Genoa Food
Explore Genoa Food: Local Food, Historic Shops & More
We spent a month in Genoa researching what local foods to eat and where to eat them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these foods as soon as you arrive!
Significantly, Genoa food is defined by the use of local products to make traditional dishes. For example, Basilico Genovese is used to make Pesto Genovese which is combined with handmade pasta resulting in trofie al pesto. A similar process is true for pansoti with nut sauce and Ravioli alla Genovese.
Pasta may be king in Genoa, but it’s not the only dish in town. You can’t walk a block without passing a bakery with fresh focaccia and farinata in the window. If you’re anywhere near the port, fresh and fried seafood is everywhere you look. All pair perfectly with the local white wines.
The local food products are found in historic shops throughout the Old Town. You have many options if you want to cook your own traditional dishes using local products!
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Traditional Food in Genoa
Genoa’s culinary identity is inseparable from the larger traditions of Liguria, a region defined by its coastal terrain, maritime trade routes, and inventive use of humble ingredients. Recipes here are built around what the land and sea offer: vegetables, herbs, olive oil, legumes, anchovies, and preserved seafoods.
For a deeper look at the region’s protected products and iconic recipes, see our Liguria Food page.
Liguria Food
Ligurian cuisine is marked by simplicity, freshness, and resourcefulness. The region is home to products like Basilico Genovese (PDO), Olio Riviera Ligure (PDO), and traditional pastas such as trofie and trenette, often paired with the region’s famous pesto alla genovese.
Liguria’s food culture blends maritime and mountain influences. You’ll find seafood stews like ciuppin, chickpea flour fritters known as panissa and farinata, and vegetable-stuffed pastries like torta pasqualina. In Genoa’s bakeries, focaccia is not just a snack but a symbol of local pride, served plain, with onions, or enriched with cheese as in focaccia di Recco (IGP).
In Genoa, you’ll encounter the core of these traditions: pesto served with trofie or trenette, stuffed anchovies, minestrone alla genovese, and cappon magro, a festive seafood and vegetable terrine layered in elaborate presentation. Whether in home kitchens or casual trattorie, Genoa’s food reflects a city shaped by sailors, traders, and a deep respect for seasonality.
Restaurants in Genoa
Genoa is home to some of the best restaurants, serving authentic and delicious Ligurian cuisine. Following are some of the best restaurants in the city center:
Trattoria Rosmarino
Trattoria Rosmarino offers classic Ligurian meat and fish dishes prepared from top-quality ingredients.
Address: Salita del Fondaco, 30, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Ristorante Santa Teresa
Ristorante Santa Teresa specializes in Ligurian fish and seafood.
Address: Via di Porta Soprana, 55/R, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
20 Tre Restaurant
20 Tre Restaurant offers “cuisine between tradition and innovation.”
Address: Via David Chiossone, 20 r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
The Cook Restaurant
The Cook Restaurant is one of only two Michelin-star restaurants in Genoa – and the only one in the Old Town. It is located in the 14th-century Branca Doria palazzo. The cuisine is served on three tasting menus that are more creative than traditional.
Address: Vico Falamonica, 9R, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Historic Shops in Genoa
Genoa has the most interesting historic food shops of all the Italian cities we have visited. Some of our favorites include:
Antica polleria Anna e Sergio
aka Antica Pouleria Aresu has been selling poultry and fresh eggs since 1910.
Address: Vico Inferiore del Ferro, 1r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Nico’s Butcher Shop
aka Macelleria Nico opened in 1790.
Address: Via dei Macelli di Soziglia, 8r, 16123 Genova GE
Tripperia La Casana
Address: Vico della Casana 3, 16129 Genova GE
Gastronomia De Micheli
Address: Via dei Macelli di Soziglia, 52 r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Sa Pesta
aka He knows’ Pesta
Address: Via dei Giustiniani, 16/R, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Pietro Romanengo Stefano (Soziglia Square)
Address: Via Soziglia 74 R, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Pietro Romanengo Stefano (Via Roma)
Address: Via Roma 51 R, 16121 Genova GE, Italy
Pasticceria Profumo
aka Profumo Pasticceria aka D. Villa is a beautiful pastry and confectionery shop that has been open since 1827.
Address: Via del Portello, 2, R, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
Cioccolateria Romeo Viganotti
The historical shop has been open selling chocolate since 1866.
Address: Vico dei Castagna, 14, R, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Caffe Pasticceria Mangini
A classic Italian cafe.
Address: P.za Corvetto, 3 r, 16122 Genova GE, Italy
Marescotti di Cavo
Address: Via di Fossatello, 35r, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
Food Tours in Genoa
To get the most out of your dining experience, consider taking a food tour to sample a variety of authentic Genoese dishes. Here are some highly-rated food tours!
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Genoa?
Hotels in Genoa
There are many great places to stay in Genoa. For the best experience, we recommend staying in the Old Town. But Genoa Old Town is large. So, where in the Old Town? We recommend staying near Piazza Banchi (the castle marker on the map below). It is in the heart of a beautiful shopping area, is close to the historical Palaces, and is centrally located in the Old Town.
Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
FAQs About Genoa Food
What Kind of Food Is Genoa?
Genoa is a city on the Ligurian Coast of Italy, not a type of food. However, Genoa is known for its traditional Ligurian cuisine, which includes some of the best food in Italy. Some of the must-try dishes include focaccia, pesto sauce made with Genoese basil, and farinata, a savory chickpea flour pancake. You can also enjoy fresh seafood along the coast and try local specialties like stoccafisso alla genovese (dried cod cooked with potatoes and onions) or trenette al pesto (pasta with pesto sauce).
What food is Genoa known for?
Some of the most famous foods from Genoa include:
1. Pesto: This classic sauce is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s typically served over pasta or used as a dip or spread.
2. Focaccia: This flatbread is a staple in Genoa and can be found in bakeries and cafes throughout the city. It’s often topped with olive oil, sea salt, and rosemary.
3. Farinata: A simple street food made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It’s cooked in a wood-fired oven until crispy and golden brown.
4. Trofie al Pesto: This traditional pasta dish features twisted noodles tossed with basil pesto and potatoes.
5. Cima alla Genovese: A hearty meat dish made from veal or pork stuffed with vegetables, cheese, and breadcrumbs.
If you’re planning a trip to Genoa, try some of these delicious dishes and explore the city’s vibrant food scene!
What Is the Signature Dish of Genoa?
Pesto Genovese is Genoa’s signature dish. The recipe originated in the middle ages as an olive oil and garlic sauce. Over time, different ingredients were added to the recipe: nuts, cheese, herbs, and basil. The best way to make pesto Genovese is with a mortar and pestle.
What is Genoa, Italy in English?
Genoa is the English name for the Italian city of Genova. It is located in the Liguria region on the northwest coast of Italy and is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine.
What are Italians from Genoa called?
Italians from Genoa are called Genoese. They are known for their rich maritime history, delicious cuisine, and beautiful architecture. The city of Genoa is located in the Liguria region of Italy and has a population of approximately 600,000 people. The Genoese have a strong sense of regional pride and are known for their industriousness, entrepreneurial spirit, and love of good food and wine. If you ever have the chance to visit Genoa or meet a Genoese person, be sure to try some of their famous pesto sauce or focaccia bread – you won’t be disappointed!