What to Eat and Drink in Genoa

Genoa, the capital of Liguria, is a city with a rich culinary heritage influenced by its maritime history, rugged coastal terrain, and centuries of trade. From fresh seafood and fragrant pesto to delightful pastries and unique local wines, the city offers a gastronomic experience that captures the essence of the Italian Riviera. Whether you are wandering through the charming alleys of the historic center or dining by the picturesque harbor, here’s what you should eat and drink in Genoa.

Traditional Dishes: What to Eat in Genoa

Genoese cuisine is deeply rooted in the use of fresh, simple ingredients sourced from both land and sea. The most famous dish to originate from Genoa is pesto alla genovese, a vibrant green sauce made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Traditionally, it is served with trofie, a twisted pasta shape that perfectly clings to the sauce, or trenette, a type of thin, flat pasta.

Another iconic dish is focaccia, a golden, olive oil-infused flatbread that comes in many variations. The classic focaccia genovese is crispy yet soft and slightly salted, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The famous focaccia di Recco is a unique, thin, and crispy version filled with creamy Stracchino cheese, offering a deliciously rich flavor.

Seafood lovers will enjoy cappon magro, a dish that combines seafood and vegetables in a colorful, layered presentation, often served on special occasions. If you prefer something simpler, try acciughe ripiene, stuffed anchovies, or stoccafisso accomodato, a comforting dish of stockfish cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and olives.

Other must-try dishes include pansoti, a type of stuffed pasta similar to ravioli but filled with a mixture of wild herbs and ricotta cheese, typically served with walnut sauce. For meat lovers, cima alla genovese is a traditional stuffed veal pocket filled with vegetables, eggs, and herbs, cooked slowly and served cold in slices.

Sweet Treats: Genoa’s Best Desserts

Genoa has a variety of delightful sweets that reflect its history and local ingredients. One of the most famous desserts is pandolce, a dense and aromatic sweet bread filled with raisins, candied fruit, and pine nuts. Traditionally served during Christmas, you can find it year-round in bakeries across the city.

Another local favorite is canestrelli, delicate and buttery shortbread cookies shaped like little flowers with a hole in the center and dusted with powdered sugar. These biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea.

For something richer, try sacripantina, a layered sponge cake with a creamy, rum-flavored filling. This decadent treat is often enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions.

Lovers of almond-based sweets will appreciate amaretti di Voltaggio, small, chewy almond cookies with a slightly crispy exterior. If you’re visiting in the summer, cool off with gelato alla Panera, a unique take on Italian gelato that incorporates a coffee cream.

Wine and Local Spirits: What to Drink in Genoa

While Genoa itself is not a major wine-producing city, it is surrounded by Ligurian vineyards that produce excellent wines. One of the most popular local wines is Vermentino, a crisp and aromatic white wine with citrus and floral notes, perfect for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

Another excellent white wine is Pigato, a Ligurian variety that shares similarities with Vermentino but has a more pronounced minerality and complex flavor profile. If you prefer red wine, try Rossese di Dolceacqua, a light-bodied, aromatic red with fruity and spicy notes that pairs beautifully with Ligurian cuisine.

For something truly special, taste Sciacchetrà, a rare and highly prized dessert wine produced in the Cinque Terre region. This golden, sweet wine is made from sun-dried grapes and pairs wonderfully with cheese, nuts, and Ligurian desserts.

If you’re in the mood for something stronger, try Limoncino, Liguria’s version of Limoncello, made from locally grown lemons and enjoyed as a refreshing digestive. Another local spirit to look out for is grappa di Pigato, a distilled spirit made from Pigato grape pomace, offering a strong yet smooth finish.

No trip to Genoa would be complete without tasting a Negroni sbagliato, a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail where prosecco replaces gin, making it lighter and more effervescent. This aperitivo is perfect to enjoy in one of Genoa’s scenic piazzas as you soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.