La Terrazza
Città Metropolitana di Genova, Italy
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About La Terrazza
Perched high above Portofino Bay within the legendary Belmond Hotel Splendido, La Terrazza has been delivering breathtaking panoramas and refined Ligurian cuisine since 1905. Under Chef Corrado Corti, the kitchen focuses on pristine seafood and Italian classics, including the signature Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor—a dish born from the hotel's storied Hollywood past. This is destination dining at its finest: expect impeccable views of the Tigullio Gulf, a sophisticated terrace setting, and the kind of service that transforms a meal into an occasion. It's for those who understand that sometimes, the view and the moment matter as much as what's on the plate.
Good to know
Take the hotel shuttle from the pharmacy in Portofino's piazzetta—it runs every 10-15 minutes and saves you a steep uphill walk, though the walk itself is lovely if you've got time and sturdy shoes.
The chef
Corrado Corti
Corrado Corti arrived at La Terrazza after honing his craft across several notable hotels, bringing a solid foundation in classical Italian technique and luxury hospitality to the Splendido kitchens. His approach emphasizes respect for Ligurian ingredients—particularly the pristine seafood pulled from local waters—and a commitment to the Italian classics that have defined the restaurant's identity for over a century. Corti's philosophy centers on letting exceptional raw materials shine through precise, unfussy preparation, whether that's hand-rolling fresh pasta or treating a just-caught prawn with the reverence it deserves. While his culinary voice may be quieter than some celebrity chefs, his consistency and understanding of what La Terrazza represents have earned him the trust of an international clientele.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
Corti's cooking centers on Ligurian terroir and the daily catch, with pastas like the tubetti with sea urchin and Elizabeth Taylor's tomato spaghetti earning particular devotion. The Ligurian prawns showcase the kitchen's ability to let exceptional ingredients speak for themselves, while dishes like beef tartare and vitello tonnato demonstrate classical Italian technique. That said, some find the meat and fish mains less consistent than the stellar primi, and portions can skew delicate given the price point.
Vibe
LivelyThe terrace at sunset is pure theater—romantic, cinematic, and alive with the energy of travelers who've made the pilgrimage up the hill. Inside, panoramic windows frame postcard views while maintaining a sense of refined elegance, though the atmosphere leans formal rather than relaxed. Expect a well-heeled international crowd and a soundtrack of clinking champagne coupes against one of the world's most famous harbors.
Service
The brigade here operates with old-school polish—attentive, knowledgeable, and particularly gracious with families and special occasions. Guests consistently praise the warmth and professionalism of the staff, who manage to balance formality with genuine hospitality. On occasion, pacing between courses can feel stretched during peak service, but the team's ability to handle everything from anniversary celebrations to young children speaks to their experience.
Setting
La Terrazza's greatest asset is its unobstructed vista over Portofino's pastel harbor and the azure Tigullio Gulf—a view that has captivated everyone from Hollywood royalty to honeymooners. The outdoor terrace is the prize, especially at golden hour, while the interior dining room offers floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the landscape inside. The setting within the historic Hotel Splendido adds layers of glamour and romance that few restaurants can match.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- One of the world's most stunning restaurant views overlooking Portofino Bay
- Classic Ligurian seafood and the iconic Spaghetti alla Elizabeth Taylor
- A special occasion or romantic celebration worthy of the splurge
Don't go for
- Casual dining or great value—you're paying for the location and the experience
- Adventurous, cutting-edge cuisine—this is refined tradition, not culinary experimentation
Details
Viale Baratta, 16, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
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