Babette

The story

Babette Albenga – Chef Fabio Bonavia's Ligurian Michelin-Recommended Restaurant

Ristorante Babette

On the beach of Albenga, directly facing the island of Gallinara, Babette is a restaurant that captures the essence of the Ligurian coast. Chef Fabio Bonavia leads the kitchen here, offering a cuisine that draws deeply from both Ligurian and Mediterranean traditions. The atmosphere is described as elegant and marine-inspired, with attentive, curated service—a setting that feels both refined and welcoming.

The kitchen’s philosophy is rooted in the freshness of the local catch, paired with vegetables from the nearby Piana di Albenga. This commitment to quality has earned Babette recognition from the Michelin Guide, as well as accolades from Gambero Rosso, the Touring Club, and other notable Italian food publications.

The Menu

The seasonal menu at Babette is a direct expression of Chef Bonavia’s approach. Starters might include marinated and lightly smoked salmon with purple asparagus from Albenga, or a Ligurian-style scrigno of anchovies stuffed with red onion confit, served with a lemon and bottarga dressing. A trio of raw fish—amberjack, red shrimp, and tuna—showcases the day’s freshest catch.

Among the primi, the homemade potato gnocchi in a “ciuppin” seafood sauce—a delicate broth of clams, cuttlefish, shrimp, and fish—is a highlight. Another standout is the yellow saffron ravioli filled with line-caught hake, trumpet zucchini, and aromatic herbs, sauced with amberjack, taggiasche olives, and pine nuts. For those who prefer the classics, the handmade trofie with pesto, potatoes, and green beans is a faithful rendition of a Ligurian staple.

Main courses continue the theme of the sea and the garden. A roasted fillet of the day comes with a trumpet zucchini cream and spring vegetables. The mixed grilled fish and seafood, served with a lemon emulsion and salmoriglio sauce, is a robust option. For meat lovers, there is a grilled sirloin of Fassona beef from Piedmont with rosemary potatoes and demi-glace.

The Chef’s Story

Babette’s website introduces Chef Fabio Bonavia’s story, though details are kept brief. The restaurant presents itself as “la casa del buon vivere”—the house of good living—and the cooking reflects a genuine respect for local ingredients and traditional techniques. The wine list is extensive, with a strong focus on Ligurian labels, including several Pigato and Vermentino options from small producers, as well as a broad selection of Champagnes and Italian sparkling wines.