Sestri Levante's restaurants reflect the Ligurian coast's strengths: fresh fish, good olive oil, and local wines. The town specialises in the seafood of the gulf — branzino, orata, octopus, and anchovies — alongside classic Ligurian preparations: trofie al pesto, focaccia, and farinata (chickpea flatbread). Via Nazionale has the main concentration of restaurants, but the best places tend to be tucked into the old town streets.
Cantina del Polpo on Piazza Cavour is the long-running seafood trattoria worth seeking out: octopus, squid, and cuttlefish prepared simply and well, with good local Ligurian wines. No credit cards, and booking is advisable for dinner.