What to eat
A Sanremo si trova ogni tipo di cucina, ma l’esperienza imperdibile è quella del Ponente Ligure. Una gastronomia ricca di peculiarità e piatti unici che si differenziano dal resto della regione per l’uso sapiente degli ingredienti del territorio.
Between land and sea
Sanremo's cuisine celebrates fresh seafood, starting with the prized Sanremo Red Shrimp, delicious both raw and seared. Iconic dishes include brandacujun (creamed stockfish and potatoes), ciupin soup , and the rich cappon magro. There is no shortage of land-based specialties either, such as borage ravioli, rabbit, and savory vegetable pies. The perfect pairing? A glass of Pigato, the local white wine with a scent of the sea.
Street food
The local street food starts with Sardenaira, the typical Sanremo pizza-focaccia topped with tomato, anchovies, capers, and Taggiasca olives. Another must-try specialty to enjoy while walking is the traditional Torta verde(green pie), a light pastry filled with rice and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Appetizers
The undisputed king is Brandacujun, creamed stockfish whipped with potatoes, Taggiasca olives, and extra virgin olive oil. Served as a delicious spread on bread, it is the perfect start to any lunch or dinner in Sanremo.
First courses
The absolute stars are the legendary Trenette al pesto Trenette with Ligurian basil pesto, followed by Pansoti stuffed with borage, a delicious traditional fresh pasta served with walnut sauce, pesto, or butter and sage. For seafood lovers, the dish to try is Buridda, a flavorful and typical local fish soup available in rich varieties like cuttlefish or smooth-hound shark.
Second courses
The most famous and well-known dish is Coniglio alla sanremese(Sanremo-style rabbit). This land-based specialty is slow-cooked with the area's renowned taggiasca olives , walnuts, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary, all simmered and enriched with a good glass of wine Vermentino.
Desserts
To end on a sweet note, you cannot miss the famous Baci di Sanremo(Sanremo Kisses), two hazelnut biscuits held together by a soft chocolate mousse. Another unique specialty is Torta de Ciavai, an irresistible and rich cake made with zabaione and whipped cream, delicately flavored with Curaçao.