HISTORICAL TOP FIVE FAMILY EATS 

In no particular order these top picks have been looking after my family for twenty years and some perhaps longer. There have been many others but it seems there is a steady evolution with bars and restaurants continually trying to keep up with fashion, styles, recipes and cultures. These picks have mainly stood still while everything around comes and goes so comfortable sanctuaries if you like. Well relatively comfortable as one is a beach restaurant. 

RISTORANTE BLU MARE

This is a simple local restaurant that’s been doing its thing for decades and run by the same family  with sadly only two generations on the floor now. On my last visit I was informed that they were having a refit protest mode kicked in as I showed the staff a screen shot on my phone with my daughter sitting in front of one of their wonderful oil paintings “what are you thinking”. I took photos of the wood panels the old tiles the historic photos with a tear in my eye. Hopefully the food will remain as always freshly prepared with the local ingredients for local recipes. This can be repetitive but chefs all seem to have there own interpretation on a dish. Fresh Sole is a favourite of my mothers, also an excellent spaghetti with lobster for two  and a pizza oven for thin crispy varieties. Don’t resist the trolly with the house made desserts. 

PIZZA 64

Most pizza places have a full menu so don’t feel you have to have pizza. This establishment has changed hands in the last ten years but thankfully not changed too much from the previous family. It’s the first pizza I had where when you ask for chili oil they bring a whole bowl full of chilies, oil and a large spoon.

Watch out. My wife always takes a Frito Misto here as she finds pizza too filling. My daughter goes for the nocchi pommodoro heavy on the cheese. For me always pizza Napoli and a large glass of Moretti.

VAL d’ORA

This is a smart location that my father would of found in his Michelin Guide. A different take on the local dishes fabulously fresh and well presented. Choose a menu if you have an appetite but you need time as it can take an afternoon. This is located in one of the off streets from via Roma so if you are lucky in summer you can sit in one of the tables outside and enjoy the street life. Its advisable to book this one as its a smaller restaurant.

VERSILIERIA

Well I don’t know where to start with this one. Firstly it’s in Ospedaletti just around the coast towards France but this is where we usually check in for a fortnight. It’s on the beech so you can rent the lounge chairs/umbrella/changing room. Carlo & Pietro are the partners in crime here, brothers who took over from their parents who used to accommodate my parents back in the day. What can I say old friends indeed Pietro has picked Mum up at Nice airport so accommodating is an understatement.

Carlo is the chef, Pietro front of house. I don’t need the menu here as I usually leave it to them but top menu tips ask Pietro what he recommends for the day, always consider a risotto and their take on the Fritto Misto is a triumph. It’s just very homely cooking with only the best seasonal ingredients, what more can you say.

The decor hasn’t changed for decades although there was a coat of paint recently with some new changing rooms which blew away in a November storm. No worries the show must go on but some may find prices don’t reflect the decor. I love the place and wouldn’t want to change anything and that panoramic sea view.

L’AIRONE

Ok I must be honest this one doesn’t have the history of the other four mentioned but I think it gets the nod for consistency over the last ten years. There are tables outside if you’ve booked in the Piazza Carli under the Cathedral di San Siro. If you haven’t booked then your inside with the very bright lights.

An extensive menu here Courgette and prawn fritters to start Frittelle di Zucchine e Gamberi, Spaghetti all’Astice to follow or lovely Cozze alla Marinara and again you must check inside for the desserts on display. Great place and always very busy so you must book especially for outside.