Gianni Franzi

Gianni Franzi was one of a few spots that popped up on lists of where to eat in Vernazza, so my wife and I swung by this scenic spot in Piazza Marconi for lunch. Our timing was impeccable, as they literally just started seating people for their noon opening time and we were the second group to take a table.
Covered with colourful umbrellas that provided a much needed reprieve from the midday sun, their location is unbeatable, with its view of Vernazza’s harbour and the crowds that it brings during the day. The people watching is great, although if you don’t want to see an overweight old guy in a speedo while eating, you might want to head further up the street or indoors.
We soon had a bottle of water while we looked over their menu. As any place in Vernazza should be, the menu was heavy on seafood dishes, including some Ligurian specialties like anchovies and trofie pesto. I ordered their octopus and potatoes for a starter and the spagetti with mussels and clams for my main. As usual, we got a Cinque Terre white wine to drink.
The octopus and potatoes came served on a small plate, but it was packed with octopus. In fact, I was surprised by how generous they were with the slices of octopus as most restaurants would go potato-​heavy and use the exponentially more expensive seafood as little more than a garnish. Not here though. I’m not sure how big local octopi are, but there had to have been one whole one on my plate. The octopus was cooked a shade past where it should have been, being just a liiittle bit on the chewy side, but not so much that it wasn’t an enjoyable dish. Dressed simply in lemon juice, olive oil and some dry herbs, it was a tasty, and hearty appetizer.
My main was also quite enjoyable — a light cream sauce clung to the spaghetti, and the mussels and clams were cooked perfectly. Fresh grape tomatoes added some acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce and seafood, and while it wasn’t on the cutting edge of the culinary field, it was simply pleasant.
There aren’t a ton of options for meals in Vernazza, but you won’t go wrong by eating at Gianni Franzi. At least food-​wise, as the events and people in the area are a whole other issue

Needing food and needing it quickly, me and my travel companions decided to give Gianni Franzi a try — the great views of the harbor being our major motivator. The service and the meal wasn’t memorable. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t OMG awesome. I do remember the octopus being deliciously tender and the people watching fun. The seafood pasta was the best dish on the table.

Understaffed but location in front of the harbour is unbeatable. Prices are reasonable compared to nearby Gambero Rosso. We tried the octopus with potato, taglierini nero and spaghetti frutti di mare with the house white wine, which was delicious.

Great location and for Italy, friendly service. I didn’t care for the pesto, but that is because I didn’t care for the thick pasta. I had tiramisu for desert and it was good.

Give it a pass.
I’ve had two meals in CT. At best, mediocre food but what really killed it was the service. Easily the worst we’ve had in Italy. Surly, unhelpful, rude wait staff. This, compared to Blue Marlin where the food was good and the service friendly.
Eat here truly only if you must. Otherwise, avail yourself of the many other available options.

2.5 stars.
Obviously, eating options in the Cinque Terre are limited. I tried to make the best of the situation by choosing a restaurant that serves authentic food and that the locals seemed to like, but overall I was not impressed by the food at Gianni Franzi.
The Cinque Terre is part of Liguria, the birthplace of pesto. I decidedly avoided eating any pesto on my trip until coming here, and was excited to order it here at Gianni Franzi with Trofie – a short, starchy pasta, and another specialty of this region.
Well, my hopes must have been too high. I was expecting amazing pesto, but what I got was a lumpy, light green goo that had no visible basil leaves, and no strong basily flavor. Is this what pesto is supposed to be? Something tells me no, as I’ve had better pesto at cheaper restaurants outside of Italy. Actually, the imported canned pesto I have in my refrigerator right now is better. The dish was also supposed to have potatoes mixed in, but all I got was 2 – 3 skimpy little potato chunks. The pasta itself was fine, but again, I’ve had better.
The rest of their menu includes other types of pasta (including Trenette, another local specialty) and seafood items. I was actually hungry for a secondi and dessert, but was not impressed enough with what was supposed to be their specialty to get anything more.
I’d be more inclined to try a different restaurant next time I find myself in Vernazza.

I was very happy with my meal and service here! I had the trofie pasta with pesto and the anchovies w tomatoes & potatoes — don’t remember what it’s called but they’re know for it here. I’m not an anchovy fan & I still really liked it, had to try since its a speciality. Everything was delicious! And the local red wine was great too.
All in all this was a great option! It wasn’t my first choice — SO many things were closed here in Vernazza because it’s November/“off season” — but I’m glad I went there. Don’t remember the waitresses name but she was great! Helpful (spoke English & helped me with my Italian) and very on top of things.
A little pricey, but obviously the location and the extremely fresh ingredients (homemade pasta) warrant the price. Check this place out for a fine dining, delicious Italian meal on the harbor in Vernazza!

We ate in the shade of colorful umbrellas in the piazza facing the Vernazza harbor. The place was filled with tourists, like everything else in Cinque Terre.
We tried two dishes that were recommended local specialties, but neither tasted particularly good.
* Trenette with pesto — 12EUR
* Baked anchovies with potatoes + Ligurian herbs — 15EUR
3EUR per person cover charge.

A fantastic experience! Great food and service right in the main town square with a view of the harbor and the sunset. The seafood salad was incredible as we’re the spaghetti with local mussels and the squid — ink pasta with fish sauce. The veal was tender and delicious. The waiter was friendly and attentive, yet left us alone when not needed so we could converse and enjoy a great evening. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Great Scampi, lots of locals, authentic atmosphere. Had the macaroni with scampi which was excellent.

Both my wife and I came down with intestinal problems and diarrhea after eating here. We think it was the scampi and spaghetti. It was the only bad experience of our trip. Go to one of the other places on the harbor (Belforte for a splurge), or Il Pirata Della Cinque Terre for good food at a reasonable price.

This place was amazing! Fantastic hotel right next to the castle! Amazing sea views and even a little terrace to sit and drink wine and look at the sun set! Room had private bathroom but that is an extra option you have to ask for otherwise it’s down the hall and shared with everyone. There were also exposed beams on the ceiling that added to the charm. The main «lobby» is a bar on the main street. Thats where you get your keys and then walk up… hmmm maybe 500 stairs up to the place you actually stay. Its a climb, but its worth every step. We had to make 2 trips because the luggage was just too much to carry in one trip. Oh! And cash rooms are less expensive then credit card rooms. And there is a free wifi room! yay internet! Overall I LOVE this place and will definitely be returning here to stay again!