Genoa’s dining scene serves up some of Italy’s finest culinary experiences. My favorite walks include the 5-stop food tour – perfect for sampling Liguria’s signature dishes while strolling ancient streets. Also worthwhile are the local home-cooking experiences, where skilled home cooks share family pasta recipes and traditional techniques. For wine enthusiasts, guided historic center tours pair regional wines with neighborhood exploration. The market-to-table experiences, where you shop with locals and then enjoy a home-cooked meal, offer genuine connections to Genovese food culture. These memorable food tours reveal centuries of local flavors and traditions.
Let’s explore some outstanding food experiences in Genoa.
Key Points
- Immersive walking tours highlighting Ligurian cuisine, including iconic dishes like focaccia, pesto, and farinata, with knowledgeable guides.
- Intimate dining experiences hosted by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest home cook network, featuring hands-on pasta-making demonstrations.
- Combined cultural and culinary tours blending historic center explorations with wine tastings and local specialty food stops.
- Guided market visits followed by dining in a resident’s home, showcasing fresh seasonal ingredients and regional wines.
- Private dining experiences in traditional Ligurian homes, featuring 4-course menus of local specialties and hands-on cooking demonstrations.
Itinerant Dinner in the Old Town
Culinary exploration and historical immersion come together in the Itinerant Dinner in the Old Town, a highly recommended food tour in Genoa.
This 5-stop walking tour showcases the city’s renowned Ligurian specialties, including the iconic focaccia, pesto, and farinata.
Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides who share insights into Genoa’s rich history and cuisine.
The small-group experience allows for personal attention, and the included drinks – water and a glass of wine or other beverage – complement the delectable bites.
While some reviewers suggest more variety in the food options, the tour’s 100% recommendation rate and Badge of Excellence speak to its overall excellence.
An evening of sightseeing and savory delights awaits.
Read our full review: Itinerant Dinner in the Old Town Review
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Genoa: Dining Experience at a Locals Home
For travelers seeking a more intimate dining experience in Genoa, the Dining Experience at a Local’s Home offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Hosted by Cesarine, Italy’s oldest network of home cooks, this 2.5-hour, 3-course meal invites guests to connect with local families and learn authentic recipes.
The menu features a starter, pasta, and dessert, complemented by regional wines. Participants can even engage in a hands-on pasta-making demonstration.
With a maximum group size of 8, this personalized experience ensures a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Backed by a 4.6/5 rating and flexible scheduling, this dining experience is a must-try for foodies visiting Genoa.
Read our full review: Genoa: Dining Experience at a Locals Home Review
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Tour of Genoa Historic Center and Wine Tasting With Dinner
This 2.5-hour tour of Genoa’s historic center, organized by Soul of Genoa Tours, offers an immersive experience that blends the city’s rich cultural heritage with its renowned culinary and viticultural traditions.
Priced from $91.55 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers and departs at 5:00 PM from the Garibaldi statue.
Highlights include a guided walk through the historic center, a wine tasting featuring local wines, and a dinner showcasing Genoese specialties.
Reviewers praise the tour’s unexpected stops for food, wine, and gelato, as well as the guide’s friendliness and extensive knowledge of the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Genoa enthusiast, this tour provides a delightful glimpse into the soul of this captivating Italian destination.
Read our full review: Tour of Genoa Historic Center and Wine Tasting With Dinner Review
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Market Visit and Dining Experience at a Locals Home With Wine in Rapallo
Enjoy the vibrant local culture of Rapallo, Genoa, with a guided market visit and intimate dining experience in a resident’s private home.
For €139 per person, you’ll enjoy a 4-course seasonal menu featuring fresh pasta, seafood, and local desserts, accompanied by regional wines.
After browsing the local market, the chef will demonstrate their cooking techniques before serving you a memorable meal in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
With private transportation and a maximum of your group, this is an authentic, personalized experience showcasing Ligurian cuisine and culture.
Highly rated by past guests, this is an opportunity not to be missed when visiting Genoa.
Read our full review: Market Visit and Dining Experience at a Locals Home With Wine in Rapallo Review
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Dining Experience With Cooking Demo and Wines in Rapallo
Visitors can dive into Ligurian culinary traditions with a private dining experience in Rapallo. This intimate gathering offers a 4-course meal of local specialties, preceded by a cooking demonstration.
Guests can savor fresh pasta options like Trofie and Ravioli, as well as regional dishes like Codfish pancakes and Mesciüa soup. For dessert, they can indulge in Ligurian classics such as Tiramisu and Castagnaccio. Included beverages range from local wines to coffee.
The experience takes place in a traditional home, allowing guests to enjoy the area’s culture through conversation and hands-on cooking. With high ratings and rave reviews, this dining experience is a top choice for an authentic taste of Genoa.
Read our full review: Dining Experience With Cooking Demo and Wines in Rapallo Review
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Recap
Genoa offers a variety of unique dining experiences that allow visitors to enjoy the local culture. From intimate meals in private homes to guided tours of historic markets, these experiences provide an authentic taste of Genoese cuisine and hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on cooking class or a traditional multi-course dinner, Genoa has something to satisfy every culinary traveler.