Trattoria dal Billy — Restaurant in Riomaggiore

Summary: Overpriced, small portions, bland, uninspiring food that doesn't match the romantic setting. If you come for the view then know that you might not be seated in view of it and you can't see that much at night. The restaurant is located up high so you will have to climb up steps to get there, but if you're expecting to be rewarded with something special then you'll be sorely disappointed.

Service - 5/10 it could just be the guy that served us but he came across as cold and angry and definitely didn't match up to the Italian hospitality we received in every other place around. I'd give him 3/10 but some of the others seemed nicer so I will give a better rating overall. When I was trying to get the attention of another server he just looked away after making eye contact

Food ordered:

Bread (1/10 complimentary) - store bought and tastes dry and a few days old. You can usually tell how good a restaurant will be from the bread... The good local places will not mess up on the bread!

Tuna steak - (2/10) €25 Tasteless and a tiny portion. It cost €25 and you get 6 cold pieces of around 100gm (from the fridge and blowtorched lightly around the edges). I literally could finish it in 30 seconds. Definitely do not get this one!

Mussels in Marinara sauce - (2/10) €18 The mussels themselves were tiny and dry and the sauce was a flavourless broth (not a sauce but like seasoned water). I've had better in a rundown local pub in the UK.

Parma ham and Burrata - (4/10) €16 Again, Overpriced for a small ball of cheese and around 100-120g of ham. It tastes OK but you can go to any local place within the entire region and it will be cheaper and better quality. We went to a place in La Spezia for a platter and the speciality flat bread (with drinks) and we were happily full for just €26. It's not just about the quantity but I'm referring to the quality as well.

Grilled vegetables - 3/10 €7 You really only get a few slices of aubergine and zucchini, which I can't recall were even seasoned or at all -regardless, it's nothing you can't do yourself at home.

Fries - (4/10) €7 Undercooked and soggy. You can just eat them as filler but you won't enjoy it.

Our bill came to just over €80 (no drinks or dessert and including 2 x €3.5 service charge)

I am being truly 100% honest in my review and I'm genuinely not a picky eater but I don't want others to be fooled by the place as we were. If you come for the view then don't bother as it's not worth the premium -especially when you...

Originally I tried calling and making a reservation but I couldn't seem to get through. Luckily, my husband and I were staying in Manarola and this place was a couple minute walk from our Airbnb. We were THRILLED to walk over and get in right at opening. We came at the perfect time so we were able to get a spot right at the balcony railing. The views are stunning! We ate a lot here so brace yourselves if you're reading this review - it may take a bit hehe. Our first dish we received was the octopus and potato salad. I will never say no to an octopus salad and this one did NOT disappoint. We then ordered TWO of the mixed fish starters. This is advertised as a 12 plate tasting course. It was SO MUCH FUN. Our entire table was full of plates - we even had plates atop of other plates. While all 12 plates were good there were some ABSOLUTE STARS. One was a piece of fish with what looked like pickled red onions atop. THE ANCHOVIES... I live in Canada and all we have are canned anchovies. I tried them before and coughed them out. These anchovies were just eye opening. There were two different plates and both were amazing for us but the one with the lemon zest literally had our eyes popping out of our heads and our jaws were dropped. It was like the entire world stopped when we ate those anchovies. I had thought they were vile my entire life but I took the chance to eat it in one go and it was easily the loveliest surprise my tastebuds had ever been gifted. After being deceived by canned, overly salty and flakey anchovies - these were like a whole different species. Just PHENOMENAL. We had a mixed seafood salad with olive oil, olives and peppers. There's something about a seafood salad - it will always be a standout for me! The puff pastry bite with fish was a different take than the mostly raw or lightly cooked and barely touched fish we'd been eating. We also ordered a grilled fish. We found this one to be the most disappointing just because it was a traditional take to eating. We were having so much fun with the 12 taste testers we found this a bit lack-lustre. We did enjoy the fish - it just wasn't EXCITING like the first part of the meal. We then shared a tiramisu which was the perfect way to end our meal. Tiramisu is not pictured because we inhaled it. Sorry! ALSO not pictured is our grilled fish. I took a video of the entire table with the fish in the view but it won't let me upload it :( We drank house white and also had lemon soda which is the...

We got married in Tuscany and spent two weeks traveling around Italy, enjoying everything from local osterias to fine dining spots across regions. Out of all the meals we had, last night at Trattoria dal Billy in Manarola was hands down the best.

To be honest, we didn’t have high expectations walking in—despite the high Google rating—because so many places we’ve tried with great reviews felt like they earned them by nudging diners to post something. But this place? This one earned it the right way—through heart, hospitality, and absolutely incredible food.

We arrived right when they opened without a reservation and were warmly welcomed by the host, who kindly gave us a few table options to choose from (a rarity, especially in a place with a view like that!). The service throughout was top-notch. Gabriel, our server, was fantastic—friendly, personable, warm, and professional without being the least bit stuffy. He struck the perfect balance, making us feel truly welcome. Paula was also quietly attentive and gracious.

Now, the food. Wow.

We started with the tuna tartare special—ultra fresh, beautifully textured, and flavorful. The mussels were another standout: perfectly cooked with a broth that struck just the right balance of briny and savory. But the star of the meal was the black ink seafood pasta. Every bite was perfection—fresh seafood, rich flavors, and that satisfying umami that only comes from a kitchen that really knows seafood.

For dessert, we had the cheesecake of the day. I’m not usually a cheesecake person, but this one completely won me over. Light, smooth, not overly rich, and topped with fresh berries. Honestly one of the best I’ve had, anywhere.

The view? Stunning. You’re perched up high, overlooking the sea and rooftops of Manarola. It’s a one-minute walk from our hotel at the top of the hill—and yes, it’s a bit of a hike, but if you’re in Manarola, you’re already walking up and down all day. This spot is worth it.

If you’re trying to decide between Trattoria dal Billy and one of the “Instagram-famous” restaurants, don’t hesitate: go here. Those touristy spots may have views, but often the service is rushed, the food is forgettable, and it’s all about table turnover. Dal Billy is the opposite—thoughtful, soulful, and one of the most memorable meals...