La Spezia isn’t just the gateway to the Cinque Terre; it’s also a fantastic place for memorable dinner experiences that combine local cuisine, stunning scenery, and a touch of adventure. Whether you want to savor freshly caught seafood while cruising along the Gulf of Poets, enjoy a sunset aperitif on a boat, or learn about Ligurian cooking in a local’s home, La Spezia offers something for every type of traveler.
One of our favorite experiences is the Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner, which combines a scenic boat ride with a delicious fish-based meal and some snorkeling. It’s perfect for those who love the sea and want to combine sightseeing with authentic food. For a more romantic evening, the Sunset Aperitif and Dinner on the Boat offers a shorter cruise at sunset, with unlimited drinks and an exclusive feel. If you’re interested in home-cooked Ligurian dishes, the Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at a Local’s Home provides an intimate look at traditional recipes with a personal touch.
Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each experience, including what makes them special, who they suit best, and practical tips to help you decide.
1. Morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner and bathroom breaks
This tour offers a full-body experience at sea—perfect if you want to see the coast and enjoy good food without sacrificing comfort. You’ll embark on a boat trip around the Gulf of Poets, with stops at Portovenere and the Palmaria Islands, Tino, and Tinetto. The boat is equipped for snorkeling, so you can cool off in the clear Ligurian waters—an activity that adds a splash of fun.
What makes this experience stand out is the freshly cooked fish meal on board, with the menu varying according to the catch of the day, and a bottle of wine for every two people. The hosts, Maurizio and Daniela, are praised for their warm hospitality, making guests feel like friends. The tour also includes panoramic views of Portovenere and its islands, romantic legends, and the chance to swim in exclusive coves.
Rated 5.0/5 from 17 reviews, guests appreciate the well-organized schedule, the quality of the seafood, and the chance to relax on a private boat. The combination of good food, beautiful scenery, and marine activities makes this a top pick for seafood lovers and those seeking a scenic cruise.
Bottom Line: This is a relaxed, all-inclusive experience that balances sightseeing, swimming, and eating, suited for families and anyone wanting a luxurious sea outing.
2. La Spezia. Sunset Aperitif and Dinner on the Boat
For those who love sunset views combined with a relaxed meal, this 3.5-hour cruise is ideal. Departing from Porto Mirabello, the boat takes you along the Gulf of Poets to observe the sunset over Portovenere and the surrounding islands, including Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.
The highlights include swimming in hidden coves, tasting traditional Ligurian focaccia with pesto, and enjoying unlimited drinks—wine, beer, spirits—while soaking in the scenery. The tour also features stops at Tino and Tinetto islands for quick photo stops, along with exploring Byron Cave and the picturesque Byron Grotto.
This trip is rated 4.6/5 based on 17 reviews, and visitors rave about the breathtaking sunset views and the intimate atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a romantic evening, with a shorter duration that still includes plenty of sightseeing and delicious food.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a romantic or sunset-seeking experience, especially if you want to combine a scenic cruise with good Ligurian snacks and drinks.
3. Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat
This 3.5-hour boat tour is all about combining apericena—light Ligurian snacks—with a scenic cruise. Starting from Porto Mirabello, you glide across the Gulf of Poets, passing by Porto Venere and its famous church of San Pietro, seemingly built directly into the rock.
What makes this tour unique is the focus on local apericena, including the natural pools of Porto Venere, the military tower Torre Scuola, and a visit to Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto Islands. You’ll also stop at Cala dell’Ammiraglio, a spectacular beach for swimming, with time to relax and enjoy a drink. The tour continues with visits to Byron Cave and the ruins of San Pietro church, offering a mix of cultural sights and leisure.
Rated 4.5/5 from 20 reviews, travelers appreciate the informative commentary and the chance to explore multiple islands in one trip. It’s especially good for travelers interested in history, nature, and authentic Ligurian flavors.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for those who prefer a more educational and scenic experience with a touch of culinary delight.
4. Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at a Local’s Home in La Spezia
For an authentic taste of Ligurian cuisine, this home-based experience is hard to beat. Starting with a cooking demonstration, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes from a passionate local host in La Spezia. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to enjoy a four-course family-style meal paired with regional wine.
What makes this experience stand out is its personal touch. The host shares stories behind each dish, and the atmosphere feels warm and genuine—like dining with friends rather than strangers. Guests rave about the spectacular homemade food, often citing it as the best meal of their trip. The experience lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable, immersive culinary adventure.
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews, visitors feel this is a “not to be missed” chance to connect deeply with local culture. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to understand the regional flavors firsthand or for travelers seeking an intimate experience away from touristy spots.
Bottom Line: Best suited for curious eaters wanting a hands-on cooking experience and a genuine La Spezia welcome.
5. La Spezia: Sunset aperitif with dinner on the boat
This 3.5-hour boat excursion offers a combination of scenic beauty and relaxed dining, departing from Mirabello port at 6:30 pm. The tour begins with visits to Porto Venere’s natural pools, where you can swim and enjoy drinks, followed by trips to Palmaria, Tino, and Byron Grotto.
What makes this tour special is the evening setting, with a buffet of cold cuts, cheeses, tomatoes, and regional specialties, complemented by wine and local drinks. You’ll also explore Byron Cave and the church of San Pietro, all while watching the sunset paint the sky — a perfect end to a day.
Rated 5.0/5 from a single review, this tour is appreciated for its easy pace and the opportunity to see La Spezia’s coast in the soft glow of dusk.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a low-key, scenic dinner experience that combines the sea, local flavors, and a memorable sunset.
How to Choose Your Perfect La Spezia Dinner Experience
When selecting between these options, consider your priorities: Do you want a full-day sea adventure with snorkeling and seafood? (See the Morning or evening tour) Or are you more interested in a romantic sunset cruise with drinks? (Try the Sunset Aperitif on the Boat).
For those who prefer culinary immersion in a home setting, the Cesarine experience offers a more personal, authentic taste of Liguria. Budget-conscious travelers might favor the Apericena tour, which combines scenic views with lighter bites and drinks.
Practical tips: Book early during peak season, especially for sunset cruises that fill up quickly. If you value local cuisine, the Cesarine experience is a standout; for adventure and scenery, the boat cruises deliver stunning sights along with good food.
Final Thoughts
La Spezia offers a rich variety of dinner experiences, from sea cruises with fresh seafood to intimate home-cooked meals. For a full-day adventure, the Morning or evening boat trip provides a balanced mix of activity and relaxation. Couples or romantic travelers might prefer the Sunset Aperitif, which offers a beautifully quiet way to enjoy the coast at dusk.
For those craving an authentic, hands-on food experience, the Cesarine home dinner stands out as a heartfelt way to connect with local traditions. And if a quick, scenic, and tasty outing is what you seek, the Apericena boat tour delivers a compact, satisfying experience.
No matter your choice, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during the busy summer months. With options suited for food lovers, adventure seekers, and romantic couples alike, La Spezia’s dinner experiences won’t disappoint.