One of the iconic restaurants in Genoa, according to tourist reviews, is Zeffirino. The prices here are high (dinner will cost you between 60 and 150 EUR), but you can try classic Ligurian dishes prepared to perfection. It's worth mentioning that Zeffirino's pesto is supplied to the Vatican, and the restaurant has had famous clients like Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti.
At another of Genoa's best restaurants, Voltalacarta, prices are also high, but you can get a tasting menu for 20 EUR.
Home-cooked restaurants are very popular with Russian tourists holidaying in Genoa. For example, in Mario Rivaro the owners will personally serve you a hot meal and will tell the legend about the foundation of the restaurant by Columbus himself!
Da Genio Ristoranti is located in a historic building in the very centre of the city where the specialities include cod with olives, spaghetti with fish sauce and stuffed anchovies (the average bill for a meal is 20-35 EUR). Da Guglie is worth a visit for old-fashioned dishes such as artichoke pie, fish pancakes and cod.
La Berlocca has an excellent wine cellar, where you can even find rare French wine brands! By the way, Genoese wines are worth a mention. In local shops, you can find brands starting from 1.50 EUR per bottle. In trattorias and cafes in Genoa, you can try house wine for around 7 EUR per liter.
Among the affordable restaurants in Genoa, Tristano e Isotta is a pizzeria located in the historical center of Genoa (pizza will cost you around 10 EUR), and Trattoria da Maria offers a meal including risotto, soup, and wine for approximately 15 EUR.
One of the best cafés in Genoa is Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano. Be sure to order the Pistachio Torrone (a nougat with pistachios, a favourite treat of Queen Helena of Savoy) and a delicious ice cream (one scoop for 1 EUR).
Tipping in Genoa is traditional - 5-10% of the bill, if you are satisfied with the service. Though the Genoese themselves leave 1-5 EUR (5-10% rule is more meant for the tourists). If you sit at the bar, you don't have to leave a tip.
