La Sciamadda – Traditional Ligurian Restaurant in Sestri Levante

Name: La Sciamadda
Address: Via XXV Aprile 179, Sestri Levante, GE, 16039, IT
Telephone: +39 0185 1770787
Price range: $$-$$$
Rating: 4.5

Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini is the result of a curious mix of Ligurian, Tunisian (the name derives from the island of Tabarca) and Sardinian cuisine. It is a story full of magic, curiosity, sacrifice, gambling, sweat, and migration.

In 1542, on the island of Tabarca (near Tunisia), a community of Ligurians (The Pegliesi people to be precise), who were expert coral fishermen, settled. Two centuries later (1738), due to the deterioration of the banks and the difficult of relationships with the local population, part of this colony moved to Sardinia. With the consent of Carlo Emanuele III of Savoy, they founded Carloforte, a new municipality on the island of San Pietro. The name, Carloforte was chosen in honor of the king. Later, other Tabarchini people settled in nearby Sant'Antioco, founding Calasetta. The two islands, together with other islets, formed the Sulcis archipelago.

Ligurian visitors will be impressed listening to the Tabarchino, “a Genoese language with sounds from the western coast and with a slightly Sardinian accent”. They were expert coral gatherers and also became specialists in the processing of tuna. The original “tonnara” has been active in Carloforte since 1738.

The Tabarchine cuisine, sincere and genuine, is the result of tasty and original mixes of three different flavors with the main Ligurian influences (pesto, fugasse, panissa, fainè).

You also have dishes that have been strongly influenced by Tunisian traditions, such as Cascà (a vegetable couscous). However, the undisputed king, is tuna, of which almost everything is eaten.

Our menus are basic with a preference, of course, for fish dishes. Some examples are Farinata (chickpea porridg), typical of the Genoese tradition, Pesto Lasagna alla Tabarchina (Lasagna made with tuna, tomato and pesto) and Fish Cascà with vegetables, crispy mixed seafood: calamari, prawns, bluefish and assorted Mediterranean catch.

All the details of this gastronomic adventure can be recognized in the design of the Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri, a place where you can find an imposing carpenter's table, wooden boxes of fruit and vegetables, paintings by emerging artists, an open kitchen and the warmth of staff, committed to service and always smiling.

KITCHEN ALWAYS OPEN!

No matter what time you arrive in Sestri Levante,
we'll be ready to delight you with the traditional dishes of our Liguria.

FROM 10 AM TO 2 AM

Progetto realizzato con il co-finanziamento dell’Unione Europea – P.R. FESR Liguria 2021–2027, Azione 1.2.3 “Digitalizzazione delle imprese”

CUP G14E24000300005

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ballarini sas di Daniele Ballarini & C.

Viale rimembranza 36
Sestri levante (ge)
pi e cf 02084380993

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Carloforte and the Tabarkina cuisine

A Cuisine Born from Exile… and Made Unique

The cuisine of the Tabarchini is the result of a centuries-long migration. A surprising blend of Arab, Sardinian, Piedmontese, and—of course—Ligurian flavors that has given life to truly unique dishes.

One of the most beloved is Cascà: something between Arab couscous and Sardinian fregola, enriched with a Ligurian-style vegetable stew (our own “rattatuia”) and flavored with a spiced fish broth scented with Oriental aromas—scents still used today by Piedmontese butchers in their cured meats.

Then there’s the Cassolla, an ancient and generous soup served straight from the pan with homemade sea bread croutons: warm, fragrant, and utterly irresistible.

And how could we not mention the tuna skewer from Isola Piana? A triumph of spiced flavors presented in spectacular fashion—suspended, beautiful to look at… and even better to taste.

From Ligurian Flavors: Simplicity, Tradition, and the Sea

From Ligurian culinary tradition, you’ll be able to enjoy:

– Chickpea farinata
– Crispy mixed seafood: calamari, prawns, bluefish and assorted Mediterranean catch.
– Sestri shrimps and calamari
– “Mae” spaghetti, baked in parchment
– And our Tiramisù—without false modesty, the best in the world.

Gourmet Takeaway? We’ve got that too.

At our deli counter, you’ll find:

– Typical cured meats from Castiglione, Chiavari, and Sant’Olcese
– Savory vegetable pies
– Cappon Magro
– And many other delights ready to take home.

Our Wine Cellar: A Story of Its Own

The wines selected by Andrea and Daniele, the last Vinaccieri, deserve their own chapter. A collection that tells the story of an ancient tradition—one of passion, discovery, and respect for the land—handed down to the present day.

CONTACTS

La Sciamadda is located in 'Carugio ' the main street of the historic center of Sestri Levante in the province of Genoa , halfway between Portofino and the Cinque Terre, a village to be enjoyed all year round, not only in summer.

It can be reached in a few minutes from the motorway exit or the train station, it is located in the pedestrian area of historic center full of shops and characteristic views, a stone's throw from the Bay of Silence, the most beautiful in the world.

la sciamadda dei vinaccieri ballerini

via xxv aprile 179 - Sestri Levante(Ge)

OPENING hours:

8.30 - 24.00 always open