Ristorante Magiargè – Ligurian Cuisine in the Borgo
Tucked inside the medieval Borgo at Via Vittorio Emanuele 2, Magiargè is the kind of small, family-run trattoria that Liguria does better than anywhere else in Italy — a short, honest menu built around what arrived that morning, a wine list focused on Ligurian DOC labels, and a terrace with a view of the sea between the rooftops. It is the place locals recommend when visitors ask where to eat prop
What to Order
Start with the antipasto di mare — a rotating selection of local anchovies (acciughe di Bordighera are fished right offshore and are notably smaller and more delicate than the Cantabrian variety), marinated mussels and a smear of brandacujun, the Ligurian salt-cod and potato spread that is deeply savoury and almost addictive.
For primi, the trofie al pesto is non-negotiable: hand-rolled trofie pasta with a pesto made from the small-leafed Ligurian basil, Ligurian extra-virgin olive oil, Parmigiano, Pecorino Sardo and pine nuts. It is simpler and greener than the pesto you know from a jar, and it will ruin all other versions for you.
The Ligurian Wine Pairing
Ask the owner for a glass of Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC — a light, slightly spicy red made from the Rossese grape grown in the hills just 10 km north of Bordighera. It is one of Italy's lesser-known DOC reds and pairs beautifully with the anchovy antipasto and the fish secondi.
For white wine, Pigato from the nearby Albenga plain is the local choice with seafood — floral, mineral and dry, it cuts through the richness of a grilled branzino perfectly.
Practical Details
Magiargè is small — around 30 covers inside and a handful on the terrace — so booking ahead is strongly advised in July and August. Lunch service is typically 12.30–2.30 pm, dinner 7.30–10 pm; closed Tuesday.
The restaurant is cash-preferred but does accept cards; expect to pay around €35–45 per person for a full meal with wine, which is good value for the quality on this stretch of the Riviera.
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