Fuori Rotta

The story

Fuori Rotta: Creative Ligurian Cuisine in Riomaggiore – Michelin Recommended

A restaurant that doesn't appear on maps – and that's exactly the point

Fuori Rotta sits in the upper part of Riomaggiore, a yellow building catching the sun. Its terrace offers a panorama of the village, the surrounding hills and the sea – and, unusually for Cinque Terre, a quiet breeze and real tranquillity. The name means "off route," and the restaurant lives up to it: a place you find by following the scent rather than a sign.

From family storeroom to Michelin-recognised kitchen

The building was once a disused family warehouse. In 2016, Davide Gasparini turned it into an enoteca; in 2019, he added a kitchen and opened the restaurant. The timing was brutal – the pandemic hit soon after – but Fuori Rotta held on and grew. By 2022 it had earned a cap on the Guida dell’Espresso; in 2023, the Corona Radiosa from Il Golosario and a place for chef Simone in the Slow Food Alliance of Cooks. In 2025 came the Michelin mention, confirming a path built on passion, research and respect for ingredients.

A young, tight-knit team

Davide runs the front of house and the wine list. In the kitchen, Simone and Arianna – a couple who met at the stove – lead a small brigade. Samuele and Natasha split their time between kitchen and dining room; Alessio, the latest addition, brings energy and laughter. The service is professional but informal, in Italian, English and Spanish. The team’s priority is human connection: they joke, offer pairings, and make sure every guest feels at ease.

Ligurian tradition, rethought every six weeks

The cuisine is rooted in the Ligurian tradition – land and sea – but reinterpreted with creativity. Menus change every month and a half, following the seasons and what local producers have to offer. Everything is handmade, from pasta to preserves, and nothing goes to waste: even less prized cuts are valorised. Vegetarians, vegans and those with intolerances are welcome; just mention it when booking.

A cellar that never runs out

Davide’s wine list is constantly updated, with a focus on artisanal, organic and natural bottles – many from the Cinque Terre and Liguria, plus selections from across Italy and beyond. The local passito, Sciacchetrà, is a highlight. He takes obvious pleasure in matching each dish with the right glass.

Fuori Rotta is open for dinner from 19:00 to 21:30, closed Wednesdays. Booking is essential.