Rêve Café Restaurant

Reve Osteria Contemporanea delivers one of the most satisfying dining experiences on the Ligurian coast. The combination of polished service, a sleek yet comfortable atmosphere, and refined takes on traditional dishes makes this a standout spot just minutes from Portofino. The meal began with a bottle of still water and a modest cover charge, setting the tone for a meal that respected the classics without inflating the extras. From there, each dish was a hit. The gnocchi with pesto and prawns was perfectly balanced. The pesto tasted fresh and house-made, with just enough garlic and cheese to complement the soft, pillowy gnocchi. The prawns were tender and added a pleasant depth to the dish. The standout starter was the crispy octopus with cream of potatoes. It arrived beautifully plated and cooked to perfection, with a golden sear on the outside and a tender bite inside. The cream base was smooth and subtly flavored, letting the seafood shine without overpowering it. Another highlight was the avocado and lime tartare of the day. It was fresh, clean, and light, a perfect choice for summer dining. The dish hit the mark with both flavor and texture. For mains, the shrimp pasta was also well-executed. The pasta was cooked al dente, with a delicate seafood flavor that didn’t rely on heavy sauces. Desserts were classic and satisfying. The panna cotta was silky with just the right amount of wobble, and the tiramisu struck a nice balance between creamy mascarpone and rich coffee-soaked layers. A single espresso wrapped things up with a strong, clean finish. Service was smooth and professional. The staff were quick, polite, and knew the menu well. Courses were well-timed and there was no sense of being rushed, even on a busy evening. The total bill came to €141 for three guests, which included drinks, starters, mains, and dessert. At €47 per person, it felt like excellent value for the quality of ingredients, execution, and experience. Notably, there were no surprise charges, and the pricing was transparent. Reve Osteria Contemporanea lives up to its name. It's modern, respectful of tradition, and deeply enjoyable. For a relaxed but refined meal in Santa Margherita, this place is a sure bet.

One of the best dining experiences during our trip in the Italian Riviera. Every dish we ordered was flavorful and very special! The restaurant’s interior resembles a living room of an Italian baroque house with rustic notes. There is also a dining area outside in a beautiful garden. The host did her very best to make us feel welcome - as if we were visiting our Italian relatives. Too bad we found this place on our last night. We would have otherwise come back to discover the rest of the menu! Thank you!

The best food we have ever had, period! We trusted the reviews on this place and it is an absolute gem. The prices were reasonable and the cow cheek and octopus along with trofie pasta, wine, were spectacular. Even the chocolate mousse and tiramisu blew us away. We had a plethora of amazing meals while in Italy, but this one was the best! Better than 5 stars, they deserve 10 when you consider the prices were half of what I would pay for the meal we had.

Amazing! In saying that, I wouldn't want to set high expectations even though this restaurant could match them (the menu is short, but that's also a sign of quality). Decoration is eclectic, and I enjoyed their music playlist. Waiter is attentive with well-travelled mix of of friendliness and professionalism. As for the food, I loved everything from primi of homemade pasta with pesto, to fish of the day with veggies that perfectly complemented its flavour (interestingly I had the same fish yesterday, today's dish was *way* above) and finishing with a yummy dark chocolate cake. Overall delicious food and enjoyable atmosphere, I'd come back in a heartbeat.