Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Genoa, Liguria, Italy

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1. Pansotti di Sala

Handmade pasta filled with cabbage, chard, and beans, traditionally served with a walnut and sage sauce. Try it at Trattoria Delfina.

Unique Ingredient: The use of locally sourced cabbage and chard sets it apart.
Traditional Preparation: The handmade pasta and traditional sauce make for a unique flavor profile.
Limited Availability: Pansotti di Sala is a seasonal dish, typically only available from October to February.

Seafood soup made with fish, shellfish, and vegetables. A must-try at Ristorante Ascanio.

Fresh Ingredients: The use of freshly caught seafood enhances the flavor.
Rich History: Ciuppin has been a staple in Genoa since the 16th century.
Adaptable Recipe: The recipe can vary based on what seafood is available, making each Ciuppin unique.

Flatbread made with olive oil, salt, and occasionally onions. Try it at Antica Focacceria de' Sori Giacomo.

Quality Ingredients: The use of high-quality olive oil gives the focaccia a rich flavor.
Traditional Recipe: Focaccia Genovese has been made in Genoa for centuries, following a traditional recipe.
Versatile Snack: It can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.

A thick polenta made from cornmeal and chickpea flour, served with a spicy sauce. Try it at Antico Forno di via Lomellina.

Unique Ingredients: The combination of cornmeal and chickpea flour sets Panissa apart.
Hearty Meal: Panissa is a filling dish, perfect for cold winter days in Genoa.
Local Variations: Different regions of Genoa have their own unique versions of Panissa.

Almond cake filled with candied fruit and chocolate. Try it at Pasticceria Sassi.

Sweet Tradition: Torta della Nonna has been a popular dessert in Genoa for generations.
Candied Fruit: The use of candied fruit gives the cake a unique texture and flavor.
Chocolate Touch: The addition of chocolate adds richness to this traditional dessert.

A traditional Christmas dish made with various types of fish, vegetables, and spices. Try it at Ristorante Osteria dell'Antico Vinaio.

Holiday Specialty: Cappon Magro is a traditional Christmas dish in Genoa.
Complex Flavor Profile: The combination of fish, vegetables, and spices creates a complex flavor profile.
Family Cooking: Cappon Magro is often made by families for their Christmas meal.

A creamy vegetable soup made with potatoes, leeks, and herbs. Try it at Ristorante Vecio Fiaschetteria.

Creamy Texture: The use of cream gives the soup a rich, creamy texture.
Simple Ingredients: The few, simple ingredients allow the flavors to shine.
Traditional Preparation: Zuppa Genovese has been made in Genoa for centuries, following a traditional recipe.

Small pastries filled with candied fruit and chocolate. Try them at Pasticceria Crespi.

Sweet Tradition: Stochette Genovesi have been a popular dessert in Genoa for generations.
Candied Fruit: The use of candied fruit gives the pastries a unique texture and flavor.
Portable Snack: Stochette Genovesi are easy to carry and make for a convenient snack.

Spinach and cheese pie made with up to 27 layers of thin pastry dough. Try it at Pasticceria Doria.

Layered Pastries: The multiple layers give the pie a unique, flaky texture.
Traditional Recipe: Torta Pasqualina has been made in Genoa for centuries, following a traditional recipe.
Easter Specialty: Torta Pasqualina is a traditional Easter dish in Genoa.

A dessert wine made from dried Malvasia grapes. Try it at Cantina di Santa Caterina.

Unique Grapes: The use of Malvasia grapes gives the wine a unique flavor profile.
Aging Process: The aging process enhances the sweetness and complexity of the wine.
Perfect for Desserts: Sciacchetra vinsanto pairs well with rich, sweet desserts.

A simple snack made by dipping bread in sugar syrup. Try it at a local bakery.

Sweet Snack: Pan con Zucchero is a sweet, easy-to-eat snack.
Quick Preparation: The preparation of Pan con Zucchero is quick and simple.
Cultural Significance: Pan con Zucchero has been a popular snack in Genoa for centuries.

A sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Try it on pasta at Ristorante Bocadero.

Unique Ingredients: The addition of pine nuts sets Genovese pesto apart from other pestos.
Traditional Recipe: Pesto alla Genovese has been made in Genoa for centuries, following a traditional recipe.
Versatile Sauce: Pesto can be used on various dishes, not just pasta.

A warm drink made with Marsala wine, lemon liqueur, egg yolk, and whipped cream. Try it at Ristorante Osteria dell'Antico Vinaio.

Warm Drink: Bombardino is a warm, comforting drink.
Unique Ingredients: The combination of Marsala wine, lemon liqueur, and egg yolk gives Bombardino its distinctive flavor.
Limited Availability: Bombardino is typically only available in winter.

Polenta made from cornmeal and served with chestnut puree. Try it at Trattoria Vecia del Borgo.

Hearty Meal: Farinetta con Castagnasche is a filling dish, perfect for cold days in Genoa.
Unique Ingredients: The combination of polenta and chestnut puree sets Farinetta con Castagnasche apart.
Local Ingredient: Chestnuts are a common ingredient in Ligurian cuisine.

A chocolate cake made with almonds and without flour. Try it at Pasticceria Sassi.

Gluten-Free Option: Torta Caprese is a gluten-free dessert, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Unique Preparation: The absence of flour and the use of almonds give Torta Caprese its unique texture and flavor.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The rich, dark chocolate flavor is a standout feature of this dessert.