Ristorante Cracco Portofino

Fine dining restaurant · Genova ·

Ristorante Cracco Portofino

Fine dining restaurant · Genova ·

Avant-garde Ligurian reinterpretations with harbor views

Information

Molo Umberto I, 9, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy Get directions

€100+

@foodandwine

6,596 Postcards · 1,705 Cities

Where to Eat and Drink in Portofino, Italy

"A restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Carlo Cracco offering avant-garde presentations and Ligurian-driven reinterpretations of classic dishes. Diners can order inventive a la carte bites—examples include marinated egg yolk with white asparagus, chamomile, and pollen—or opt for a tasting menu that changes daily based on what is fresh and what was caught that day." - Kristy Alpert

https://www.foodandwine.com/taste-portofino-italy-8776736

Ristorante Cracco Portofino

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,031 Cities

"In Portofino, the celebrated chef Cracco has installed himself in the building that was once no less than Il Pitosforo, right in front of the small harbour, guaranteeing his lucky guests a view of it, the piazzetta and the enchanting gulf. Through the skill and expertise of executive chef Mattia Pecis, it offers a moderately modern line of cuisine, in two tasting courses - 7 courses or 11 courses - which do not lack beautiful references to Ligurian recipes and ingredients (many vegetables directly from the Fescion Farmer's vegetable garden, a short distance away, in the mountains), with the novelty of the cold room for “maturing” the fish. The charming terrace, open in fine weather from 6.30 p.m. onwards, is the ideal location for aperitifs and dinners in the open air." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/liguria/portofino/restaurant/cracco-portofino

Ristorante Cracco Portofino

Tati S.

Google

Ristorante Cracco Portofino delivered an exceptional evening that celebrated taste creativity and atmosphere. We chose the Primavera tasting menu to celebrate my partner’s birthday, and from the very first bite, it was clear: this was going to be something special. Chef Mattia Pecis developed a seasonal and innovative culinary experience full of deep thoughtfulness. The menu featured dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from the restaurant's garden that combined elegance with unexpected elements. The standout? A mille-feuille dessert made with seaweed. The combination of unique flavors and strong presentation created a breathtaking experience that thrilled us completely. Our culinary journey started with a letdown at a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in Florence but concluded perfectly here. Our long-awaited 'wow' moment materialized at Cracco Portofino. The chef enhanced the birthday surprise by adding his personal signature to our menu which created a classy and memorable moment. It’s not just about food, it’s an experience. One we’ll never forget.

Andrew B.

Google

Can’t believe Stanley Tucci recommended this place. There are a dozen or more regular restaurants that serve better food for half the price. Portofino definitely got the memo since there were only 2 other tables taken. The risotto was a huge disappointment. Practically swimming in pesto sauce and salty beyond reason. The lobster entree is more for for an appetizer. Didn’t even bother ordering desert. I can’t in good conscience recommend this place.

Mark F.

Google

Good day, have been there on saturday. Was super expensive. Expected better food for this price. Don’t recommend this place.

LA M.

Google

Stanely Tucci steered us wrong on this one! In his series, this chef and restaurant came off as farm to table. In reality it couldn't be a less earthy experience. Not only is it pretentious and overpriced, but we were charged for a 2nd bottle of water we didn't order or receive. Huh? I read this happened to another reviewer. The service was attentive but our server spoke like a mouse. We were forced to lip read. We filled in the questions ahead of time with our booking, yet no one was aware we are vegetarian or that my husband has an egg allergy. The staff did not prepare themselves.

Dario P.

Google

The large windows overlooking the breath-taking small harbor and castle of Portofino are the only good thing of the premise. The place is a trip back to the '70s, with non descript chairs and walls. A weird thing is that all tables were devoid of any cutlery or plate, only a small lamp on a white cloth...nothing alse...giving the impression of an old restaurant just before closing down for the night... 5 course tasting menu with matching wines. Unimpressive way of presenting food, not even deserving a photo (!). The raw fish was good quality but the mango sauce in my opinion did not help, dumping the tastes rather than enhancing them. The risotto was too salty, the white fish "Morone" well cooked, the dessert just good. Highly disappointed by the overall experience. Insufficient performance of an allegedly great chef...

J.T. T.

Google

Went for lunch. Stayed away from 2 options of tasting menus and went a la carte. This food is trying to be too precious and sacrificing taste. All 3 of us couldn’t finish pasta course because flavors were off. Staff is very attentive and space is charming. Cannot recommend food.

Turi G.

Google

A lovely restaurant, with impeccable service and the food was exceptional, but what spoiled my evening was the “glass” of Donnafugata 2018 Chardonnay for 30€ (see photo) when I could have ordered a bottle for 80€. I usually never order wine without knowing the price, but I made a mistake tonight. After I finished dinner and one 10€ bottle of water, they started to pour a second bottle, which I never asked for, and then charged me, until I asked that it be removed from the bill, and it was. Everyone knows Portofino is expensive but this was too much, and would explain the empty tables when every restaurant around the harbor was filled.

Giuseppe C.

Google

Cracco is a synonym of quality experiences although this time sounds as an heavy name, a brand so strong that it might not let those fantastic young professionals get the positive recognition that they deserve. We spontaneusly visited the restaurant while passing in front of it, strolling along the picturesque Portofino harbour. No reservations. (We had a fantastic 11 courses dinner a week earlier in Milano, with chef Cracco himself overlooking operations and we were skeptical towards this new "branch" in Portofino thinking that they might just be using his name, his brand in a fantastic location). We have been pleasantly surprised: - a young chef with a strong identity that managed to prepare a three/four courses vegan lunch using locally sourced fresh ingredients while even using ancient cooking techniques. - attentive, friendly yet professional service staff. - arguably the most beautiful location in Portofino, including a fantastic rooftop bar. We shall definitely come back.