Taverna del Capitano

I am reluctant to delve into negativity, but I have to warn others who do not want to want their day in Cinque Terre to vanish with the speed of slow service at a restaurant to think twice before sitting down here.
It was 3 pm and the place was no more than 25% full. 6 – 7 tables, tops. It took 15 minutes for a glass of the *house* wine + ³⁰⁄₄₀ minutes for a lukewarm, thin piece of fish. My ravioli with scampi sauce came sauce-​less (…I was served boiled ravioli). I understand fish does not bake instantly; but this fish was less than a centimeter thick.
The potatoes and tomatoes that came with the fish were delicate and tasty, which was pleasant.
I tried not to make a big deal out of not getting any food, until I noticed people who arrived way after us had finished eating and were having dessert, and our food was nowhere to be seen. A server who barely has any tables, who sees guests who came later are eating dessert while a previous table’s food has not arrived yet, is unacceptable.
Finally, when we asked for the bill, we asked a gentleman who nodded dramatically and said, «YES, BILL!». We watched him walk back into the restaurant, disappear for 5 minutes, then come back out to wipe tables. Our server came back out and just started chatting to another table…
I give the waiter credit for not trying to argue with my mom when she complained. My mom is dramatic and can appear illogically angry even when she has a reason to be.

Overlooks the water for a phenomenal view. Wine list is good and well-​priced. Had a Caprese salad and trofie Al pesto (cinque terre dish) and each bite was amazing…

Great meal on the harbor front. Fried mixed fish plate was huge and incredibly tasty. Even the simple noodles with Pomodoro got rave reviews. Like most places in the Cinque Terre, the service was slow but friendly.

Nice seaside setting– good service — food is good but not superb thus the 4 star rating– ordered the seafood grill which has plenty of food — nice place to stop and relax

Reservation are a must, gets very busy. We must have seen 7 or 8 people be turned away. Ordered the triofe al pesto and frittura mista (fried fish). Both dishes very good, fresh and well made. Portions were typical for Italy, not huge but did not skimp. Reasonably priced for the area, as the two dishes, cover charge and water came out to be 36 euros. Good setting right in the center of the harbor.

I still dream about the Cinque Terre. The scenery, the serenity, and the spread! In truth, my mouth waters just thinking of my meal here. It was the best meal I had in all of Italy.
It’s a simple thing, really. Pesto pasta. Nothing special. Nothing fancy. Flavorful, authentic foods don’t need the extra pizzazz. The flavors speak for themselves.
I’ve never been a fan of pesto… Until I visited Italy, that is. It’s quite different (and disappointing) in America. But the pesto in the Cinque Terre is divine!
Oh, how I miss Vernazza! My favorite of the 5 villages. And the Taverna del Capitano is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy this beautiful country and scrumptious food. La Bella Vita!