The 42 best foods to try in Genoa

My friend told me this market famous food is trofie pesto , I try 2 restaurants, the first one is too salty, (the $21 bill). The other dish is good , I only give 3 stars to this restaurant. I try the second restaurants ($34)order the same trofie, that one I can give 4 stars, no more salty and the trofie itself is smaller. The fires seafood is also great and must try.

This place is amazing. The fish, vegetables, bread all come in fresh every morning and you should see the cheese stands. A cheese and cold cuts lover. dream

Love love love markets!!! So much to chose from or just to do window shopping :). We got the most delicious fried seafood cone! And the customer service was amazing!

I love a good food market and this is one of the best we have experienced in Europe. There were so many amazing produce sellers and everything looked so fresh and tasty. The prices were very reasonable and there is a wide variety of everything from fresh herbs and flowers, meat, seafood, cheese, bakery items, delicatessen items, nuts, spices, dried fruit, fresh fruit and vegetables. Once we finished admiring all the amazing food downstairs, we headed up to the food hall and had an amazing pizza. This place is highly recommended for all foodies!

Very vibrant and beautiful market. We’ve had a lunch there, buying two pizzas. There were so delicious! Highly recommend 👍

Next time I'm in Genova, I will come here often. Wonderful food, amazing variety in the food court. Highly recommended!

You can easily find different types of local food. (Seafood, local cheeses, fruits, pesto, pasta…. )

The food is really good and the pesto testaroli were amazing (the pesto itself tastes great). The staff is really nice and helpful and the piazza where we dined had a really good vibe. Felt like a local and had a really good time

I tried two dishes: the potato ghanache with pesto (which Genoa is famous for) and the meatballs. I thought the pesto wasn't as good as another place I had tried the day before. The meatballs were tasty but could be cooked a bit more I thought.

Genoa is known for the origin of pesto! Restaurant is very cozy and solid. We got the pesto pasta and the pansotti in walnut sauce which were both great. The cheesecake is made from local cheese as well. Service was very fast. Come early or make a reservation as the restaurant gets very busy.

Loved it. We sat outside which was a relaxed vibe. The pesto - as expected in Genoa - is top tier. We had one of the cheaper white wines, but it was still great paired with the gnocchi. Definitely would return here and recommend to everyone :) Grazie !

Thanks Stanely Tucci for recommending this place. A fabulous down to earth local experience. It was a perfect lunch menu. Of course we ordered the local dish of pesto pasta with potato and beans as well as the best minestrone soup ever. Great prices too!

Overrated and overpriced for what you get: *Zucchini flowers tasted greasy. *Pesto pasta was decent. *Tiramisu probably the worst Ive had in the world.

The pasta with pesto was poorly prepared because they overcooked the pasta and it turned into a mess. For Italy, it was a failure. The second dish was not bad, the meat and mushrooms went well together. For dessert, we chose a cake that was supposed to be creamy, chocolatey and melt-in-the-mouth, but it turned out to be a dry, uninspired piece of cake. I've never had such a nasty dessert in my life. The restaurant is highly overrated. It's better to go to MOG, buy some pesto and pasta, and make yourself the dinner of your life. I do not recommend it. To the owner: I know what photos I added. Pesto was not worth to be photographed.

Amazing lunch spot where you can get freshly made sandwiches with whatever you like. They have various meats, cheeses and deli items to pick from. We got mortadella, pesto, straciatella on ours and they slice and make the sandwiches per order. The staff are friendly and will give their advice on the combinations which is very kind. It is very reasonable for a sandwich as well.

Nice little spot, well shaded. There is plenty of seating outside and affordable prices. I found their chocolate croissant not to be too great, but they at least had Cafe Crema, which is absolutely delicious

Gran Ristoro is a must-stop for anyone visiting Genoa, a true local gem tucked away in the old part of the city. Surrounded by winding alleyways and centuries-old buildings, this no-frills sandwich shop keeps things simple and lets the quality of its ingredients shine. Think fresh bread, perfectly cured meats, and bold flavours, all put together with the kind of ease that only comes from years of doing one thing really well. It’s the kind of place locals queue for, and once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand why. Whether you’re grabbing something on the go, heading to the beach, or finding a quiet sunny piazza to sit and eat, Gran Ristoro is the perfect stop. If you only have time for one sandwich in Genoa, make it this one.

Such a kind and cheerful men who helped us choose the perfect sandwich. Everything was super fresh. The flavor combinations were amazing – the mortadella with stracciatella was the best!

Amazing panini you can choose any ingredient and the guy who serves them is incredibly kind and helps you choose them. Ligurian people are the best. We were sad that we left because we wanted to try more panini I swear if I lived there I would have breakfast everyday there. Lots of ingredients and combinations.

Great shop..where you can get delicious panini Sometimes it takes a while..but good things want to last. Our three panini were very tasty

Very unique old school deli with 150 different types of sandwich options. When you walk in the door you can see all of the awards.They've recsaved over the years as one of the best places in genoa. Order your sandwich inside and right at the front is a large area for outdoor seating

Came here for lunch and the pasta with walnut sauce was one of my favourite dishes and we also got the farinata which was crispy and delicious!! Would highly recommend

In Genoa city centre, this gem of a restaurant is something you must try if you are here! Staff are super friendly and this restaurant has been around since 1889. They are known for farinata (chick pea flour baked in wood oven) and their pesto pasta. Both were delicious. The pesto pasta is probably the best I’ve ever had (super bright and fresh).

Very authentic local place for lunch (but the tourists have found it). The must-try faranata is superb. Very friendly service. Green minestrone was excellent. Fried bacala (cod) was delicate, fresh, and well seasoned.

My family is from savona but I am a second generation American on a trip to the Liguria region. We were searching high and low for farinata and found it here. It was EXCELLENT! Great food. Great wine. Fast and kind service.

We booked to enjoy Ligurian dishes and we were treated to the best. The staff were excellent and this family restaurant is a delight in the streets of historic Genova. They clearly have a passion for continuing the traditional food of the area. They catered for our adult daughter who joined us for a couple of days and was eager to enjoy pasta, however she has an intolerance to onion and garlic. She could only eat the plain troffiette, but with just Parmesan and a little bit of lemon(much to the shock of the staff) she said it was delicious as was the Pasta with a delicious creamy nut sauce. Thank you for such a treat and you are doing your grandfather proud!

Delicious farinata. Definitely worth trying both on its own and with cheese! The service was excellent as well, everyone was very friendly. Thank you!

Great food! Very friendly owner! We got here towards the closing time and no lines!

Delicious ice cream! Great service! They also accept card payment which was unexpectedly good! And so much ice cream! We were pleasantly surprised. We ordered chocolate and pistachio from Sicily. ☺️

One not to miss when visiting the area, it has won the red shrimp awards for a reason. Excellent semi frozen gelato, the classic panera beautiful but I also enjoyed the semi frozen gianduja and I think pistachio cheesecake. All very good quality and certainly don’t leave without getting a scoop of panna. Eat it quickly though I had made it 20 seconds out of the shop to find a bench and it had already began significantly melting, never have I eaten gelato so fast! Worth it though. Friendly staff and service. Recommended.

Great ice cream. I had the Crema Buonafede flavor which was unique.

The best ice cream (stracciatella) I've ever eaten. Simply delicious. Nice service. I recommend.

Omg so delicious! Grazie! After coffee we also had just ice cream 🍨 it was the best we’ve ever had!

So yummy! Definitely get some whipped cream as a topping if you’re up for it.

Note that there’s actually two locations really close to each other. One serves more panna than the other.

At first I went to the Ugo wrong location where they only sell the uncooked pasta. The sweet older lady told me to go to the other location in her broken English. I ordered Trofie Pesto and was told to come back in 8mins. I got the small and it was perfect size for me who want to try it for the first time. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was really good! I got to eat in front of the church with an amazing view. Then later I came back for the pistachio tiramisu.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ugo in Genoa, and I can't recommend it highly enough! The pesto here is absolutely divine, capturing the authentic flavors of the region perfectly. The owner is incredibly nice, attentive, and professional, making the experience even more enjoyable. One of the best aspects of Ugo is that it's open when everything else around is closed, making it a reliable spot for a delicious meal. The balance between taste and price is excellent, making it great value for money. Don't miss out on this gem!

This pasta was sooo good: not too fat or oily, just a perfect combination of pesto and pasta. Would totally recommend trying if in Genoa

Amazing place to eat tiramisu with pistacchios. The best tiramisu I've ever had in my life so far. Recommend it fully.

Such a disappointment, I think this wins the the spot of the most tasteless pasta sauce I have tried in 30+ years of my life. Even school canteen in Estern Europe cooks better. I was really trying to find some walnuts in the nuts sauce, but with no success.

The trofie with pesto were so good that we bought a jar of pesto to bring home!

Tiramisu al pistachio is to die for! We came back from across the city for the second portion of the day.

We stopped here for lunch in June 2025. I strongly encourage you to do the same. I agree with everything Chris said in his review from two months ago: this place is superb, don’t sleep on it! Fantastic food, and wonderful, warm, attentive service. 5 stars.

One of our favourite meals in Genova! The staff were so friendly and amazing. Everything was so delicious. We arrived at 7pm right before opening without a reservation and got a table for 1.5hrs. Highly recommend!

What a lovely local gem, featured in the Michelin Guide, with great service and delicious food. I especially love how they use fresh local ingredients and put a creative twist on traditional dishes. If you’ve had enough of the typical tourist fare, this is something different you’ll want to try. My personal recommendations: the savory panna cotta made with burrata, topped with basil and nuts, and the linguine with octopus tentacles, so yum!

We had such a wonderful dining experience here — every dish was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. We started with a stuffed courgette and beef tartare, which sadly we didn’t photograph, but it was a perfect opener: fresh, delicate, and full of contrast in texture and taste. For the mains, we tried the pork fillet with potato and black & white truffle sauce — rich, tender, and so comforting — and the burrata ravioli with pistachio sauce, which was a real standout. Creamy, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth soft — honestly one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had in a long time. (Photos attached!) We finished with a raspberry sorbet, which was the perfect ending — light, tart, and refreshing. Service was kind and attentive, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed. You can tell the kitchen puts genuine care into everything they serve. Would absolutely return — and recommend without hesitation.

The food was great, also the drinks. The design and the atmosphere was not satisfying. Mainly tourists were eating in the restaurant, stupid signs not fitting the decor all over the place. The waitress was very friendly, but the staff was not enough. The process to pay took a long time. More expensive than traditional restaurants.

Is Le Rune the best restaurant in Genoa? I wouldn’t know, I didn’t eat anywhere else. After the first bite of my “poker” mixed seafood, I knew I would be back the next day. The food was top notch, every bite richly flavourful. Genoa is famous for its pesto? After their trofie pesto I now know why! Not just taste, but texture was well considered. The fish in their local stockfish stew was “tough”, not an attribute I usually like in fish, but it worked marvellously with the soft potatoes! Similarly their stuffed squid was exactly the right texture (important for squid). If the food wasn’t reason enough to come back, i would have probably came back for their warm and welcoming service and smiles. I ate both my dinner in Genoa here and had I stayed another day would have eaten there again! With any luck I hope to have the opportunity to eat at Le Rune again!!

An absolute gem in Genoa! Le Rune is a fantastic restaurant that truly captures the heart of Genoese dining. I had both a ravioli dish and an octopus dish and they were nothing short of outstanding. The ravioli was rich and perfectly cooked, while the octopus was tender and full of flavour. Every bite showed care and skill in the kitchen. The staff were brilliant; warm, attentive, and incredibly accommodating, making the whole experience feel relaxed and special. From start to finish, it was an unforgettable meal. If you’re in Genoa, do yourself a favour and book a table at Le Rune — you won’t regret it!

I had a pesto focaccia. The dough was a bit too dense for my taste and the pesto a little too salty. The service was nice, the servers were kind and welcoming. I would still recommend it for a first local experience of pesto focaccia.

Pestobene serves one of the best pestos I’ve tried in Italy — rich, fresh, and full of authentic Ligurian flavor. The staff were warm and genuine, giving it that true local touch. There’s no seating available, so it’s more of a grab-and-go spot, but absolutely worth stopping by if you want to taste real Genovese pesto. Highly recommended!

Pestobene in Genoa is a wonderful spot to experience truly authentic Ligurian pesto, freshly made with traditional methods. Their “Piesta” focaccia with pesto is absolutely delicious and a must-try. The friendly service and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect stop while exploring the city.

BEST PESTO IN GENOA. Possibly the world. It crosses my mind frequently and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Your mouth will be in heaven. I regret not buying a lifetime supply. I am genuinely considering getting on a plane just to salivate over this again. You must go here in your lifetime, not to be dramatic

Very much a tourist instagram or TikTok typa thing, I just got the pesto with focaccia thing to try. Very salty but honestly not sure what else to expect from focaccia and pesto. Little overpriced for 2,20 euro for that tiny thing but worth a try Mabye. I wish they had a nice place to sit outside.

Nice, small place serving ‘piesta’ - a small focaccia slice with pesto alla genovese in a middle hole. I found this very tasty as a pesto-lover, and it even impressed my partner who does not like pesto! Of course it feels a bit like a tourist-y thing, considering its location and price, but the pesto is extremely good so it is very worth it as a quick treat/experience. Very friendly staff too and a nice clean place. Genovese spritz was also nice!

Nice pesto really good and you should try it before you buy it to confirm if you like it

Cioccolateria Romeo Viganotti is a historic chocolate factory and shop located in the heart of Genoa, Italy, with a legacy dating back to 1866. Founded by Domenico Viganotti, the business was passed down to his son Romeo, who gave it the name it still carries today. Over the years, it has remained a family-run operation, transitioning through generations and eventually to the Boccardo family in 1999, who continue to uphold its traditions. Situated in Vico dei Castagna, a narrow alley in Genoa’s historic center, this artisanal chocolaterie is renowned for its timeless approach to chocolate-making. The workshop retains its original charm, using vintage machinery and wooden molds from the 19th century to craft its products. This dedication to tradition is paired with a commitment to quality, exemplified by their “bean-to-bar” process, where they oversee every step from cocoa bean selection to the final product. More than just a chocolatier, Romeo Viganotti is a cultural gem in Genoa, recognized as one of the city’s historic shops, where every treat tells a story of tradition, patience, and artisanal excellence.

Excellent quality chocolate. A great gift. Beautiful packaging. We bought a sampler of chocolate coins. Recommended.

We visited this place in the beginning of June. We went for a walk and accidentally found this place. The lady was very considerate and polite. We ordered a coffee and two desserts. They tasted absolutely delicious. She also recommended their chocolate shop. So we visited the shop and bought pralines and other chocolates. The lady at the chocolate shop didn’t speak much of English, but she really tried to help is with selecting the chocolates. I would definitely recommend both if their places especially for their desserts.

We have tried a very nice caramel and chocolate tart, it was delicious!

I got myself a 100 g pack of assorted pralines for € 5.80. All of them taste nice. As they make the chocolate, the old way, I wanted to have a look but could not due to festive time. Maybe some other day.

Extremly tasty dessert and ice cream! One of the best we had in Italy so far. Locals go there too and its a bit away from all the crowdy and touristic places. Cute little chocolate shop of them also around the corner you should visit!

Best ice-cream on northern hemisphere

The dishes are great, well balanced and very tasty. However, the overall experience is diminished by a very hasty service, crowded seating, little attention from the staff and a alcohol free drinks menu consisting of water, fanta and cola. This last fact was also noticed by a pregnant lady next to us and she did not appreciate it. How can you have 20 wines but only 3 alcohol free options in 2025?

A fantastic restaurant, with great service and food. A booking is recommended, but as a couple we managed to get one of the tables in the street outside. The menu is simple and delicious, with amazing pesto pasta, and seafood. They have an excellent range of local wines from the region. Do not skip dessert, the lemon sorbet was the most amazing, perfect, sweet and sour, light and fluffy sorbet that I have ever eaten. The sorbet was life changing. If I could buy a tub of this sorbet I would. An excellent palette cleanser at the end of the delicious meal.

Bravo! best Italian meal ever. I ordered lasagna which was to die for. I wanted to savor every bite. great prices. and place filled up quickly at opening time. My dinner mates loved it.

Absolutely loved this place! A charming restaurant with truly authentic recipes and incredibly delicious food. Their desserts are divine—don’t miss them! The service is friendly and efficient, and the location right on Piazza de Ferrari couldn’t be better. The outdoor seating lets you dine with a front-row view of the square’s vibrant energy and charm. Perfect spot for an unforgettable meal!

Food was good - enjoyed the lasagne and the fish and potato salad starter but service was way too fast, which is great for hungry souls who just want to eat and go. For those who want to have a proper socialising meal, I feel the pace is too rush and tables are too closed together - can overhear conversations and wine got knocked off the table as someone was passing by the table.

Last meal in Genoa and was a greatest one for me. One thing that really stood out to me was the flavor balance - unlike some other places I've tried, the dishes here weren't overly salty, which I really appreciated. The food was fresh, well-prepared, and truly showcased the best of Italian cuisine. Highly recommend!

A place where you can try Genoese specialties, but there are only a few dishes. The homemade pasta with pesto is excellent, the steak tartare is not spicy enough for my taste. The cod dish was delicious. The dessert is excellent! Although the space is very small, everything is nicely laid out and organized.

The experience and the food it was simply amazing, speaking very little Italian, a little out of the way trattoria, and what a gem it was... I sat at a communal table, two women from Bavaria. As well as a local gentleman. Who insisted on speaking Italian to me? Even though I don't know a single word, lots of laughter! Even though I couldn't read the menu. The server was amazing, recommending, and letting me know what it was that I was having.

The food is so tasty, absolutely delicious! The service was excellent as well, very quick and super friendly. The only negative thing is that there’s no air conditioning so it can get really hot in the restaurant. But if you’re fine with that you’re absolutely going to love eating here.

This was the best pesto we had in Genoa among the 5 places we tried. It had homely vibes and a cozy atmosphere. Thank you :)

Great place to have a taste of local cuisine at good prices, canteen like combined in an apartment, was a great dinner experience for us. Reservation before helps, but they found a place for us without

Excellent food! The best pasta we’ve had in Genoa so far—it truly tastes homemade, just like at your grandma’s. We loved the spaghetti aglio e olio with peperoncini so much that we ordered it again because it was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is very family-friendly, and the service is outstanding. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for authentic local Genoese cuisine at a very reasonable price. PS: we went spontaneously on a Friday at around 19:30, and it wasn‘t full.

the only thing that was nice was the price for the wine. the food was relatively cheap but small portions and not very flavourful, stockfish was dry and the sauce just out of oil. the vegetables secondi piatti was basically little little piece of one zucchini, piece of one pepper, slice of one melanzane plus 10 gram of polenta (?) and cheese, plus 1,5 medium potato.. served was white bread, which was not tasty at all. however, more and more italians came to eat here, we don’t really understand why

One of the best meals I had in my entire life, definitely recommend the place. The restaurant was full so I’d recommend making a reservation beforehand. Definitely worth it ☺️

Decent restaurant. Food is alright and service is good. Nothing extraordinary to write home about. Is on the pricier side, plus the outdoor dining area is very close to the highway so it can get loud.

Staff were super friendly and kind here, stepped in for lunch and we were amazed by the big portions. The fried fish antipasto was delicious, we also got the pesto trofie which was a little plain, maybe some extra protein or vegetables would’ve been nice. The restaurant was quite small but they’ve packed it with theme trinkets and history which I enjoyed.

This is probably a popular restaurant among locals. The service was excellent, and the seafood and homemade genovese sauce were delicious. However, the menu changes seasonally, so even if you check reviews, the same dishes may not be available.

Crazy good food quality, we ordered the evergreen and it was amazing also the pana cota was to die, the black pepper and the cherry contrasted in a great way Definitely recommend

Great little stop for a mid-day snack. Food and service was fantastic!

Arguably the best dining experience we had during this trip to Italy. The food was delicious and well-presented, the staff were super friendly and numerous for a small restaurant, and the decor was funky and quirky. The highlight for us was their Nuvola (cloud in english) dessert - a sort of chocolate cake with coconut cream. We ended up ordering 3 haha. It is a more of a non-traditional trattoria but hit the mark on all accounts. Would be wise to make a reso, but we managed to get a table last minute on a rainy day

A quite hidden pearl at the port near the main road but there was absolutely no need to hide - the food was superb, especially the gnochetti will stay in mind as the best dish of the 3 day trip to genova! The service staff was very friendly and attentive, despite the restaurant being busy. It was a lovely evening which I´ll keep in mind fondly :) Reservation recommended

The place is located in a very narrow alley in genoa centre. The place is not big only few tables so it is recommended to book before going. The food is amazing. Please try to go with the daily dishes better than choosing from the menu. Recommended restaurant

I had a beautiful experience in this restaurant. The style, the lights and the colours are great and make you feel at home. The food is delicious and abundant. The must-try I recommend is the farinata with fresh sausages and crescenza cheese. I'll definitely come back.

Testaroli al pesto - guys, it's something divine. Please try it. Probably the best pasta I've ever had.

Unassuming but beautiful restaurant with nice ambience. Friendly service and very good local food. The owner Paula makes you feel welcome. We will come back

Amazing in every way. One of the best places in Genoa. Recommend the Focacce al frommagio (cheese bun on an English menu), the rabbit and the pork! The house white is local and really nice.

Lovely environment and lovely staff. We got a very unforgettable dinning experience here. The foods are all great, especially the quiche and vegs. Will definitely come again!

The restaurant staffs are very friendly and helpful. They don’t have english menu but they translate each and every menu to us. We ordered ravioli with meat sauce, carbonara and pesto. The ravioli and carbonara is very good but the pesto is too salty and too plain. We order braised beef cheek for secondi. It is ok. They have nice craft beer and wide selection of wine. We have dinner on Christmas here and the restaurant is full.

It’s an ok friggitoria but in my opinion it’s not 5 stars and definitely very touristy. I understand the port is a popular tourist attraction, and everyone wants to try the Genovese fried cone when disembarking from cruises, but I was expecting a more traditional fry. Again it’s not bad at all, the taste is there, not too oily, but I wouldn’t say this is 5-star food. Place is cool, staff is nice.

Here to try their fried fish we had a small cuoppo ( even too small ) we didn’t like it because the breadcrumb didn’t stick to the fish ( we had squid ) and was not so salty. We didn’t finish it, what a shame

Simply the Best [(c) Tina Turner] seafood in all of Italy, and I mean it! On a budget, good for takeaway but best to savour fresh, sitting at the plain table with a bottle of aqua or a glass of beer right in front while city- and port-watching. A must to see (and taste) in Genova!

I was really looking forward to taste it after many good reviews. While waiting in line, I saw a guy bringing a box of frozen small fishes (it was open), so they fry frozen fish. Calamari were good, anchovies were good, everything else not so much. Might be better places around

Quick great tasting to-go food. If you want to try an excellent fried Genovese seafood pass by this place. Also well priced for what you get. Plus great service..

Pleasant staff, speaks english and is prepared to understand foreign tourists :) welcoming, friendly. Food is fresh, delicious, very good. Portions are quite big - medium portion is enough for single person. Worth to visit👌 There is a bench to sit and eat, but it is in the sun.

Paper cones of fried anchovies and mixed seafood—light, salty, addictive. Grab, go, and eat in a nearby alley.

Entering the restaurant, the cozy atmosphere welcomes me, with softly lit tables and the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. Glancing at the menu, I'm excited to embark on a culinary adventure.For starters, I try the roasted veal tongue with Jerusalem artichokes, celery root, and pomegranate. The veal tongue is tender and tasty, blending perfectly with the earthy flavors of the artichokes and celery, while the pomegranate adds a refreshing kick.Next up, I dive into the potato cappuccino with lamb, chestnuts, and porcini mushrooms. The creamy soup is comforting, and the lamb adds a rich, savory touch that pairs well with the earthiness of the chestnuts and mushrooms.For pasta, I go for the smoked tagliolino with Zerli onion, rib sauce, and marinated egg yolk. The smoky flavor of the pasta is unique, and the sweetness of the onion and richness of the rib sauce make each bite delightful.Moving on to the main course, I indulge in the rabbit-filled agnolotti with saffron and licorice. The rabbit is tender and flavorful, and the saffron and licorice give the dish a hint of sweetness and spice.For dessert, I can't resist the TiramiCook, a twist on the classic tiramisu. It's creamy and indulgent, the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.Throughout the evening, the friendly staff pairs each course with wines that complement the flavors perfectly, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience. As I leave the restaurant, I can't help but smile, knowing that I've had one of the best dining experiences of my life.

We were in this cosy restaurant in April 2025, it was a really amasing experience. All staff was very professional, all courses was super delicious. It was my birthday and their surprise with delicious cookies and candles was very satisfying. Probably the best thing in Genova was "The Cook"

This is a beautiful restaurant, with friendly and knowledgeable staff, an outstanding menu, and a kitchen that delivers amazing food. I chose a shortened version of their seafood tasting menu and every dish was picture and palate perfect. Amazing fine dining experience.

Just fabulous. I did a 7 course tasting menu and found their portions to be generous so probably should have gone with 5. But boy was it worth the over indulgence 🤤

A piece of Gastronomy and one star Michelin to chefs name , in the Heart of Genoa Forget about the narrow alley with the constant smell of urine , this place takes you away from all that once you enter the doors . A magnificent dinning room , picturesque of Roman wall painting styles . A group of three visited this restaurant on a Saturday night booking reservation at 9.30 pm . With nine tables within the restaurant , i guess they were following 1 meter distancing . We agreed to try the tasing menu at 150 euros per head , with tasing wines to accompany the dishes on offer . Rather than to describe each dish , of this tasing menu on offer in July 2020 . I can describe those dishes we thought as a group were outstanding . 1/ scallop with apricot , cherries and spinach . 2/ Portraitof Raviolis with Burrata cheese 3/ Vitello tonnato - (tuna outstanding quality ) 4/ Ligurian cigars basil white chocolate and Taggiasca olives . The front house service was inventive , friendly and professional , also spoke english to a high standard .

Wonderful experience. The food was delicious, we even met the chef, who was friendly and agreed to take a picture with us. We definitely recommend you the place.

Mostly good, with 1-2 excellent dishes, but really, 2 dishes from the fixed menu, are un-eatable, really... The fish soup and their take on spaghetti carbonara. And the worst thing is, though they saw I didn't eat them and thogh they got my feedback on the soup, they didn't do anything to improve my experience.

Popular place where you can get your helping of farinata and other homely traditional street food (eat there or take way).

Walked over an hour to have the opportunity to ear best farinata in Genoa and they closed an hour early :( hours posted were till 2:30 .. got there at 1:30 , feet so tired and very disappointed

Great spot to try a selection of typical savory pies. The woman working the counter kindly allowed me to try a selection of different offerings that they had that day while the gentleman prepared a fresh batch of Farinata. The Zucca tart and farinata were incredible. I also tried the tart with ricotta and chard, the polpettone, some panissa and frisceu, and the ceci and chard soup. All was delicious, and the folks working allowed me to sit comfortably in the small space without any rush on a rainy day. Good value and not at all expensive. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic place! It's a historical Ligurian bakery. Apple and cinnamon tort (cake) was simply unreal. Service was great too, my special thanks to Ramona

They definitely live up to their reputation. The farinata is crispy on the top with a beautiful golden color. Their farinata is very popular and yet the owner is very honest by charging a very fair price when they could have drove up the prices. I am confident with products that come from honest business man.

Unfortunately the lady was rude to us. We asked for a few things, which we’re out of stock. We looked into the window and then went back in to order and she just ignored me. I tried to be polite, used my basic Italian, but she mustn’t be interested in tourists. What a shame, I was looking forward to trying.

Best farinata in Genoa!!! Nice people,great food!!!

Nice cocktails, good food, good location. Staff speaks English.

Our experience was horrible. The respect shown to foreigners was low and the quality of food and drinks was terrible. We absolutely do not recommend this place neither their “granita”. These were so bad that we couldn’t even finish it! Stay out of this place.

A food chain. Very tasty.

(Translated by Google) I had an excellent coffee at the counter in this newly opened café in the center of Genoa with a few outdoor tables overlooking the street. They have a huge selection of focaccia. Very friendly, competent, welcoming staff and good prices. (Original) Ho preso un ottimo caffè al banco in questa caffettteria appena inaugurata in pieno centro a Genova con qualche tavolo all’aperto con vista sulla via. Hanno una vastissima scelta di focaccia. Personale gentilissimo competente accogliente e prezzi buoni.

(Translated by Google) A farinata lover in exile, these days (given the heat) it's hard to find, and my references in Genoa are currently closed. I stop by Ceccardi's, see farinata, stop, and try a slice. I'd say it's good. I stop by again after a few errands and order more, eventually ordering 1/2 kg. Good product, fair price (€16/kg). The only flaw is that the selection is poorly displayed on the price list, in my opinion. Per slice: €3 Per kg: €16 A slice is much less than 200 grams. So ask first, as prices vary depending on the selection. It would be enough to specify more clearly. The girls at the counter were very courteous, and the one who handled my complaint was very patient. I liked them, and to try some delicacies, it's worth stopping by. Next test: Pasqualina their way 🤙🏻 (Original) Amante della farinata in esilio, di sti tempi (dato il caldo) se ne trova poca e i miei riferimenti su Genova ad oggi sono pure chiusi. Passo da Ceccardi, vedo farinata, mi fermo e assaggio una fetta. Direi bene. Ripasso dopo qualche commissione e ne prendo di più, fino a ordinarne 1/2 kg. Prodotto valido, prezzo onesto (16€/kg). Unico neo, sul tabellone dei prezzi, a mio avviso è espressa male la scelta. Al trancio : 3€ Al kg : 16€ È un trancio è molto meno di 200 gr. Quindi chiedete prima perché i costi sono diversi a seconda della scelta. Basterebbe specificarlo meglio. Le ragazze al banco sono state molto cortesi e quella che ha gestito il mio appunto, è stata molto paziente. Mi sono piaciuti e per assaggiare qualche sfiziosità, vale la pena un passaggio da loro. Prossimo test: pasqualina a modo loro 🤙🏻

(Translated by Google) Congratulations guys, everything is beautiful and the service is impeccable, today there is the inauguration at 5.30pm, hurry up and you will be welcomed with kindness. (Original) Complimenti ragazzi tutto bello e servizio impeccabile,oggi c’è l’inaugurazione alle 17:30 accorrete sarete accolti con simpatia.

(Translated by Google) We came for an aperitivo for the first time... we had a fantastic time. The focaccia platter was exquisite, truly worth it; we'll be back soon. The staff was also welcoming and kind; the young lady who served us, Evelin, was very cheerful with her smile. I think a warm welcome is important in any establishment. This one has it... See you soon. (Original) Siamo venuti a prenderci un aperitivo per la prima volta.. ci siamo trovati super che bene. Tagliere di focaccia di una bontà squisita, veramente ne balsa la pena, ritorneremo presto. In aggiunta Personale accogliente e gentile, la ragazza che ci ha servito col nome Evelin molto solare col suo sorriso. Trovo importante l'accoglienza in ogni locale. In questo locale c'è.. A rivederci a presto.

(Translated by Google) I have already made several orders. The pesto from Molo Modo 21 is the best I have ever tasted among the fresh ready-made ones. It is truly excellent and you can taste the quality of the ingredients. I have appreciated many of their other products, above all the fantastic pesto lasagna. They also have a customer service worthy of the name: kind, responsive, attentive. Well done!! (Original) Ho già fatto più ordini. Il pesto di Molo Modo 21 è il migliore mai assaggiato tra quelli freschi già pronti. È davvero ottimo e si sente la qualità degli ingredienti. Ho apprezzato molti altri loro prodotti, su tutti le fantastiche lasagne al pesto. Inoltre hanno un servizio clienti degno di tale nome: gentile, reattivo, attento. Bravi !!

Super attractive restaurant, good food and welcome service

(Translated by Google) The oldest square in Genoa (Original) La piazza di Genova più antica

(Translated by Google) Best Fresh Pesto Genovese I've ever eaten! Rating: 10 & Praise!!! One more point, compared to the Fresh Pesto Genovese produced e.g. for Conad "Sapori & dintorni", or the "Fior fiore" Coop line, with all original ingredients! (Rating: 9). Compliments to Alimentari & Trattoria Cavour "Molomodo21", in Genoa, which also ships it in refrigerated packages throughout Europe! (Original) Miglior Pesto Genovese Fresco che abbia mai mangiato! Voto: 10 & Lode !!! Un punto in più, rispetto al Pesto Fresco genovese prodotto es. per Conad "Sapori & dintorni ", o della linea "Fior fiore" Coop, con tutti ingredienti originali!(Voto:9). Complimenti all' Alimentari & Trattoria Cavour "Molomodo21", di Genova, che lo spedisce anche in pacchi refrigerati in tutta Europa!

(Translated by Google) Restaurant in the port area recommended by a gentleman from Genoa met by chance at the port. Reservation required via message the day before, otherwise you have to queue from 7pm (I don't know for lunch) and wait your turn... the queue starts to form as early as 6.30pm. Good dishes and young and very approachable waiters. They also sell quality Ligurian products. Recommended 👍 (Original) Ristorante nella zona portuale consigliato da un signore di Genova incontrato per caso al porto. Necessità della prenotazione via messaggio il giorno precedente, altrimenti bisogna mettersi in fila dalle ore 19 ( il pranzo non saprei) e aspettare il proprio turno...la fila già alle 18:30 comincia a formarsi. Piatti buoni e camerieri giovani e molto alla mano. Vendono anche prodotti liguri di qualità. Consigliato 👍

(Translated by Google) For goodness sake. I ordered fried calamari, which was served floating in oil... I felt nauseous all day. Never again! (Original) Per carità. Ho ordinato una frittura di calamari che mi è stata servita galleggiante nell'olio... Ho avuto nausea tutto il giorno. Mai più!

(Translated by Google) Good focaccia with the possibility of transporting it by plane in a vacuum! (Original) Focaccia buona con possibilità di trasportarla in aereo sotto vuoto!

This is a restaurant with a higher price but the food you are getting is really worth it. We went there on Friday evening without reservation but if you're trying to go there on Saturday, make a reservation before. One of the best in Genova

Great atmosphere. Service could have been better ; we did not like the way the waiters threw the menus on the table !!! Food was average for the price but the wine was great . We dined inside looking back we should asked for a table outside. We might go again just to do that.

Delicious seafood. Good sized wine list. Wine by the glass is not a thing here.

An excellent gourmet restaurant! I ordered a soup and fish ravioli sauce with scampi and they were delicious. The service was great.

We made the wrong choice of grilled steak which was chewy. But good burrata and beer. Probably better pastas and seafood.

Very poor service and just above average food. This place was recommended to us as a "must try". However, the food was just above average but the pesto for example was very salty. Worst thing was the lack of service, throwing menu's on the table, sighing when asked for allergy information and an overal lack of care. Getting drinks was a challenge as the waitress was not really looking after the tables and was basically running of after one of us asked for a drink without waiting for the others to order. We felt like she just wanted to get this night over with. Overall, I would have rated the service with zero stars if possible.

My partner and I visited Santa Teresa for dinner on a Monday evening in October, after finding it was featured in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list of restaurants for Genoa. First, the food - both my cod and my partner's gnocchi were very good, obviously freshly and carefully prepared by the chef (well done!), and the local white wine to go with the dishes was excellent too. When it comes to the service, our waitress was welcoming, but did not speak much English and seemed a bit distracted, also, when we got to the hotel I realised that we'd been charged extra for a coffee. Another thing to note is that the prices are over 30% higher than the surrounding restaurants and seeing that we paid 75 euros for just two mains, two glasses of wine, bottled water and a coffee (well - two coffees, one of which we didn't really have), we feel like the meal was not the best value for money and we wouldn't be in a hurry to return (even though we really enjoyed the food, especially the 'gnocchi scampi').

We had a wonderfully delicious experience at this restaurant - I highly appreciate that they found 2 spots for us on a very busy Saturday evening. We had the minestrone, pesto gnocchi & fish tagliatelle as well as the desserts. Everything exceeded our expectations and also thumbs up for the wine house which in other places would be crappy but here it was quite good. We paid 46 for all this, a more than fair price. The staff was polite and super efficient. All in all, a 10/10 and would definitely recommend and come back, the atmosphere is authentic and we enjoyed it immensely.

Unreal good food. They sure know for the pesto, and the gnocchi pesto was terrific. Ravioli with like a bolegnese sauce was amazing. Also had a pasta stuffed with spinach with a walnut sauce. Table wine was terrific. Had to have the caramel crème, which was like a mix of tres leches and crème brûlée. Anyone that noted about this place, goes there to eat. Get there early if you have several people in your party…but enjoy it, you will!

A super busy restaurant, we managed to be get a place by the bar without a reservation for lunch. Food was tasty, especially loved the anchovies with vinegar in the starter dish. The decoration was very memorable👍

We came back here twice because we couldn’t get in on our first day — and I have to say, it was absolutely worth it! Great service, and the only thing better than the food was their house white wine. Don’t miss it if you’re in the area!

The place had an unpleasant smell, and they charged €8 for stale old bread. The pesto tasted oddly like cucumber. Honestly, it was the worst dining experience — I felt uncomfortable and just wanted to leave. I don’t understand the hype around such mediocre food. Unfortunately, it was the only place open at the time, but even a kebab would’ve been a better choice than those anchovies. Really really disappointed🥲

We were unable to get a table on our first night in Genova but did reserve for our second night. So glad we were able to have the chance to have a meal here. We were seated outside which was a great way to experience the old port. We loved the fried sardines apetizer and were able to try pansotti (filled with spinach) in sugo di noci (walnut cream sauce). The gnocchi was pillowy soft and the pesto fresh and vibrant!

It's a small kinda local? Kinda tourist trap place, we went there with no reservations and were rejected, it seems they only accept new guests who have made reservations before, no you cannot stand and wait for a table to get empty. We fixed a time for the next day and finally got in, it's small with limited seating option, tables are small and you won't get enough space, neither the table nor the chairs. Their restaurant looks nice and old and visually appealing but don't expect a relaxed night there. Their menu is also small, we tried to get a variety of options, the first meal stuffed cabbage and veggie Tagliatelle with meat sauce, the meat in stuffed cabbage wasn't purely meat and it was a meatball mixed with breadcrumbs, it tasted completely what you would expect, minced meatballs wrapped in cabbage not very special. The tagliatelle was much better, had a nice tangy sauce and the texture of freshly made pasta was smooth and well cooked. For our second meal we got cuttle fish stew and beef stripe in wine sauce, the fish wasn't pleasant, it tasted awfully fishy and this comes out from a guy who loves seafood and eats literally anything, maybe their fish was a bit stale and old? The beef wasn't my thing either, it resembled boiled cut of meat with a wine glazed sauce and onions, it tasted ok but not what i expected. You should also keep in mind that their portions are terribly small and you won't get full even after the two meal course. Their staff is friendly and helpful, they even have english menu but don't expect them to be able to explain everything in fluent english, so communication could be a bit of a problem. Overall not a bad experience but i won't recommend the place, there are much better, less expensive places with far more flavorful food in the town. Before i get out of the restaurant, i also tried to give them another chance and bought their pesto lasagna to taste. It was a really small portion for 10 euro (it's plain lasagna and pesto sauce) but it was amazing, it was one of the most delicious things i ate in Genoa and if you are planning to go to this restaurant, i definitely recommend trying their pesto, it was so creamy and fine. It had a nice balance of garlic taste and sourness, you could taste how fresh it was made and it definitely makes a difference, the only complain would be the small portion.

Tasty, very good price, friendly waiter. But I had little 1 napkins, after seafood, the hands are very dirty, you need a lot of napkins and dry and wet. And there was no waste plates.

Conveniently located close to the waterway. Simple access to the aquarium and other tourist sites. This small, modest restaurant provides tasty food for a reasonable price. There is nothing overly fancy about the place, so don't expect fine dining. Poke bowls were very good, as were the assorted deep fried fish bits. Dinner for 2 with aqua was 39 euros. Washrooms were clean, and service was prompt. This is a high value for money restaurant.

Taste-wise the panini were awesome. The octopus was tender and very juicy. Only downside of the place, its price. 10€ for a sandwich is a tad too much. Nonetheless it's worth it.

My husband and I split the vegetarian salad and large fried shrimp. The salad was huge, and all the veggies were really fresh for €6.50. The lemon pepper "sauce" was tasty. There were 18 shrimp in the large order for €11. They are served head-on but shelled except for the tail. Shrimp were lightly breaded and cooked well. We had two small Cokes which was almost as much as the huge salad. Fast service.

Good fish burger but might be consider expensive. However, the portion is big enough for the price so still worth it though! Highly recommended for this shop if you are nearby.

Not so tasty, especially spritz basilico i really didn't like. Food is okay but you can find smth better here

Perfect lunch option! Convenient location and easy self-service concept (very appropriate for seaside). Only tried their sandwiches with glasses of wine. Their raw tuna is a MUST! Did not get a chance to sample their fried seafood with the traditional chickpea flour. Will return and highly recommend!

Truly one of my favorite places I’ve ever eaten at. Even my dad who is famous for saying that things always taste “fine” said it was delicious. The service was fantastic, and everyone was so nice. I will definitely be trying to come back here while on my trip.

Went last year for my sisters birthday and I still think of this place. The food was absolutely delicious, the atmosphere was warm and inviting and above all the service was phenomenal. The staff were so friendly and we even took pictures with the chef and owner❤️❤️❤️😘

Amazing food and amazing service! The owner was present throughout the evening, helping wherever needed and chatting with both staff and guests. You can tell he truly cares about the restaurant — and the flavors proved it as well.

All appetizer is great, especially the salmon is gorgeous. Service is really professional and so friendly. Nice find near to our stay.

We dined at Zeffirino Genova on June 30th during the second stop of our cruise, and the experience was unforgettable. The food was absolutely delicious, and we were treated to a special pesto-making class led by an executive chef. He demonstrated how to make traditional pesto from scratch and transform it into fresh pasta right before our eyes. For our meal, we were served a beautifully prepared fish dish topped with nuts and accompanied by potatoes. The ravioli and linguine with pesto were simply perfecto—rich in flavor and full of class. To end on a sweet note, we were given a complimentary dessert that tasted like a wine or rum cake—moist, flavorful, and the perfect finish to a sophisticated and memorable dining experience.

As an Italian, food isn't just nourishment, but an experience, and, if you happen to find yourself in Genoa, then you must experience the gem that is Zeffirino. Genoa being the home of pesto, I'd recommend you try the Mendilli de saea al pesto Genovese (recommended to me by a local I bumped into on the way to the restaurant). A culinary delight that will truly tantalise your tastebuds and leave you wanting to return. Thank you Marco Zeffirino Belloni.

Stoped here since it was a quick walk from our hotel. Octopus terrific and pasta was well done. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

Amazing place with super friendly staff! They even offered to split our pizzas so we could try both kinds — such a thoughtful gesture. Great service, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend!

We ordered two pizzas – the Pisacane and the Federica. The allergens were clearly marked on the menu, which was really helpful, and the Federica pizza is made with whole wheat dough, which was a nice touch. We waited around 20 minutes to get a table, but it was absolutely worth it. The service, the staff, and their overall positivity were outstanding! We can’t wait to come back again!

The pizzas here are massive, but wouldn’t say that they are too much for one person. The tiramisu is amazing, must try if you’re looking for a good tiramisu en Genova. Be sure to get there early or make a reservation because it will get crowded, specially on a Friday night (which is when I went)

Very good and well Priced food. The portions are big and fulfilling. There is a big selection of pizzas and the tiramisu is also very delicious. The staff is very nice and are always polite. But be aware not all of the servers speak English

Filipo was wonderful. Friendly, energetic and very helpful when it came down to order. What he recommended was outstanding ! We loved the place. Delicious food !! We will back for sure !!!

One of the most original and best pizza I've eaten

Spectacular pizza! Staff didn't speak more than three words of English, you can tell that this is where the locals eat. 20 minutes queue on a Monday. Pizza is cooked to perfection with rich toppings

This restaurant was recommended to me personally by Jack Savoretti. One of his favourite places to eat when visiting Genoa. We liked it too and would recommend to anyone who loves eating fresh fish by the sea.

I had my first meal in Italy here the people the atmosphere not to mention the food! It is truly a experience I will cherish forever.

Cater for allergies, Delicious food. Friendly staff and great atmosphere

Amazing place. The food, the atmosphere, the people, the service, everything is perfect. The ACCIUGHE FRITTE are to die for, le pesto is unbelievable This is one of the best restaurants we fing in Genova

Nice place by the sea. Good food and friendly staff. 👍👍👍

Pleasant location. We were in search of a half decent restaurant to have our lunch, decided to choose this place due to its 4.3 star rating. However, we were left very unsatisfied by the slow service, poor food and pricey menu (for what you got)

delicious meals, very friendly place and smiling team

The food was not good, the service was meh (maybe except the chef - he was passionate). Saddens me to leave 2 stars, I had very high expectations of the place, but I was majorly disappointed, especially given the other reviews (4.8 at the time of writing)

A truly professional restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff were kind and attentive, and it was clear that passion and respect for quality ingredients are at the heart of what they do. A genuine dining experience where craftsmanship really shines — highly recommended.

This was above and beyond and I know seafood being from New Orleans. I could taste the Ligurian Sea. Every bite was made with heart and soul. The Chef was king of the kitchen and the entire dining experience. The service was impeccable. Best sea urchins ever. See for yourself - look at my pictures. Just left there totally satisfied, in heaven and sad to leave the Genova experience which you will not have unless you top it off with Alla Lunga Ristorante. Totally AMAZEBALLS.

We were very lucky to walk in without a reservation and got the last table. It’s a beautiful restaurant with a nice, relaxed and classy atmosphere. Excellent welcome , service and explanation of the options, ingredients , wine choices. We opted for the classic menu and it was a real adventure and exploration of the sea! Loved it!

We had a lovely dinner. We didn't have a reservation, but they were able to seat us right away. They helped us choose a bottle of local wine to accompany our meal and offered a small bite to start the meal. Overall, it was delicious food and wonderful service!

Came here on my birthday because of the reviews and I must say it was a very beautiful culinary experience! A lot of unique flavors for a good price (Per person we had 3 courses + drinks for +- €50 pp). The bread is also amazing and the service is very quickly. I recommend the chocolate cake as dessert. Would definitely come back here if I visit Genoa again.

Best meal in Italy. Seafood is delicious here. The sea urchin pasta is great. Staff was super attentive and friendly. English menu and wait staff spoke perfect English. A must in Genova.

Hidden gem basic trattoria in the centre of Genoa. Staple dishes with real flavour and big portions! The best is the incredibly reasonable prices. Take away options too.

If you want to taste the real cuisine of this city, then you are here! It will not be like in a restaurant, you have to stand in line and bring your own plastic plates, you can choose a table yourself. But it's worth it! All people are polite and nice. We ordered 4 dishes and paid 26 €!!! In one place you need to order drinks, and in the other take food, do not get confused! I like fancy restaurants, BUT highly recommend this local place ❤️

Very nice and well priced cocktails, with free snacks. Also the waiters are very polite and the atmosphere is alive in the night.

No frills tasty food for a fair price with good service in a beautiful location. I couldn’t decide on a dish and the man behind the counter let me taste a few first. Clearly some locals/regulars eating there as well. As a tourist it’s exactly the type of place you want to find amongst a sea of overpriced mediocre restaurants!

Super good food, my family were happy!

This place is worth finding. Counter service is a bit chaotic but all of the staff are quite friendly and helpful. There are several tables both inside and out. Drivers will want to use one of the parking lots outside the ZTL and it's a ten minute walk from most of the garages.

We arrived when the restaurant opened and within minutes all tables were occupied. The place to have lunch in Genoa. Everything is good, especially the meatballs and pesto lasagne. The outside square is welcoming refreshing with its shade from the tall surrounding buildings.

Get the cinnamon gelato!!!!! Came here twice during my time in Genoa because the gelato was so good!! €3 for two scoops and I received generous portions both times. The first time I had stracciatella (the creamiest gelato I've possibly ever had) and pear (such a strong natural flavour!). And the second time I had hazelnut (a subtle flavour) and cinnamon (it sounds like it would be a very overpowering flavour, but its literally the best flavour I've ever had - 100% recommend).

We ordered 3 gelato cones, as pictured. They were good value for money, we paid 5 euro for the gourmet cones and the gelato is both delicious and plentiful! I would defo recommend and would return again for sure, yum and thanks!!

The ice cream is good, especially Lindor, but the service is terrible. I've been there three times and not once has any employee even smiled. The ice cream melts in seconds and costs 4.5 euros.

Wow, the vegan ice cream is so good! Majority of gelaterias have sorbets which are vegan, but here I found dark chocolate, pistacchio and nocciola :)

Skip and walk to another nearby gelateria. Bland gelato and bad service. The gelato itself lacked flavor and the serving size didn’t make up for it. The pistachio was creamy but had minimal flavor or saltiness, you can find better at the supermarket. The mint granita sadly was a toxic green sludge, artificial syrup, tasted of toothpaste and was discarded after tasting. The service was bad, attitude by the girl aside, she laid the gelato scoop like a true amateur, plopped it longways so it would melt all over my hand before I even got outside, that is careless, has she ever seen someone serve gelato before? Yikes.

Loved it. My favourites were yogurt and dark cioccolato. Don't take cone unless you are prepared to lick it very fast😄, it is a challenge to eat it without a mess

Very tasty, I really recommend 😋

The best focaccia in Genova! I tried two varieties and they were hot and fresh and delicious!! A great price too. The location is in a typical narrow alley of Genova, and as a popular place it does get a little crowded in the area, but well worth it! No seating but the steps of San Lorenzo aren’t far to have a sit while to eat. Highly recommend!

Loved the place! We tried the traditional Pandolce Genovese and also there was one with another flavor so tried both and loved it. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was very welcoming and lovely. Would definitely recommend!

the focaccia was amazing, honestly some of the best i’ve ever had. the desserts were great too. prices are a bit high but you definitely pay for quality. there was a long queue (peak time) but it moved fairly quickly. the real issue is that the place is tiny, so while you’re stuck in line you can’t really see what’s on display. by the time it’s your turn you basically have to order on the spot without having had the chance to look properly. i get decision fatigue with too many options and i think that’s what led to some confusion. i ended up with two focaccia di recco instead of the pesto one i really wanted, even though i pointed it out while ordering. a shame, but the focaccia i did get was still excellent. i’m literally still thinking about it. as for desserts, the mattonella was tasty but a little dry. if you’re choosing something sweet, i’d recommend the baci di dama. those were excellent.

Incredible focaccias! You can’t miss it as the queue outside might be very long :)

Hands down the best foccacia I’ve ever had! Flaky on the outside and super fluffy on the inside - just perfect! I’d highly recommend the plain foccacia - it’s so popular so likelihood is you’ll always get a slice that is fresh from the oven.

I want the recipes. The focaccia was AMAZING!!! Definitely not the regular pizza dough type you find elsewhere. It was so soft and delicious, with homey flavors and not overly thick. One of the kind shopkeepers explained everything I wanted to know (in italian) about the typical types and toppings associated with Genoa - not being local, I wanted to try what they eat most. She explained with such enthusiasm that I was ready to buy one of each 😂. Amazing service, amazing taste and amazing prices. The regular price is about 10-15 euros for a kilo depending on the toppings. Trust them to help you choose without questioning. I tried the classic (a must!) , pesto and cheese, chickpea flour one with onions (farinata, not a focaccia), and some tomato-prosciutto one (family member wanted it, not a typical genovese pick). In total it cost 13 euros - so like 3euros a piece. The rest of the pastries seemed so enticing as well. I wanted to go back but sadly I could only see Genoa for a day 🥲. 10/10 want them to open more locations throughout Italy.

To be honest, I feel bad writing a review that may drive more business to this place.. they always have a line and it is always the best. Our host told us about it and we went several times during our visit. You every walk around new cities and see places that are deserted when other have long lines.. that is because locals know.. and this is one of those "long lines" places that is always worth it!

Spectacular food! Classy low key sophistication. Their pesto pastas are incredible. Friendly team.

Great restaurant. Recommended by the booked-up restaurant down the block. Wonderful authentic Genoa pesto. I got a gigantic steak that was cooked perfectly. The fish that my wife got was on too. Not as good as the steak though. Super friendly staff in an intimate setting.

Really tasty food at great prices. Everything seems like high quality.

A small friendly place tacked away in a narrow alley. The food was delicious and extremely delicate and well balanced. The service matched.

Food and wine was good. Coffee was terrible

Great food and service. Generous portions and great wine selection. Recommended! 👌🏾

Try to find the shrimp in the 'Shrimp' Risotto. Only Fanta and Coca-Cola as non alcoholic drinks. Tasteless food, ok service.

Absolutely loved our experience here. We made reservations through Google which was very convenient. At first I was skeptical that it would get noticed but Bella Bu was so quick in making it happen. The food was so delicious and I appreciate that the menu offers options for those very hungry to not so hungry. It was all in all a great experience with a wonderful atmosphere. Staff was exceptional too. 👌🏽

A restaurant or bar hidden in the alley. Honestly I’m already had a dinner before visit here, just walking around and walk inside, attracted by the menu and wine selection. The squid is fresh enough to match with the orange seasoning. Meet unexpectedly but surprised my night.

Highly recommend this spot for unpretentious and excellent Ligurian-inspired cuisine. Excellent Negroni and Caipirinha(!) The tapas portions are generous: eggplant sticks dusted with cornmeal and fried well dipped in herby tzatziki, perfectly battered and fried fiori di zucca with gazpacho, squid panzanella with nicely balanced acidity, and a polpo corn taco. Spaghetti alle vongole was a perfect primi and altogether was super filling. Amazing sorbettos to finish. Outdoors is a construction site but still pretty quiet and nice after dusk. 100€ with 2 drinks each for 2ppl.

Bella Bu Bistrot is a hidden gem in the heart of Genova. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, blending a charming vintage style with a relaxed, modern vibe. The menu is thoughtfully curated with fresh, local ingredients—each dish feels homemade, but with a creative twist that makes it stand out. Perfect spot for food lovers looking to enjoy Genova beyond the usual tourist paths!

Great food, wine and service! Highly recommend!

Great place with a good selection of tapas and cocktails

We ate from the tapas menu and it’s was amazing.. The fried and sour squid salad is a must, but to be truthful it was all great. Wonderful location and the service is excellent .

It is a historical caffe/kondotorei in Genova. They have done a very good renovation project keeping the original feeling and atmosphere. Good service. Cappuccino could have been better, honestly I had better cappuccino in Genova. Good filled croissant.

Ask for the “Torta Zena”, the tradicional. I’m not a cake guy I can eat 10 of it. And of course, caffè They speak Spanish and English as well.

Nice pasticceria with delicious treats and friendly service. Vegetable milk options available which are not often easy to find in here!

Super expensive! I could not believe that I had to pay 10€ for 2 coffees and 2 croissants at the counter! I think it is a bit out of touch, especially as the patisserie is not produced in house anymore, like it was done with the previous management. Previously everythink was baked daily above the cafè, now they seems to bake somewhere else outside town and then they deliver to the shop.

Tourist friendly. As in overpriced.. £5 for two cups of apple juice... they said they made it, but it tastes like it came out of a packet.

A traditional old pasticceria. Go in and enjoy the past time.

Superb address in Genova to go in order to eat a really tasty and good cakes or ice cream. I highly recommend the piece called "Gelato Portantur" that is extremely good (local speciality here and kind of mix between a gelato and a proper cake). I was lucky to meet and discuss directly with the pastry chef/owner of the shop (who is French like me), he was super nice to me and he explained a bit to me the story of this pastry, which is the oldest and most famous pastry in Genova. The chef also owns the other pastry called Douce Patisserie Café located nearby in the city. Anyway, I recommend this place for a nice pastry while walking/discovering the city. Moreover, it's really a popular spot for locals and Italian people.

So glad we found this restaurant! You can tell Chef George puts in his heart in preparing every meal. The octopus is fresh and tender. So is iberico pork - tender and flavorful. The prawns on rice is umami and a delight for the eyes. Chef George shares generously on how he makes his black focaccia ( the best I’ve had on this trip). Will come back again if I return to Genoa. 👍👍👍

Definetaly a 5 star dining experience. Food quality is above expectations, service is friendly with good recommendations both on food and wines. On the negative side: avoid seats next to the rest room; the songs playlist is way too short, it repeats in about an hour:) Prices are generous for such quality. Highly recommended place. Do not worry, it is a bit hidden after a narrow alley, but it is a safe place.

One of the most amazing and authentic restaurants you can find in Genova. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients that change depending on the time of year, ensuring a unique and delightful experience every visit. The owner is exceptionally kind and welcoming, making you feel right at home. Highly recommended for anyone seeking genuine flavors and warm hospitality.

A gem in Genoa. The staff and crew are excellent. Davide is always there to greet and explain the menu and specials. I’ve eaten here four times in last few months and each time is a treat. The octopus on mashed potatoes is excellent. I’ve had it three times! Everything was cooked perfectly. One of my favorites when I’m in Genoa.

A fantastic restaurant. The chief is amazing and is making a show out of everything. Even with his limited English he explained very well the menu making a show out of it. Every dish is a class of its own, fresh, nicely created and very delicious. Fish is very fresh, excellent! Especially the dessert was amazing.

Excellent restaurant in the heart of Genova. The owner is very polite and translated the whole menu for us and served a perfect matching wine. The restaurant is located on a very cosy place. The food is very good. I would recommend this to place to everybody visiting Genova.

Beautiful, quiet location. Very friendly staff, a multilingual chef willing to translate the menu for us, and the best Lobster Ravioli I've ever had. Great meals, great presentation for modest prices. Definitely a hidden gem in Genova.

I think this was the best fried fish/octopus/everything else I ever had. Fresh fish, good service. This will be the first place I am going to stop when coming back in Genova. Love it!!! I tried others but nothing close to this incredible flavour. Congrats! Amazing!

Delicious fried treats. The panissa (fried chick pea dough) are super good and unique. The seafood is all super fresh and tasty. The shrimp are peeled before frying and the anchovies are fillets (no bones). The veggie balls are like hush puppies. Service super friendly and very fast. Take your cone full of fried goodness and go down to the bay for a nice little lunch spot.

Wonderful street sea food comes! I got the mixed cup with everything and it was all excellent. My girlfriend liked the fried dough fritters so much that we had to go back and get her her own cone!

Absolutely excellent, service was great and the meal was ready really fast. The sea food tasted fresh and the personnel were really welcoming. Only feedback is that maybe portions are a bit small for the price :)

Excellent fritti, one of the best i’ve ever eaten ❤️❤️ try the cono calamari, with the chickpea sticks, it’s a cool side thing. The guys in the bodega are so friendly. Actually, this small street food place is a must if you’re walking around the centro storico of Genova!

The personnel at the booth was friendly and inviting. The portion was a little smaller than expected but it was really fresh, tasty and did not feel greasy at all even though it was a fried dish. Would definitely visit again.

Really nice seafood. We had it as a quick snack and then we’re heading out for dinner.

Perfect for a quick, filling snack. I had a classic focaccia Genovese but the highlight was the Focaccia Di Recco filled with cheese and absolutely dripping in oil. Delicious.

This was recommended by the YouTube channel ( Pasta Grammar ). I was planning on just ordering the plain focaccia but a local intercepted me and said the best focaccia was the one with onion. I took their recommendation and it was a good choice. I can imaging if this was local to me I would be a regular patron. You can't go wrong for a quick bite here.

Amazing focaccia Great coffee Lovely person serving Table outside and street musician playing Italian

It’s one of the most iconic places to get focaccia in Genoa. Highly recommend!

Delicious foccacia! I tried two types: the normal and cheese. Both were delicious in their own way. I highly recommend.

A lot of people asked me to try the focaccia from here.well i can tell you it is tasty however not as much as i expected, maybe another day will be better or maybe it was baked unwell that day, therefore i am giving 4 stars as it's a very old place for the 30's which is will be unfair from my side to judge as well, place is cosy, staff are super gentile and kind, inside decorating is perfect for such a focacceria corner.location is super perfect as it is inside a shopping street.

It might be a good place if you speak Italian, but if you don't speak Italian the staff were unhelpful and ignored you. I showed my number to get service when my number appeared on the screen, they didn't look at it or even make eye contact with me. Even though the place wasn't that crowded, they were talking rudely to each other even though I was one of five customers waiting to be served.

Had an early dinner here, including chickpea dishes and anchovies. Very yummy! Unfortunately the shop, as tourists, ripped us off, because it ‘rounded up’ our bill by a few euros more than it should have been.

Best faina and pasqualina ever! Fresh food! If you want to try real Ligurian food for a good price, this is the place. It’s more like a take away restaurant. They cook is super nice, very good service. They open a little late.

The food was excellent and also the host.

Terrible service. The place should be open at 09:30, but it never is at least until 10. Even after I was standing there for a long time after 09:30, and the guy saw me, he didn't serve me saying that if he serves me, that would mean he needs to start his working day (which had already started)

It's very local, street food-y, tasty and cheap. The waiter is kind. Nice and authentic.

True local food. Foccacia, frittata, anchoives. Nice authentic Genova

Friendly faves and amazing Farinata

Antico Forno della Casana isn’t just about great focaccia — it’s about genuine hospitality. I reached out to place an order for late pickup, and they were incredibly accommodating and responsive. The focaccia was, of course, amazing — golden, fresh, and deeply flavorful. But what stood out most was their kindness and availability, making the whole experience feel personal and appreciated. Highly recommend not only for the food, but for the warmth behind the counter. Grazie mille!

Great little bakery with the best focaccia! It was still slightly warm, crisp, chewy yet soft! The staff spoke English and were very helpful.

Visited after saw recommendation on a You Tube video and boy did not disappoint. Described as the best focaccia and farinata in town and cannot disagree. Both excellent, the farinata is nothing like I have enjoyed before. Super friendly staff and very reasonable priced.

We had four slices of mixed focaccia. Best ever.

The best focaccia fromagio Ive had!

One of my favorite bakery places among those I've visited in all of Italy. Everything is so fresh, you can smell things baking from blocks away and get lured in by the aromas alone. Very good focaccia. We picked some up to eat along the street headed back to our apartment, and then used the rest to make toasted avocado focaccia for our daughters. Awesome!

Absolutely beautiful, so fresh, delicate and light tasting. The prices are ridiculous for the quality you get. Absolutely outstanding, I will be visiting everyday whilst I'm in Genoa.

The dessert with powder sugar was fantastic!!! Canola,too! Just go :-) All was all for 9,5 €

Great bakery and really amazing focaccia.

Truly some of the best focaccia I’ve ever had!

We tried different foccacia, the best for me was with cheese and chickpeas flour. Small place, but locals are coming here to eat, so it says that the place is high quality :)

Great place to buy food to takeaway. Very nice people who endured my Italian and only helped with my Italian and didn't spoil it by speaking in English. Thank you

Great great place and the nicest lady ever, probably she is the owner of the place! She speaks with so much passion about the bakery you feel like buying the whole place. Really worth the visit.

Absolutely amazing crostata limone I have had and so many other tasty pastries and focaccia!!

Okay cocktail place. They have a large offering of cocktails, but none of it is super exciting. Atmosphere and ambiance is good with a nice outside terrace in a busy alley, making it great for people watching. Also, for some reason the serving personnel are not super eager or proactive to take an additional order after the first one. I think we sat there for a full 15 minutes with empty glasses, before we decided to ask for the menu ourselves. Maybe this is an Italian thing...?

Very nice place, fast service, delicious snacks. By the way, they offered us one unique cheese there - I really liked. the cocktail menu is wide, the presentation of cocktails is beautiful. Thank you, I highly recommend it

We came here a little later than 9pm and still got the snacks which are normally only available from 6-9pm, that was very nice! The cocktails we had were good, especially the piña colada and the sex on the beach! They also looked very nice. The waiter was also very friendly.

Service was great. Very friendly. The drinks were good however a little bit expensive.

Cocktails were okay and fast. Food was the worst we had in very long time… ordered the tártaro di carne, tártaro di gamberetti and one bruschetta. The gamberi were awful, no dressing, no seasoning no nothing… just a gamberi slime The bruschetta was no more than a slice of bread, not even toasted with tomato and artichoke The beef tartar was the best but not even tasty, just okay

Perfect apéritif place. Great service, lovely cocktails and yummy bites.

I had an orange something cocktail and it was genuinely the best cocktail I’ve ever had. Trust me.

I have been buying their focaccia for the past 30+ years . Simply the best . When I travel to Genoa from the UK it is one of my mandatory stops .

Best focaccia in Genua. During our stay we bought this focaccia everyday. Very sweet owners!

Closed until September. Have been closed since July. My two week visit to Genoa wasn't long enough. A little sad

Top!

Maybe the best focaccia in Genoa...

One of the best focaccia in Genoa!!!

Best focaccia in town

A nice place to have a great meal by the port. We tried lots of dishes and they were fresh and tasty. They have a kids menu which is not very common in restaurants here. I didn't like the fact that we need to walk all around the store to go to the restaurant, it also doesn't look/feel authentic, but the food and service was really good.

Wanted vegan apperativo by the bay and we got that. One would think for such a global brand, that Eataly would clearly marked their vegan options, but not. Neverthess, we had a decent tomato salad and hummus board. Nothing special unfortunately. It was fresh enough and was a good stop gap before dinner.

I ordered the pizza with vegetables. It was good. The merchandise they have for sale is superb. Only the best.

Definitely a place to enjoy a decent meal. We stayed in Genova two nights and ate each night our dinner there. Food was great both evening. Lovely atmosphere and view overlooking the marina. Food is usually expensive in Italy so can’t complain.

I've now been to 3 different Eataly's and this place was the most modest. I was very pleased to find Eataly by chance very close to where we parked. This place seems to be a franchise. Foodcwas cold,

I tried the Parma pizza at Eataly in Genoa: it was good, but honestly, I expected something more impressive given the reputation of the place. The ingredients are clearly high quality: the Parma ham is flavorful and properly aged, the mozzarella is creamy, and the crust is light and crisp, just as you'd expect from a proper pizza al tagliere. Still, the overall combination felt a bit too safe. It lacked that extra touch or twist that would make it truly stand out: maybe something fresher or more aromatic to elevate the flavors. It’s the kind of pizza that’s solid and well-made, but not particularly memorable. All in all, a good experience, but I walked in with higher expectations.

Came here a few times for coffee, spritz, and food as we visited the port. Food was good and service was excellent!

I liked not only the food, very taste, also the concept of a place with the ambition to be sustainable and environmental friendly. I am still sorry for the many chickens though. I recommend a bigger choice for vegetarian.

This Italian street food restaurant is a cozy and welcoming spot. The staff are very friendly, creating a relaxed atmosphere from the start. The interior design is democratic and simple, which matches the casual street food concept well. The chicken is especially good — flavorful and satisfying — and you can enjoy it with a nice view of the lively street outside. Prices are moderate, making it easy to stop by for a casual meal without overspending. Overall, it’s a great place if you’re looking for tasty Italian street food served with a smile in a laid-back setting.

Burgers weren’t good. Fries were « okay ». Coke was not cold but hot so bad. Will not come back nor recommend.

The service was great, the food tasted good, + the seating was comfortable. Thank you for providing a great experience for me + my family.

Excellent free range chicken dishes. My wife had the large chicken salad with fries. I had half a spicy marinade chicken with onion rings. Both had a beer, soft drinks also available. Super friendly staff and spotlessly clean casual eating space. Also windows open for fresh air, and outdoor seating available as well. Very good value and generous portions. Lots of meal deals and 10% off many too. Very nice experience.

Ive eaten expensive and cheap in Italy, but this is just the best place to grab a meal, whole chicken for 12 euros is enough food for 2 people, also you can order like half a chicken spicy and other half classic. Tastes amazing, 5/5 , eaten there multiple times.

Okay food at an okay price. The Beyond burger was otherwise good but had a really thick and bland bun and the ”maxi size” Caesar salad was quite small and the dressing didn’t really taste like a Caesar dressing. Not sure if it was supposed to but anyway. Bonus points for all-you-can-drink still and sparkling water for 50 cents.