Genoa isn’t just a city for sightseeing — it’s a place where food and history blend seamlessly into memorable dining experiences. Its narrow alleys and historic squares are lined with trattorias, wine bars, and family-run homes, making every meal a chance to connect with local life. Among the options out there, the Itinerant dinner in the old town stands out for its relaxed pace, flavorful tastings, and intimate setting, especially if you want to stroll and snack your way through Genoa’s historic heart. Similarly, the Tour of Genoa’s historic center with wine tasting offers a delightful mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and wine sampling that’s perfect for curious travelers eager to taste their way through the city’s past and present. For those craving a truly authentic connection, the Genoa: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home provides an intimate, home-cooked meal, giving you a taste of Italian hospitality that’s hard to beat.
Most of these tours are designed to combine culture, cuisine, and personal stories, making them more than just dinner — they’re immersive experiences. Whether you’re into food walks, home-cooked meals, or wine pairings, Genoa offers plenty of ways to savor the city after sunset.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of seven of the best dinner experiences in Genoa, each with its own unique flavor and style. From walking tours to private dinners, you’ll find options that suit every taste and schedule.
1. Itinerant dinner in the old town
This 3.5-hour foodie walk in Genoa’s historic center is a fantastic way to combine sightseeing and eating in the early evening. You’ll meet your local guide at Largo Alessandro Pertini and meander through the city’s alleyways, stopping at key sites like Piazza San Matteo and Porta Soprana, all while nibbling on Genoese and Ligurian specialties. Think focaccia, the aromatic pesto, and the crispy farinata — classic flavors that define Genoa’s culinary identity. As you explore, your guide shares stories about the city’s history and how its cuisine evolved alongside its architecture.
What makes this tour stand out is the intimate size — small groups ensure personalized attention, and the relaxed pace allows for plenty of tasting and photos. The tour ends near the city hall, perfect if you want to continue exploring or find a cozy spot for dinner afterward. With excellent reviews praising Alessandro’s knowledge and the food quality, this tour offers a genuine taste of Genoa’s streets and flavors for about $79.10 per person.
Bottom line: an excellent choice for those who want a relaxed, cultural introduction to Genoa’s cuisine, with an emphasis on local favorites and storytelling.
2. Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner
For around $98, this 3-hour tour offers a deeper dive into Genoa’s past paired with wine tasting. Starting at Piazza San Matteo, your guide will lead you through the noble palaces of the Doria family and the bustling streets of Via dei Macelli di Soziglia, filled with historic shops and vibrant sights. The highlight is a visit to an authentic cellar deep in the city’s center, where you’ll sample three wines from the region, each paired with small bites that bring out their flavors.
Guests appreciate the mix of history and wine, describing it as an “excellent way to see parts of Genoa they didn’t expect.” The cellar visit, which includes a small museum, gives insight into local wine-making traditions. This tour suits travelers who want a culinary and cultural evening with a focus on local wines and stories. The price includes the wine tasting and some snacks, making it good value considering the quality and depth of experience.
Bottom line: perfect for wine lovers and history buffs alike, this tour offers a well-rounded evening with a strong local flavor.
3. Genoa: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home
If you’re after a personal connection and authentic Italian hospitality, this 2.5-hour home dining experience is hard to beat. Hosted by a local family, you’ll enjoy an exquisite 3-course meal prepared in their kitchen, with a demonstration of traditional recipes. Imagine learning how to make pesto, pasta, or other Ligurian specialties, then sitting down to enjoy what you created together.
This tour offers genuine warmth and a chance to see the home life behind Genoa’s cuisine. Reviews highlight the friendly hosts and the delicious food, with many guests mentioning how this experience became a highlight of their trip. The price reflects the intimate setting, making it ideal for foodies who want a hands-on, memorable meal.
Bottom line: a unique chance to connect with local Italians, learn their secrets, and savor truly homemade dishes.
4. Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo
While technically outside Genoa, this private 2.5-hour experience in Rapallo is worth considering if you want a cozy, in-home meal. Your host provides a short cooking demonstration before serving a 4-course Ligurian meal paired with regional wines. The setting is intimate, and reviews emphasize how welcoming and authentic the hosts are — it feels like dining with friends.
What makes this experience special is the hands-on element, where guests can learn quick tips on Ligurian cooking, plus the chance to ask questions about Italian cuisine. It’s priced at $97.44 per person, which includes the meal, wine, and a bit of relaxed conversation. This is perfect for travelers wanting a personal, local experience that goes beyond just eating.
Bottom line: ideal for those who want a culinary lesson and home-cooked meal in a relaxed environment.
5. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with Show Cooking
Elevate your Italian food experience with this exclusive home dinner in Santa Margherita Ligure. Priced at $122.17, the 2.5-hour experience involves a show cooking demonstration by your host, who will prepare regional dishes from family recipes. You watch and learn, then sit down to a family-style meal featuring the dishes just made, paired with regional wines.
Guests rave about the warm hospitality and beautiful setting, describing it as a “memorable evening” that offers a real taste of Ligurian life. It’s perfect for travelers who want an intimate, high-quality experience and are happy to pay a bit more for a genuine connection.
Bottom line: a luxurious, personal way to enjoy Ligurian cuisine with local hosts in an elegant setting.
6. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Chiavari with Show Cooking
This private 4-course meal in Chiavari, priced at $101.77, offers a taste of Varese regional cuisine. Your host will walk you through recipes passed down through generations, showing you how to prepare traditional dishes. The experience includes local wines and a friendly conversation, giving you a full immersion into Italian home cooking.
Guests comment on the fresh ingredients and the charming host, making this a standout for those looking for a relaxed, authentic meal in a private setting. It’s best suited for anyone interested in cooking, family recipes, or simply enjoying a home-cooked dinner away from tourist spots.
Bottom line: a good value private experience that combines culinary learning with hearty Ligurian dishes.
7. Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local’s Home in Genoa
Rounding out the list, this 2.5-hour private cooking and dining experience offers a hands-on class in a Genoese home. You’ll learn to make a starter, pasta, main, and dessert, then sit down to enjoy the meal with locally produced wines. The experience is enriched by stories from your hosts about Genoa’s culinary traditions.
Described as an authentic, fun experience, it’s ideal for food lovers eager to learn while eating. The hosts also give you a Cesarine apron and tote as souvenirs, making it a memorable keepsake. The reviews note the delicious food and informative cooking demo as highlights.
Bottom line: perfect for those who want a culinary class combined with a meal, plus a souvenir to remember the experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Genoa Dinner
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, schedule, and what kind of experience you’re after. For a relaxed, flavorful walk with snacks, the Itinerant dinner in the old town offers great value. If wine tasting paired with a bit of history appeals, the Genoa historic center tour with wine is a refined choice. For a personal, home-cooked meal, both the Genoa home dinner and Santa Margherita show cooking deliver authentic flavors and warm hospitality, though the latter is more upscale.
Travelers pressed for time or seeking a more exclusive experience might prefer the Chiavari home dinner, while those eager to learn cooking techniques should consider the Genoa Cesarine experience. Keep in mind seasonal schedules and availability, and book early to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Genoa offers a diverse array of dinner experiences that go beyond just eating — they’re about storytelling, local flavors, and social connection. For a budget-friendly option, the Itinerant dinner provides a flavorful introduction to Genoese cuisine. If you want a personal touch, the home dinners in Genoa, Santa Margherita, or Chiavari deliver unforgettable moments with local families. For wine lovers, the historic center tour with wine tasting combines culture and palate-pleasing drinks.
No matter which experience you choose, these tours will deepen your appreciation for Genoa’s culinary heritage and leave you with delicious memories. Booking ahead, especially for special experiences, is wise — these authentic tours tend to fill quickly in high season. Enjoy your culinary journey through Genoa, and buon appetito!
