Midi Bar

Midi bar!
This is where you go to get some pretty good gelato. I think Eric B was exactly correct — I added this place to Unilocal with the intention to write about about how good their gelato is. However, that’s about all they have here. The rest of the food aside from dessert is simply unimpressive and notably there aren’t that many vegetarian options. Spumante Roso (which I have a photo of) is… not all that great.
There is a little bit of an extra charm in that the location is outdoors in Monterosso right near a music school, so a bunch of people will typically be performing outdoors (and/​or smoking at Midi). Which means that coming here is a matter of coming here at the right time of day/​right weather to make it relatively pleasant.
So while I personally would not want to stay in Monterosso and would genuinely advise everyone to not stay in Cinque Terre, this is probably a decent place to stop for en route if you’re travelling the villages.

During our recent stay in Monterosso, the Midi Bar was our go-​to place for Gelato every day. I know that there are many opinions on who has the best version and what flavours are better, but for these 2 wide-​eyed Americans, this place was just fine. It’s conveniently located on the Piazza Garibaldi and a short walk from almost everything here in Town. Drinks and more substantial dining options are also available.