2 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.