The Gastronomy of Genoa: The City's True Soul

If it is true that the soul of a people is also recognized by its local gastronomy and the culinary tradition of the place, then it is fundamental to know its typical products and hidden stories, just like the filling of a delicious meat Raieu from the former Maritime Republic.

A trip to Genoa is made of history, art, architecture, natural beauties, panoramic wonders, and extraordinary gastronomic delights. **Pesto** is just one of the typical products capable of tickling the tourist's palate. It is necessary to explore more deeply the true flavors of a rich land that amazes and conquers with the simplicity of unique first courses, main courses, desserts, and side dishes of its tradition.

If you are wondering where to eat at a restaurant in Genoa, with or without delivery service, it is better to first investigate some curiosities about the foods of its cuisine. But even before that, discover our hotels in Genoa, book a room and come to the city to get to know Ligurian street food in the shadow of the Lanterna.

Stories and anecdotes of Genoa's gastronomy

Sometimes it all begins with a precise date. Like the Lagaccio Biscuits, whose recipe dates back to 1593, when the eponymous bakery in the city began to bake for the first time tasty slices of toasted bread. The reason is simple. Baking ensures the long preservation of baked goods: ideal therefore for fishermen, away from home all day, and perfect for long sea voyages. Today they are still found in the city, to be tasted for breakfast or as a delicious snack.

The history of Cima, or çimma, on the other hand, begins in the 16th century, and is intertwined with the proverbial tradition of saving of the inhabitants of Zena. It seems they began to season the meat with different less noble ingredients to save on costs. Conversely, the dish has transformed over time into one of the richest and tastiest dishes of the Genoese tradition, with pancetta, brains, udder, sweetbreads, tenderloins, eggs, Parmesan, pine nuts, peas, garlic, onion, carrot and celery.

The Torta Pasqualina is instead one of the most widespread in Liguria, a land of focaccias and savory vegetable tarts seasoned with extraordinary varieties of ingredients. It seems to have originated from the need to use kitchen leftovers, blending them with something that could facilitate their consistency during cooking and final texture. Today it is an unequivocal gastronomic symbol of Genoa.

 Interesting is the history of Canestrelli, known in the city by the golden Genoese of the 13th century, with their graceful rounded six-pointed shape. The small village of Torriglia with its pasta factory claims paternity of the traditional biscuits, to which an annual festival is dedicated, hosting numerous variations of the recipe in sweet pastry, slowly layered over the centuries.

Another specialty is Cappon magro, an ancient Ligurian traditional dish based on fish and vegetables. Complete, simple and nutritious, it was consumed by fishermen and servants and this justifies its popular origins. Difficult to prepare, it is found on the city's tables especially at Christmas and New Year.

Ravieu, or meat ravioli with homemade fresh pasta, were the dish to be consumed the day after the feast for a very simple reason. The single dough was made with the leftovers from the day before which constituted the filling: no luxury, therefore, but pure necessity. Today their meaning has been totally distorted.

Pandolce, or pandoçe, seems to have originated in the 16th century following a competition by Doge Andrea Doria, intended for the master pastry chefs of Genoa. Perfect for long sea voyages thanks to its ability to preserve for a long time, it was chosen as the winner, thus becoming part of the extraordinary Genoese confectionery tradition. Alongside it are the Genoese Quaresimali, which the Augustinian nuns of the Church of San Tommaso modified in the 16th century, adding marzipan instead of animal fats and flavoring the dough with almonds and orange blossom water.

B&B HOTELS: in the center among the best restaurants in Genoa

Restaurants, trattorias and Genoese catering activities scattered among the carruggi are ready to host you to taste the delicious gastronomy of Zena: a simple filled focaccia, a meat sauce prepared with only one piece of meat (u Toccu), artisanal Panera in a wafer or cup, Genoese chicken, a touch of Ligurian cheese like prescinsêua with its acidic flavor, seasoned stockfish, a salad, a wheat Fugassa, a dish of Pansoti, the delicious Sarsa de Pigneu (pine nuts) or a very simple Genoese broth.

Wherever you are in the heart of the ancient city, every corner is ready to amaze you with its street food and with the simplicity of a trattoria where it is possible to taste the flavors of tradition. If you then stay at the B&B HOTEL Genova Principe everything will be even easier. The Antica Osteria di Vico Palla, Cantine Squarciafico, the Gran Ristoro shop and Hostaria Ducale are some of the best eateries to visit in Zena, combining innovation and tradition. 

If you are traveling as a couple, discover the B&B HOTEL Genova City Center and the double rooms of B&B HOTELS with all their comforts. If instead you arrive in the city for work, find a hotel near Genoa airport: it will be more convenient to move to and from the Ligurian capital. Are you looking for a hotel near the museums and the monuments of the city? No problem, B&B HOTELS in Genoa will be able to satisfy you and The free Wi-Fi service at B&B HOTELS is available in every room, to browse whatever your need. Perhaps to discover the best events in Genoa and experience the intriguing atmosphere of the city.

But if Genoa is not enough and you prefer to also discover other extraordinary tourist and gastronomic locations in the region, then discover our hotels in Liguria, find a family hotel or discover a design hotel that can also satisfy your aesthetic tastes: check availability, book your room and get ready to experience a holiday of relaxation and taste, at the best value for money.

And after seeing the best in Liguria, if you still have desire, energy and free time... let's go again! Choose a new destination and find hotels in Italy where to stay for your next destination. We at B&B HOTELS await you.