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 one of Genoa’s best restaurants — Voltalacarta — prices are indeed high, but you can order a tasting menu for 45 EUR.
Home-style restaurants are very popular among tourists in Genoa. For example, at Mario Rivaro, the owners personally serve you hot dishes and share the legend that Columbus himself founded the restaurant!
Da Genio Ristorante is located in a historic building right in the city center. Signature dishes include cod with olives, spaghetti with fish sauce, and stuffed anchovies. The average bill for lunch is 25–40 EUR. Be sure to visit Da Guglie to try traditional dishes like artichoke pie, fish pancakes, and cod.
La Berlocca boasts an excellent wine cellar — even rare French wines can be found here! By the way, Genoese wines deserve a special mention. In shops, bottles start from 3 EUR. In trattorias and cafés around Genoa, you can enjoy house wine for about 8 EUR per liter.
Among Genoa’s budget-friendly restaurants are Tristano e Isotta pizzeria in the historic center (a pizza costs around 10–12 EUR) and Trattoria da Maria (a meal with risotto, soup, and wine will cost about 18 EUR).
One of the best cafés in Genoa is the pastry shop Pietro Romanengo fu Stefano. Be sure to try Pistachio Torrone (pistachio nougat — a favorite treat of Queen Elena of Savoy) and delicious ice cream (one scoop — 1.5 EUR).
Tips in Genoa are customary — 5–10% of the bill if you're satisfied with the service. However, locals usually leave 1–3 EUR (the 5–10% rule is mostly for tourists). If you're sitting at the bar, tipping is not expected.
