We will likely visit Genoa from SML this month. Plan to take the train and wander around and have a good lunch of local food. Sa Pesta appears to get top marks for casual dining. Any other thoughts on food or general information on where to meander?

Thanks!

Be sure to wonder around the maze of narrow lanes in the ancient part of town by the port - all scrubbed up recently - this warren of tiny lanes is the epitome of old-world charm - once a dicey area now all gussied up for tourists. There is a amazing collection of ornate palaces and houses on the hill up from town - hop a funicular there - One of Europe's largest aquariums is by the old port - a remnant of some recent world's fair or whatever.

Thanks..the caruggi of the old quarter are of prime interest to us.

What about a lunch spot?

I have these possibilities on my list:

Sa Pesta

Antica Sciamada

Raggio

Antica Osteria di Vico Palla

I need to change a train at Genoa Principe. The train arrives in Genoa around 1pm.

The Trenitalia site says there is a luggage storage at the station.

So, I am thinking of rather than just changing the train, I would stay in Genoa for a few hours to do a quick tour.

I am interested in lunch options -- especially area near or east of the station.

Do stores close between 1pm-4pm in Genoa?
I am interested in buying corzetti stamps mentioned by Fred Plotkin.
Also, I plan to pick up an Italian SIM card for my GSM phone, so I am interested in knowing if about the only thing I can do between 1pm-4pm is eating and walking around.

Greg did you see these lunch possibilities?

Plotkin gives two addresses for the corzetti stamps in Genoa. There are few people making these today--I hope they are still available!

Ekscrunchy,
The first thing I want to get a feel for is just what else is open between 1pm-4pm other than restaurants.

I am presuming restaurants are open, but not sure if I can get in at 1:30pm. Suppose the only businesses open during this time are cafe/restaurants, then I am thinking of going to a nice restaurant and use up most of this time then walk around until the stores open again around 4pm.

Since I don't have much time after 4pm until I need to catch a train to go to CT, I want to position myself after lunch to be closer to the target stores so I can buy what I want and head back to the Principe station.

How did you like the restaurants you tried? I am reading the Plotkin book to learn about menu options in Genova so I know something local to try for cases I have a lot time to eat or little time to eat (train arriving late.)

Greg: I never got to Genoa. We had planned to do a daytrip from Camogli or SML, but were so "busy" that Genoa was moved to the "future" list. I really want to return to this area..hopefully in not too long.

It sounds as if we share some common interests!

Here's a tip: For corzetti stamps, go to Franco Casoni in Chiavari and tell him you know Judy De Witt of Divina Cucina in Florence. He'll make you a custom stamp if you ask nicely.