11 Best Restaurants in Genoa, The Italian Riviera

An offshoot of the highly regarded (but evenings-only) Hostaria Ducale restaurant off Piazza De Ferrari, this more casual and modern place located on the upper floor of Genoa's Mercato Orientale makes the most of the fresh produce arrayed on the stalls below. The small but select menu of meat and seafood dishes changes all the time; recent highlights include fried anchovies, ossobuco ravioli, and, for dessert, zabaglione with brioche and salted caramel. The flavors are somehow enhanced by the bird's-eye view over the busy market below.

There's a steady stream of locals of all ages at this traditional but fashionable spot on a typical vicolo of the old town. The small and reasonably priced daily menu follows the seasons, with generous portions of fish and pasta, sandwiches, vegetables, and homemade desserts.

It bills itself as a pizzeria, focacceria (endemic in these parts), and an insalateria. The pizzas are magnificent, as are their first cousins the focaccia. But if you tire of this, their salads are worth a trip in themselves. Portions are copious here. Enter hungry, exit rejoicing while perhaps believing that you ate in what once was a medieval bank (it probably was).

Imagine having a swell glass of wine (their list is beyond foolproof) in a narrow, highly vaulted hall. The space may date to the 16th century, but some experts would argue it’s earlier. No matter. Their plates of affettati misti (mixed cold cuts with trimmings) are divine. As are their lunches.

For a truly Genovese experience, this unassuming restaurant, located in the vaulted basement of an old palazzo in the heart of the centro storico between Strada Nuova and the port, is just the place. You'll find some of the best, most authentic food in the city, with a focus on fish, meat dishes, and, of course, pesto. There's an extensive choice of desserts, and they offer a take-out service, too.

An extensive and highly rated selection of burgers and pizzas is the stock-in-trade of this trendy spot buried in Genoa's caruggi (alleys). Bare brick walls hung with LP sleeves, a retro-rock soundtrack, and cheerful staff help to create a good-time feel, while the menu includes plant-based and vegan options as well as hot dogs, steaks, and salads. For liquid refreshment, you'll find a good range of craft beers, too. It stays open till midnight—later at weekends.

This cozy bistro-style restaurant located a few steps from Piazza de Ferrari is popular with locals and visitors alike for its refined, almost elegant menu of primarily seafood dishes, with a few pastas and meats. The decor is art nouveau with exposed brick walls and small, square tables. If you're unsure what to order, go with the tasting menu (€45).

At this bright and friendly trattoria with a maritime theme, you can dine on some of the city's best pesto and Ligurian dishes in a casual, comfortable setting. The staff are knowledgeable about the region's specialties and the wines on the always interesting menu, and even if you don't order a pesto dish, taste some with bread before your meal. Fried sardines, a local catch of the day, and seasonal torte (savory Ligurian pies) are menu staples. It gets very busy, so arrive early or book ahead.

The cordial welcome and meaty menu at this osteria a short walk from Brignole station have ensured its continuing popularity among locals. The traditional character is enhanced by its setting of chandeliers, bare brick walls, and shelves of wine bottles, but while the menu offers a range of steaks and Genovese favorites, there are seafood and a few novelty options, too, including prawns with cognac and orange and zebra goulash. You can sample these and other dishes on the four-course tasting menu, and check out the board of daily specials. Book early for one of the outside tables in warm weather.

With its slightly quirky but quality cuisine, attentive staff, moderate prices, and central position near Via Roma, this place ticks all the boxes for a satisfying lunchtime or evening meal-stop. The accent is firmly on seafood, often with an unusual twist, evident in such dishes as roast squid with creamed broccoli, olives, and polenta, fish soup, and grilled octopus. Nonseafood choices are available, too. The restaurant is accessed through the Best Western City Hotel, though it has no other connection to it. You can eat alfresco in the tranquil piazza in summer.

Wood paneling, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and communal tables, as well as delicious dishes, add to the old-world Genovese charm of this unassuming trattoria. It's particularly popular at lunchtime for the small menu that changes daily and includes homemade pastas, a variety of fresh seafood offerings, and perfectly baked desserts.