La Spezia’s dinner tours offer authentic ways to experience local food culture – all within walking distance of the train station. The best options center around intimate family-home dining, where you’ll join Italian hosts for traditional Ligurian dishes and cooking demonstrations. I especially love the Cesarine network dinners for their generations-old recipes and warm hospitality.
For something special, the Gulf of Poets sunset cruises combine stunning coastline views with regional wines and fresh seafood – it’s the perfect mix of scenery and sustenance. Every tour I recommend includes flexible cancellation policies.
These are our favorite dinner experiences in La Spezia:
Key Points
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The Sunset Cruise in the Gulf of Poets offers a 3.5-hour cruise with sunset aperitif, dinner featuring Ligurian specialties, and unlimited drinks, rated 4.7/5 by customers.
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The Cesarine Cooking Demo provides an intimate four-course family-style meal with insight into traditional local dishes and cooking techniques, with a maximum of 10 attendees.
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The Local Dining Experience offers a private 2.5-hour, 3-course meal hosted by a local Italian family, with an exclusive cooking demonstration and accommodation for dietary needs.
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The Morning or Evening Tour includes a welcome aperitif, fresh fish lunch with two main courses, and unlimited local wines and Prosecco, with a 94% recommendation rate.
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The tours offer a range of amenities, flexible cancellation policies, and cater to different group sizes, ensuring a personalized culinary experience in La Spezia.
Morning or Evening Tour With Aperitif, Lunch or Dinner and Bathroom Breaks
The morning or evening tour with aperitif, lunch or dinner and bathroom breaks offers a delightful way to experience the beauty of La Spezia.
With a 4.8 rating from 16 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, this tour is a popular choice among travelers.
The tour includes a welcome aperitif with local products, a fresh fish lunch with two main courses, and unlimited soda and alcoholic beverages, including local white wine and Prosecco.
Snorkeling equipment and water toys are also provided, along with medicines for seasickness, beach towels, and sunscreen.
The tour departs from the meeting point at Via Calata Doria in Portovenere, which is only accessible on foot, but pickup is available from La Spezia or Lerici upon request.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
With a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 participants, this tour offers a personalized and intimate experience.
Priced from $160.87 per person, the tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
Read our full review: Morning or Evening Tour With Aperitif, Lunch or Dinner and Bathroom Breaks Review
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La Spezia: Dining Experience at a Locals Home
For a truly immersive dining experience in La Spezia, travelers can indulge in a private meal hosted by a local Italian family. This 2.5-hour culinary adventure offers a 3-course feast with starters, pasta, and dessert, accompanied by water, red and white wines, and coffee, all for $103.93 per person.
Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The dining typically starts at 12:00 PM or 7:00 PM, but the timing can be adjusted with an advance request.
The experience is limited to a small group of 8 participants and features an exclusive cooking demonstration showcasing authentic family recipes.
Hosted by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of home cooks, this dining experience promises a genuine connection with local Italian families and a taste of their warm hospitality.
With instruction available in both English and Italian, and the ability to accommodate dietary needs, this private dining opportunity is a standout option for travelers seeking an authentic culinary journey in La Spezia.
Read our full review: La Spezia: Dining Experience at a Locals Home Review
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Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Locals Home in La Spezia
Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of home cooks, offers a unique dining and cooking demonstration experience in the seaside city of La Spezia. This highly-rated tour, recommended by 100% of travelers, provides an opportunity to engage with a passionate foodie host and learn about the history and preparation of traditional local dishes.
Guests can expect a four-course meal served family-style, featuring fresh pasta, seasonal starters, and typical regional desserts, paired with local wines. The menu showcases the culinary influences of La Spezia’s seaside location and international port. Throughout the experience, travelers can observe the cooking demonstration and gain insights into the host’s culinary expertise.
With a maximum of 10 attendees, this intimate experience ensures a welcoming atmosphere and a feeling of being part of the host’s family. Sanitary measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable gathering.
Priced from $106.17 per person, this Cesarine tour offers an authentic culture and the promise of memorable meals during a trip to La Spezia.
Read our full review: Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Locals Home in La Spezia Review
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La Spezia: Sunset Cruise With Aperitif and Dinner
A sunset cruise along the picturesque Gulf of Poets is a must-do activity for visitors to La Spezia. The 3.5-hour Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner offers a chance to explore the area’s natural and historical wonders. Priced at Kč 2,272 per person, the tour departs from Porto Mirabello and includes a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights of the itinerary include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Portovenere, the Church of St. Pietro, Byron Cave, and Portovenere Castle. Guests can also swim at Cala dell Ammiraglio beach and enjoy stops at Tino Island and Tinetto.
The tour concludes with a sunset aperitif and a delectable dinner menu featuring Ligurian specialties, paired with unlimited drinks.
Customer reviews praise the hospitality, food quality, and informative guides, though caution is advised for jellyfish during swimming stops. With an overall rating of 4.7/5, this sunset cruise offers a memorable dining experience against the backdrop of La Spezia’s picturesque coastline.
Read our full review: La Spezia: Sunset Cruise With Aperitif and Dinner Review
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Recap
La Spezia offers a variety of dinner tours for visitors. They can choose from morning or evening tours with aperitifs, lunches, or dinners. Alternatively, they can enjoy a dining experience at a local’s home or a sunset cruise with an aperitif and dinner. These tours provide a chance to savor the local cuisine and culture in a convivial setting.