Nessun Dorma — Restaurant in Riomaggiore

Absolutely not, LOL. I wish I could call this a simple “tourist trap,” but the word scam feels far more accurate. I was genuinely excited about this pesto-making class at $60 per person, but let me walk you through the disaster step by step.

First off, don’t let the stunning views fool you into signing up. The location may look appealing, but the scenic spot is public property, so you can walk right up and take as many pictures as you like—no need to pay a dime.

Now, onto the class itself. Calling it chaotic would be an understatement. The event was grossly oversold, with nearly 100 people crammed into a tight space with barely any room to move. My boyfriend and I were seated at the far end of a long aisle, where our flimsy folding table and chairs were placed on a slant. This made it impossible to sit comfortably, and I spent the entire 2-3 hours holding myself up to avoid tipping over.

The hygiene practices were alarming, to say the least. Everyone was required to coat their hands in hand sanitizer before handling the pesto ingredients. No gloves, no utensils—just your hands, now covered in chemicals, squeezing water-soaked basil leaves. Instead of providing something practical like a colander to drain the leaves, you’re expected to wring them out with your hands, flinging water everywhere—on yourself, your neighbors, and the table.

Then came the strangest part: they tried to make it “fun” by having the entire group repeatedly scream “die, die, die” for 20 minutes while grinding the ingredients in a mortar and pestle. It felt more bizarre than entertaining.

The experience only got worse from there. We had no shade and were left to roast in the heat with no drinking water. I had to ask three times before they finally brought some over, long after we were parched. When the food arrived, it was laughable: a couple of small pieces of toasted bread with raw tomato, a tiny slice of focaccia, and a bit of pesto to accompany it. Hardly the grand culinary experience they had promised.

To top it all off, the class included wine, which we had to ask for multiple times because they kept forgetting our table. My boyfriend eventually had to get up and retrieve it himself.

In total, we wasted three precious hours of our vacation on this circus. I would have preferred sitting at a cheap bar eating far better pesto, like the one we had the previous day in Riomaggiore. This place is an absolute joke. Avoid it at all costs. I came in with high hopes and left thoroughly disappointed on...

Edit 2022: I only recommend it for aperitivo, having an Aperol Spritz and enjoying the view. We visit Cinque Terre every year, this year the food was awful. a. the menu has changed (you can view the new menu attached), the tasty focacce have all been removed. b. The pesto was the worst I have ever tried. Dark green, flat taste. Even the Barilla one would be better. c. The bruschette were overcooked, a disaster.

Every year the quality goes down, I guess they don't care about it as either way they will still have thousands of visitors who want to admire the view. What a pity. My recommendation... go eat somewhere else, and go there only for a drink. Another positive thing this year is the 'app' that you can use to book and not just wait in the queue.

2020: Very nice place to have lunch or dinner while viewing the beautiful Manarola. In my opinion the food is very good, typical comfort dishes of the Ligurian Riviera. Nothing fancy, plain but very tasty! If you're looking for gourmet style dishes this is not the place for you. The staff was friendly and they speak many different languages. Here is why I didn't rate them with 5 stars: You can't book, you have to go and wait for a place to empty. This is a good move from the owners as they fill their tables many times during the day but not so good for the customers who wait in the queue for 30-40 mins or even more. Their label of Cinque Terre DOC wine is mediocre. When I say their label, I mean the wine from some local producer that present as theirs, simply by sticking a new label. I know for sure they don't produce their own wine, so I would like to know who is the actual producer of the wine. This also makes a bottle of wine cost twice it would cost if you bought it by the original winemaker. I would prefer to see a wine list with selections from local producers to chose from. Another thing that I didn't like much but it has nothing to do with the service or the quality of food is the fact that they use Pavarotti's figure on a wine label but I doubt they have asked for permission to do that. This is unimportant but I can't say I liked it. All in all, this is a place that definitely is worth a visit if you are...

I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered Nessun Dorma during my recent trip to Manarola. Tucked away in the mesmerizing locality of Punta Bonfiglio, this place provides an extraordinary blend of stunning views, exceptional service, and authentic Italian cuisine.

One cannot talk about Nessun Dorma without mentioning the breathtaking views it offers. Perched atop the cliffs of Manarola, the panoramic vistas of the Cinque Terre coastline are truly awe-inspiring. The serene ambiance, complimented by the lull of the nearby waves, makes dining here an unforgettable experience.

Now, on to the culinary delights. The menu at Nessun Dorma features a variety of Italian classics with a distinct Cinque Terre twist. The Bruschetta Platter, with its varied flavors and fresh ingredients, was the perfect starter. The house specialty Pesto Pasta was simply sublime, with the homemade pesto presenting a harmony of flavors that I still dream of. The freshness of the ingredients, many sourced locally, was evident in every bite.

No meal at Nessun Dorma is complete without trying their exquisite range of local wines. We followed our server's recommendations and each selection perfectly complimented our dishes, making the whole dining experience even more pleasurable.

The staff's professionalism, warmth, and knowledge of the menu added to the overall charm of Nessun Dorma. Each team member made sure our experience was seamless and memorable.

Lastly, I must mention the efficient service despite the place being bustling with customers. This is a testament to the professionalism that Nessun Dorma upholds.

In conclusion, Nessun Dorma is a gem of a place that wonderfully encapsulates the beauty and culinary richness of the Cinque Terre region. This is not just a dining spot; it's an experience of taste, sight, and serenity. My visit to Nessun Dorma was undeniably one of the highlights of my Italian adventure, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a uniquely memorable dining experience...