Dolcedo & Casa della Rocca: An Evening I Won't Forget
There are places in Liguria that stay with you long after you've left. Dolcedo is one of them. Tucked away in the hills behind Imperia, surrounded by ancient olive groves, this little village feels like a world apart. Cobblestone alleys wind between stone houses, small bridges cross the Prino river, and the whole place moves at a pace that makes you forget what day it is. The moment you arrive, something in you slows down and that's exactly the point. On my last visit, I ended the day at Casa della Rocca, a restaurant housed in one of those grand old stone buildings right in the heart of the historic centre. Elegant, yes but without a trace of pretension. No stiff tablecloths, no performance. Just honest, beautiful food in a room that feels like it has always been there. The menu is a quiet celebration of local flavour, layers of aroma and texture that remind you why Ligurian cuisine deserves so much more attention than it gets. The décor strikes that rare balance between rustic and refined: soft lighting, handmade ceramics, stone walls that have seen a few centuries pass. But what I remember most is the feeling. A genuine smile at the door. The kind of warmth that can't be staged. From the very first moment, I felt completely at home. If you're ever in the area and wondering where to spend a slow evening: this is my answer.
The Food: A Menu to Remember
The evening began with something unexpected: Melanzana cotta alla brace laccata al miso, grilled aubergine glazed with miso, served with a finely chopped aubergine tartare and a deep vegetable broth. The aubergine was smoky at the edges, silky within and it reminded me of summer evenings around a grill, but refined into something altogether more elegant. The miso glaze added depth, the broth brought warmth and intensity. A perfect opening act.
Then came the risotto. Risotto Carnaroli alla zucca Violina with a fonduta of aged robiola from the Azienda Agricola Cornus, toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of mosto cotto. From the very first spoonful, I knew this was the kind of dish you don't forget. Creamy, harmonious, with a beautiful interplay of sweetness, acidity and savour and that scent. Pure autumn in Liguria, in a bowl.
The main course was a line-caught fish cooked over charcoal, pescato di lenza cotto ai carboni, served with a velvety mussel cream, kalamansi gel and seasonal vegetables. The fish was flawless: a delicate crust giving way to tender, yielding flesh. The combination with the briny mussel velouté and the bright citrus of the kalamansi was simply extraordinary. Light, aromatic, precise. This is what the sea tastes like when it's treated with respect.
And then, the finale. A dessert built around chocolate, mango and sorbet. Creamy richness, tropical brightness, a whisper of acidity. The kind of ending that leaves you smiling and slightly reluctant to ask for the bill.
My Verdict
Casa della Rocca has been one of my favourite addresses in the Imperia hinterland for a while now but this evening in early October reminded me exactly why. It brings together Ligurian tradition and modern lightness with a touch of creative curiosity, never losing sight of what matters most: the ingredients. Most produce comes from the region, much of it organic or sourced directly from small local producers. And you can taste it.
The service is warm, attentive and completely unpretentious. And the value for money is honestly remarkable in autumn 2025, the tasting menu is just €45.
The wine list is a pleasure in itself, with a thoughtful selection of small producers from Liguria and Piedmont. My personal highlight? The Pigato from Azienda Fontanacota, a wonderful companion to the whole menu.
If you find yourself anywhere near Dolcedo or Imperia, do yourself a favour and spend an evening here. Ideally with good company, a glass of Ligurian white wine, and absolutely nowhere else to be.
Good to Know
📍 Casa della Rocca Via Ripalta 3, 18020 Dolcedo (IM), Italy 📞 +39 0183 682648 🌐 www.ristorantecasadellarocca.it (Online reservations available directly on the website)
🕒 Opening hours: Monday: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Tuesday & Wednesday: closed Thursday – Saturday: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Sunday: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm & 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant is small, much loved and books up quickly, the website makes it easy
🅿️ Getting There & Parking
The restaurant sits in the upper, rather winding part of Dolcedo's historic centre, charming, but worth knowing about before you arrive. The easiest place to park is at the Sferistero, the small sports ground directly opposite the Frantoio Ghiglione olive mill, which is well signposted. From there, a short walk of about three to four minutes through the village lanes brings you up to the restaurant.
📍 Parking coordinates: 43.9588 N, 7.9614 E
A Few Final Tips
🍷 Wine: I had a glass of the Pigato Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC from Azienda Agricola Fontanacota — fresh, fragrant and simply perfect with the food. The good news: it's available by the glass.
🚶 Explore Dolcedo: If you can, arrive a little early and take a slow walk through the village. The old bridge over the Prino river is particularly lovely at sunset — and right next to it, the Frantoio Ghiglione is well worth a stop to taste their exceptional olive oil.
