiny that you have to take your queue number from a machine but believe me it will worth it.

This is a wonderful bakery with a wide variety of focaccias and savory pastries and lasagnas, as well as sweet pastries. It is deservedly very popular, and you take a number outside to take your turn for service (which is a good way to do it!) But even though it was busy, the lady waiting on me was very friendly and kind. Everything was delicious, and I look forward to coming back and trying different things!

The best focaccia ever. The local place is top of the top. Hidden on a side street on our way to Portofino we made a pitstop here and highly recommend it. Try the focaccia with cheese. Just amazing. We will be back 🫠

I just returned home after spending a week in Santa Margherita Ligure. Six of seven days (they're closed on Sundays) this is were I got my breakfast. The best focaccia I've ever have tasted, kind service and they open early. Thanks!

This is by far the best bakery in Santa Margherita. The food is absolutely delicious and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.

Only 20 years since I have been visiting Fior di Ponti; they make focaccia and they do it with such passion day in day out. The rosemary foccaccia or flat cheese ‘focaccia di recco’, is utterly delicious. Baked constantly throughout the day, i hope you get a chance to try some baked goodies from this iconic bakery.

Great store, traditional, only Italians inside, very nice options

What a cute little supermarket type shop. It’s very close to the hotel I stayed at and the staff were super friendly.

Amazing selection, enjoyable shopping, adorable and helpful staff! Check it out!

should be a tourist attraction rather than a place people actually do their grocery shopping at because the prices are just insane, there’s absolutely no reason why paella should be 55€/kg and potatoes and octopus salad almost 90€/kg (just to give two examples). the shop is incredibly pretty and charming but nothing on earth could justify the prices

High quality produce and shopping experience. The best of old school retail. You'll love it.

Best selection of wine with the top Italian Piedmont and Tuscan labels at fair prices. Food selection is good and the staff super nice. You can find Nespresso capsules here.

My happy place. I wish there was one just like this at home. Pesto, espresso, wine... everything was better than amazing—and they had a whole section of candy too. My sis in law loves rocks. We brought her candy that looks like stones and I ate one. Yummy! My favorite was the Pesto Lasagna. We ate it many times. Italians like to say they do everything the best, but the man who made our espresso everyday was correct, creamy, awesome, perfect. I would live there. I might live there some day. This is part of why.

The food is very good here. However… the service is poor, they forgot some of what we had ordered until I reminded them, and is extremely overpriced. We dined at a time when most of the restaurants were in their mid-day break, and this was one of the fewest options we had to eat at.

Avoid this place - poor beer, bad ice cream and terrible service. Nail in the coffin is that they charge you service and also tell you no card. Maybe the tax inspector should come review this place. The flip side of course is that there’s a good view.

Good coffee, good tiramisu, great view. Server a little bit rude

I now understand why we weten allowed to taste, the Ice cream is not good, better go a little bit further in the shopping street. Much better and they have frozen yoghurt.and are much more polite.17 euro for two small icecreams.they will try to trick you in sitting down, dont sit down!

2 salmone con yogurt, 1 spaghetti, 1 insalata di mare, 1 fanta, 1 pesca, 1 frizzante = 99 euro. When I realized they might have miscalculated the bill, I had already left there (｡ ́︿ ̀｡)

Very bad ice cream, awful service. They charged us 3 times over the price and did not give us any explanation for the high price. Absolut tourist trap! Avoid it!!

That lady in there is so racist the colour of my skin is brown and ordered a big ice cream cone for euro 4;50 where as a white couple before us ordered a smal cone worth euro 3 she stuffed ice cream on top of it as if it was a big cloud and to us she put small tiny scoops not even half what she stuffed for the whites when a question was raised she said I can fill a kilo inside that I said stop being racist she had such an ugly look and was so rude that we had to walk away taking whatever she gave this is so disgusting and unacceptable in italy I have emailed the department of tourism in italy about such inhuman person and no respect for overseas guest.

Really nice place in a perfect little town 😊 It is a bit pricey but considering the location, it’s not that surprising. Flambéed pear with vanilla ice cream is something I would definitely recommend to everyone visiting this restaurant😍🤌🤌

As others have said, it’s overpriced but it’s to die for. We tried a lot of flavor combinations and it may very well be the best gelato I’ve ever had. 8€ for a waffle cone 🙃

Quick snack, on the shore of the bay, gorgeous scenery, fast service, good snacks.

The ice cream was delicious but very overpriced! The lady was freindly and we ordered one small cups of limon, small cone dark choclate, and small cone choclate chip. It was 15€ total. The views were pretty though!

UNHAPPY? WHY? I paid €25 for 2 slices of cake and 2 cups of macchiato at Starbucks yesterday. At Calata 32 with a breathtaking view of the marina, lovely sea breeze and the lovely sun on your face, I had 2 cappuccinos, 1 chocolate croissant and a good sized focaccia with ham and cheese for €20 inclusive of the 1hr of sitting down with table service. Food was standard but the time spent there was priceless. You decide whether you wanna nitpick on price or just enjoy the view of Portofino marina. By the way, this is the only cafe just by the water. The other food establishments are full fledged restaurants.

View was breathtaking, Stayed only for coffee, so can’t really say much about food. But sure enjoyed the view ♥️

The best ice cream on the coast - a bit pricey but worth it, sitting by the harbour

It's expensive but it's in a tourist area. Mango ice cream is really good.

Quality nothing special, high prices. 9€ for one medium ice cream for a child.

Awesome Mango Icecream hidden in the backstreet from the main square. Kids really liked the Melon and Caffe flavors.

Decent ice cream, extremely overpriced (like everything else in Portofino).

I DIDN'T ENJOY THIS ICE CREAM AS MUCH AS OTHERS. TASTE WASN'T GREAT.

So bad service for so expensive gelato and not as good as from a small shop!!

Best Strawberry Granita in all of Italy.