Agriturismo Buranco

We hadn’t booked ahead, even though it was a Saturday in April 2026, but the staff welcomed us warmly. The wine tasting came with bruschetta and an extra tiramisu. Both the wine and food were lovely, and the service was friendly and attentive. Thanks to Louis (?) for looking after us so well. We didn’t have a full meal, just the bruschetta, though the other food looked exquisite. The setting is a peaceful haven among lemon groves and grape vines, a world away from the busy Cinque Terre towns despite being a five-minute walk from Monterosso centre. It’s a beautiful spot and well worth the walk. I’d absolutely visit again.

The evening began well, with delicious starters, lovely wines, a gorgeous setting, and attentive service. Then the mains were overcooked: the veal was well done and the tuna dry. There was a hair in the dessert. We were meant to taste four wines but got three, and at the end received the same lemon liqueur as everyone else, including diners who hadn’t chosen the tasting menu. When we raised the issues privately, the response was hostile, and we still had to pay full price. Disappointing. I expected much more and sadly wouldn’t recommend it. You can find better food in monterosso for less.

The vineyard is stunning, one of the prettiest spots in town, and the wines were excellent. The meal, though, was uneven. The fish crudo and octopus starters were good but overpriced for their size. The ravioli main was lovely, if skimpy. The seafood ravioli was gritty and drowned in citrus, more half-cooked than al dente. Service was brutally slow, with an hour wait for coffee. When we finally left, we had to go to an office to pay. That felt like a strange way to treat customers at a high-end restaurant, and the whole experience was odd. They should stick to wine.

We went up the hill to Buranco in May and were welcomed to a wine-tasting table without a reservation. For €44, we got four full pours: a sparkling wine, two dry whites, and one red, along with bruschetta. At the end we had limoncino, not cello. We also talked for quite a while with the owner about all the work she’d put into building her business and its success. The trip to Montorosso, the walk to the winery, and the climb up the hill were definitely worth it.