The Best Restaurants in Genoa, Italy

In the centre of Genoa, a few steps from the historic Via Garibaldi, this restaurant’s focus on seasonality, regionality and commitment to the freshest flavours shines through. Consisting of several small and pretty dining spaces on different levels, lending the modern fare an intimate setting, the emphasis is again on freshly hauled fish and seafood. However, locals also flock here for any of the truffle or mushroom-based dishes that may (or may not) be on the ever-changing menu.

Literally meaning crushed salt (salt being in plentiful supply in Genoa), this gorgeous building was once a salt market during the ancient republic of Genoa, which then expanded to sell bread and wine, too. This is now a landmark trattoria, which serves Genoese classics such as seppie con piselli (cuttlefish with peas) and is famous for its Genoese farinata (chickpea flour flatbread), served in antique pans. Make sure you try the addictive, creamy pesto, too.

Another legendary local trattoria, this buzzy place is full of intimate nooks and crannies for tucking into all the local specialties, such as pesto and salt cod. But the atmosphere has an allure and charm that set it apart from other nearby offerings. In a side street off the Piazza de Ferrari in central Genoa, it’s very popular with local diners, so you should book ahead for an evening sitting.

This relative newcomer has bright and modern decor with a trendy, high-end feel, yet just enough rustic, Genoese chaos to lend it an air of authenticity. The dishes range from traditional Genoese fare done really well to adventurous new flavours, always following seasonality and, wherever possible, a preference towards using organic ingredients. The bucatini al pepe (pasta with freshly ground black pepper) is simple and delightful, and just try not to order seconds on their pavlova desserts.

At this Michelin-star restaurant, you and your credit card can indulge in both refined gourmet dishes, tasting menus, finger food and a much-recommended long aperitivo (a favourite Italian pastime). With head chef Ivano Ricchebono at the helm, the beautiful surroundings of an old Doria palace make the perfect backdrop for the exquisite food and service, with the duck and pine nut tortellini being particularly memorable.

Genoa hasn’t much bought into the industrial, edgy vibes characterising hipster spots in Hackney or Berlin. But this lively restaurant close to the Piazza Dante manages to draw in some of that urban chic with Genoa’s more traditional glamour. Generous portions and friendly staff put you at ease as you munch your way through an innovative menu. Just this once, we say ignore the seafood and go for the steak, followed by a cheeky tiramisu.

Get a real taste of the port city at this innovative seafood restaurant, located between Via di Prè and Via Gramsci, near the Galata Museo del Mare maritime museum. The menu changes constantly, on the basis of the seasonal rotation and the availability of fresh vegetables and fresh ingredients. Rustic decor melds beautifully with the finesse of the food and lively atmosphere. If they’re on the menu, don’t miss the grilled squid with roasted peppers and paprika, or the warm cuttlefish salad with Sichuan pepper.

This family-run Genoese institution has been cooking in traditional, sumptuous and romantic surroundings for the past 80 years, when it was started by a family of farmers during WWII. Always synonymous with high-quality cuisine, they still adhere to cooking from everything this bountiful region supplies, with seasonal offerings and the freshest ingredients. If you order just one thing, make it the house speciality: paffutelli in vellutina di basilico. A combination of Emilian pumpkin ravioli and Genoese pansotti (a regional type of ravioli), this recipe is 50 years old and still going strong.