A holiday in La Spezia isn’t only about the sea, the Cinque Terre and breathtaking views. It’s also a journey into a cuisine that’s simple, honest and steeped in tradition.
Staying at the Downtown Blue Apartment in Via Milazzo 22, you can easily reach the old town, the city markets and the many restaurants where the true specialities of La Spezia are waiting to be discovered.
Among the most iconic dishes are the famous muscoli ripieni, mussels stuffed with a tasty filling of bread, Parmesan, mortadella, eggs, herbs and spices, then simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a symbol of local tradition, handed down from one generation to the next.
Another treasure is mesciua, an ancient soup made with chickpeas, beans and wheat. Born from the resourcefulness of the port women who gathered the grains fallen from merchant ships’ sacks, it’s now one of the best-loved dishes in the La Spezia repertoire.
Don’t miss the classic Ligurian focaccia, perfect at any time of day, the traditional torta d’erbi made with seasonal greens, and the ever-present anchovies, which star in countless local recipes.
Fish lovers can enjoy the catch of the day in the restaurants of the Gulf of Poets, paired with excellent Ligurian wines such as Vermentino and Cinque Terre DOC, ideal for bringing out the flavours of the sea.
To finish on a sweet note, it’s well worth tasting Sciacchetrà, the celebrated passito dessert wine of the Cinque Terre and one of Liguria’s finest wine-making achievements.
Thanks to the position of the Downtown Blue Apartment, just minutes from the railway station and the centre of La Spezia, an authentic food experience is easy to weave into your trip, alternating visits to the Cinque Terre, Portovenere and the Gulf of Poets with a discovery of the flavours that make this corner of Italy unique.
Let the cuisine of La Spezia win you over: every dish tells a story of the sea, of tradition and of passion. A journey through flavour that will make your holiday more unforgettable still.
Just ask us! We’ll be delighted to suggest restaurants, trattorias and typical local spots where you can taste real La Spezia cooking, exactly the way the locals know it.