Tucked in the most intriguing historical centre of Albenga (click here to see its page with photos), in Via Torlaro 13, the "Vecchio Mulino" (Old windmill) is the coziest restaurant you could find, and above all, one of the best Italian Pizzerias ever.
You will find that with Chef Giovanni Immordino pizza becomes a form of art. The old fashioned "Maestro" knows all the hard-earned secrets: the dough is patiently and sensously prepared, and let rise aside. The ingredients are all natural, the wooden oven crackles cheerfully. The pizza is not too thin nor too high, the bread smell only deserves the trip and will make you faint with pleasure.
If you will survive the culinary overload, you will find out that also the other dishes are just as great. Fuming and irresistible pastas, very rich salads, mediterranean hoursd'oeuvre, fine and varied second courses.

The "Vecchio Mulino", outside.

Vecchio Mulino, inside. Chef Giovanni with
Gianni and Valentina

Vecchio Mulino: the staff. Chef Giovanni Immordino,
his wife Bruna, assistants Valentina and Gianni.

The restaurant is perched on a hill, and from its tables placed in a roof garden there are most inspiring views. While eating under the shade of some century old olive tree, the terraces of olive groves gently going downhill, the little villages perched on hills, and at the horizon the hypnotic blu of the Riviera sea will appear. The fresh, balsamic air will sooth you, and the delicate white wine of the house will make your appetite grow.

Right: the restaurant card

Castel Gavone, map.

This restaurant is easy to find, but after the meal you will wonder why you didn't know about it before. From Finale Ligure (dark spot in the bottom right corner of the map) head towards the autostrada dei Fiori (the motorway of the Riviera - left in the map). After about 1.5 kilometer or 1 mile, turn right for "Final Borgo". After 50 meters you will see the ancient gate of the walls of "Final Borgo". Don't enter the gate, but turn left in front of it, with direction "Perti". After about 800 mts., turn right and follow the signs for Castel Gavone (the old castle on top of Finale Ligure, visible from everywhere). After the many curves in the countryside you will reach Castel Gavone, where you will find the Castle, just a few homes, and the restaurant at the right (there is a gentle old fashioned stair bringing to it). The telephone n. (for reservations) is 019692277.