Information desk · Albenga
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we're asked most often, in plain language. For anything else, HQ is open.
- Where is Il Candidato located?
- Il Candidato is at Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 40, 17031 Albenga (SV), in Albenga, in the province of Savona. It's in the town centre, next to Albenga town hall: if you're already in the square, you'll find it easily by following the smell of the oven.
- What kind of food does Il Candidato serve?
- Il Candidato is a pizzeria and trattoria serving Ligurian cuisine. The menu features long-fermented pizzas, Ligurian fried dishes such as frisceu, pasta with Genoese pesto, seafood specialities and traditional desserts. The ingredients are sourced locally.
- How much does a meal at Il Candidato typically cost?
- Expect to spend around 20–30 € per person on average. It's an honest price range for a trattoria-pizzeria: pizzas and fried dishes stay affordable, while pasta and seafood specialities push the bill up a little. Prices for individual dishes are shown on the menu.
- How can I book a table?
- You can book by messaging HQ on WhatsApp, calling the number shown on the page, or through online booking. The quickest way is WhatsApp: tell us the day, time and number of people, and we'll reply to confirm your table.
- Does Il Candidato have outdoor seating?
- Yes, Il Candidato has outdoor seating. In the warmer months you can eat outside, pizza and Ligurian cooking included. Outdoor availability can vary with the day and the weather, so it's best to book ahead.
- Are there vegetarian dishes?
- Yes. Among the starters, the panissa salad and the herb frisceu; among the first courses, the pesto mandilli with potatoes and green beans; among the pizzas, the Margherita, the Marinara (dairy-free), the Ai formaggi, the Usciere with seasonal vegetables and the A Zena with stracchino, pesto, potatoes and green beans. Fresh pasta is also available gluten-free (+2).
- Is there live music at Il Candidato?
- Yes, Il Candidato hosts evenings with live music. It doesn't happen every night: to find out when the next one is, follow the venue's Instagram profile or message HQ on WhatsApp.
- What makes Il Candidato's pizza special?
- The dough is long-fermented and the oven is wood-fired. Alongside the classics there are the "historic" pizzas, each named after a job at the town hall next door: the Messo, the Protocollo, the Usciere, the Protezione civile and the Furbetto del cartellino. And then there are the ones you don't expect, like the A Gallinara, with potato cream, octopus and olive powder.
- Is Il Candidato suitable for dinner with friends or family?
- Yes. With its real food and no promises, honest prices, outdoor seating and live-music evenings, Il Candidato is made for dinners with friends and family. The atmosphere is informal and neighbourhood-style, in the heart of Albenga.
- Where can I follow Il Candidato on social media?
- Il Candidato is on Instagram, where it posts news, daily specials and live-music dates. For bookings and direct enquiries, message HQ on WhatsApp instead: you'll find both contacts at the bottom of every page on the site.
- What are your opening hours?
- The polling station is open Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30pm to 11pm: dinner only, no lunch service. On Monday the candidate rests and the polls stay closed. Especially at weekends, it's best to book ahead to make sure you get a table.
- Do you have gluten-free options?
- Yes. Fresh pasta is available gluten-free (+2) and pizzas can be made gluten-free (+3). If you fancy a worry-free pint, there's also Scola hoppy lager, a gluten-free beer. Always let our staff know about any intolerance.
Didn't find your answer? HQ is open.