Khang H.
Yelp
Aristide has two locations close to each other. One is a gazebo type structure (with clear plastic windows that can open or close depending on the weather) on the square, which has their larger menu. The other is on the street, and has only their daily specials and their coffee shop. We went to BOTH on our trip ... and we were not disappointed.
Our first night in Manarola, we actually passed by the restaurant on the square, unsure if it was open (it was late evening, and the tourist season was basically ended.) We ended up at the restaurant on the street, and were greeted by the lady, who explained to us the difference. Back to the restaurant on the square we went, since we wanted the more traditional menu offering the regional specialties. And man-o-man.
On the square, we were greet and served by Mattia (spelling?). Super friendly, explaining to us the menu, and the regional specialties, and recommending other things to see in Cinque Terre if we had time. Alas ... the food.
We started with a bottle of their local white wine. Wonderful good stuff.
Then we had the Trofie pasta with pesto and green beans (mixed in). So this pasta is a regional specialty, here - freshly made, and Cinque Terre is the birthplace of pesto. The pesto I've had before is heavy, and salty ... probably from an imbalance of too much parmesan cheese and not enough pine nuts ... and too much of both compared to the basil. but THIS pesto ... was light, and fresh, and not bogged down. This dish was simple, elegant, and beautiful.
Then we had the grilled ricciola (Amberjack, or yellowtail). Quite a large, super thick filet of beautifully grilled fish. Also ... quite simple, with a little oil and salt, served with seasonal vegetables.
And dessert! The semifreddo with caramel, Peanuts and sliced fruit was A-MA-ZING. Very tasty, but also not too heavy.
Mattia also surprised us with some limoncello made from the lemons that we could see growing on the hillside all around.
We stopped in at the restaurant on the street (not the square) the next morning for coffee / cappucino before heading out. Also tasty.
DO NOT MISS DA ARISTIDE ON YOUR TRIP!