La Spezia is often celebrated as the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre, but this port city offers more than just beautiful coastal views. For food lovers and curious travelers alike, La Spezia’s dinner experiences promise authentic tastes, scenic settings, and memorable moments. We’ve selected three standout options, each offering a different way to enjoy a meal here—whether you prefer a nautical adventure, sunset drinks, or a cozy home-cooked dinner. Our favorite? The Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner and bathroom breaks because it combines spectacular sea vistas, fresh seafood, and a bit of adventure—all in one seamless package. Plus, the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters makes it a truly unique way to connect with Liguria’s coastal beauty.
1. Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner and bathroom breaks
This boat tour along the Gulf of Poets offers an immersive experience combining scenic views, fresh seafood, and a relaxed atmosphere. Starting from La Spezia, you’ll join Maurizio and Daniela on a boat journey that explores the most exclusive coves of Portovenere and the Palmaria Islands. The tour includes snorkeling, so you can swim in the clear waters, and a delicious fish-based meal cooked on board, with fresh catch from Liguria’s seas.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of natural beauty and culinary delight. The menu varies with the catch of the day, and a bottle of wine is included for every two people—perfect for a laid-back afternoon or evening. The panoramic views of Portovenere, Tino, and Tinetto, coupled with romantic legends and the opportunity to relax with a drink after swimming, make this a memorable outing.
Rated 5.0/5 from 17 reviews, travelers highlight the beautiful seafood, the well-organized trip, and the friendly hosts. One guest raves, “The seafood was caught the day before, and the whole experience felt authentic and personal.” The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, offering good value for those seeking a combination of scenery, food, and fun.
Bottom Line: For those who want a full sensory experience—sea, sun, and seafood—this tour is hard to beat. It’s ideal for travelers who love adventure and relaxing on the water with a good meal.
2. Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat
Starting from Porto Mirabello, this sunset boat tour offers a more casual, social way to enjoy Liguria’s coast. It’s a 3.5-hour experience with a focus on apericena, a relaxed Italian-style aperitif, combined with a scenic cruise around the Gulf of Poets. You’ll see highlights like Portovenere’s Church of San Pietro, the Byron Cave, and the Doria Castle—all from the comfort of a boat.
During the trip, you’ll stop at Cala dell’Ammiraglio, a beautiful beach behind Palmaria Island, where you can swim and sip a drink as the sun begins to set. The tour includes a traditional aperitif with local snacks, and then transitions into a dinner on the boat, making it perfect for those wanting a laid-back yet picturesque evening.
With a 4.5/5 rating from 20 reviews, travelers appreciate the informative narration, beautiful landscapes, and good value for the price. One reviewer notes, “The views at sunset were magical, and the food was simple but tasty.” It’s a shorter tour, ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a romantic, scenic experience without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: This tour is well-suited for couples or small groups looking to enjoy Liguria’s coast with good drinks and light fare. It’s a relaxed way to end the day with memorable views and a cozy atmosphere.
3. Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local’s Home in La Spezia
For a more intimate and deeply authentic culinary experience, the Cesarine home dinner offers a peek into La Spezia’s local food culture. Hosted in a local home, this 2.5-hour experience combines a cooking demonstration with a family-style four-course meal**, all paired with regional wines.
This experience is perfect for travelers wanting to go beyond tourist restaurants and learn how Ligurian dishes are truly prepared. Your host shares stories about local traditions as you watch the dishes come together—think fresh pasta, seafood, and regional specialties. After the demo, everyone sits down to enjoy the meal together, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews, travelers praise the welcoming hosts, delicious homemade food, and the chance to connect with locals. One guest happily notes, “The food was the best of our trip, and Daniela made us feel like family.” The experience is ideal for foodies, couples, or anyone wanting a personal, hands-on approach to Ligurian cuisine.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an authentic taste of La Spezia with a chance to learn culinary secrets, this home dinner is a delightful choice. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy cooking or want a cultural connection.
How to Choose the Best Dinner Experience in La Spezia
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a full-day adventure with swimming and seafood, the boat tour Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner and bathroom breaks offers the best value. For a romantic sunset with light bites, the Apericena at sunset on boat is ideal. And if you’re eager for a personalized, home-cooked meal, the Cesarine dinner provides an intimate, hands-on experience.
Budget-wise, the sunset cruise is the most affordable, while the full-day boat tour offers a more comprehensive adventure. For culture and culinary learning, the home dinner is unbeatable, especially if you’re craving authentic Ligurian dishes made with love.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, to secure your spot on these popular experiences. Whether you prefer a scenic cruise, a sunset aperitif, or a cozy home dinner, La Spezia’s dinner options promise memorable flavors and stunning views.
In summary, La Spezia offers a variety of excellent dinner experiences—from full-day boat trips with seafood and snorkeling to intimate home-cooked dinners. Each choice reflects a different way to enjoy Liguria’s coast, so think about your schedule, taste preferences, and desire for culture. Whichever you pick, these tours will add a delicious and scenic chapter to your Italian journey.