Genoa isn’t just about its striking architecture and maritime history; it’s a city where food plays a starring role. The narrow alleys of the old town are lined with trattorias and tiny cafes serving up Liguria’s signature flavors—pesto, focaccia, farinata, and fresh seafood—and each experience offers a different way to taste local life. Among the options we love is the Itinerant dinner in the old town, which combines a relaxed walk with flavorful bites, making it perfect for travelers who want to savor Genoa at sunset while nibbling on local specialties.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, a dining at a local’s home or Santa Margherita Ligure with show cooking provides genuine insights into Ligurian cuisine and family traditions. Wine lovers can explore the Genoa historic center and wine tasting, with tastings paired with stories that bring the city’s past to life. Whether you’re after a casual snack or a full multi-course dinner, these tours add flavor to your Genoa trip that you won’t forget.
Below is a curated list of the best dining experiences, each offering a distinct taste of Genoa’s culinary scene. From walking food tours to home-cooked meals in local families’ kitchens, you’ll find options for every budget and interest.
1. Itinerant dinner in the old town
Stretching your sightseeing into the evening, this Itinerant dinner in the old town is a fantastic way to combine culture and cuisine. Led by a local foodie guide, you’ll walk through Genoa’s historic alleys and squares as you sample a variety of regional specialties, including focaccia, pesto, and farinata. The tour starts in the late afternoon and extends into the evening, allowing you to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the city as it transitions from day to night.
The small group size ensures a relaxed pace and personalized attention, making it ideal for travelers who want to savor authentic flavors without rushing. The guide shares insights into Genoa’s history and how its cuisine developed alongside its maritime trade. With a rating of 5.0 based on 29 reviews, guests love the balance of walking and eating, with many noting their guide Alessandro’s knowledge and friendliness. Priced at $79.10 per person for roughly 3.5 hours, it’s good value for a taste of Genoa’s culinary and cultural riches.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want an all-in-one experience—walking, tasting, and learning—without breaking the bank.
2. Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner
At number 2, this Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner offers a more specialized experience—combining the city’s sights with an in-depth exploration of local wines. Starting at the picturesque Piazza San Matteo, the tour weaves through ancient streets, showcasing the grandeur of the Doria family palaces and the historic trade hub of Piazza Banchi.
The highlight is a visit to a cellar in the heart of Genoa’s old town, where you will taste three carefully selected wines, each paired with regional bites that highlight Liguria’s culinary traditions. Unlike typical wine tastings, this experience emphasizes storytelling, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts or anyone interested in what makes Ligurian wines unique. Priced at $97.95 per person, the tour has received stellar reviews, including one saying, “We learned a lot, ate a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed the wine cellar.” The roughly 3-hour experience is well-suited for those who want to savor Genoa’s rich flavors alongside its history.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for wine lovers and history buffs who appreciate pairing culture with a good glass of wine.
3. Genoa: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home
For a genuine taste of Ligurian home cooking, this Dining at a local’s home takes you into an authentic family environment. Over about 2.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a three-course meal prepared by a local host, featuring recipes that have been passed down through generations. The experience includes a cooking demo, allowing you to learn and then taste dishes that might include homemade pasta, regional sauces, or seasonal vegetables.
What makes this experience stand out is the personal connection you develop with your hosts, who share stories about their culinary heritage. The reviews are glowing, with many describing it as “warm,” “authentic,” and “a highlight of their trip.” The price is not listed explicitly here, but the emphasis is on quality and intimacy. If you’re a foodie eager to see how real Ligurian dishes are made and served in a cozy setting, this is a superb choice.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a personal and delicious insight into Ligurian family cooking.
4. Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo
This Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo offers a more intimate, home-based approach. For around $97.44, you’ll join your host in a private house, where a short cooking demo introduces you to Ligurian culinary secrets. Then you settle in for a four-course meal featuring regional specialties like fresh pasta, seafood, and local vegetables, all paired with wines that complement each dish.
Guests consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, with one reviewer mentioning, “Elisa and family treated us like friends and the food was spectacular.” The private setting ensures personalized attention and a chance to ask questions about Italian ingredients and techniques. The duration is about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable, enriching experience especially suited for those who want to go beyond eating to understanding the food.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want a genuine, home-cooked Ligurian meal with wine in a relaxed, private setting.
5. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with Show Cooking
In Santa Margherita Ligure, this Dining experience at a local’s home with show cooking stands out for its exclusive access and live cooking demonstration. For $122.17, you’ll step into a private home, where your host prepares traditional Ligurian dishes in front of you, sharing stories and techniques along the way.
Afterward, you sit down to enjoy a family-style meal with regional wines, making it a perfect blend of learning, tasting, and socializing. The small group size and detailed cooking demo make this experience memorable. Reviewers love how welcoming and genuine the hosts are, describing it as “an evening we’ll remember forever.” It’s best suited for those seeking an intimate, chef-led experience with authentic flavors.
Bottom line: A top pick for travelers wanting hands-on cooking and a familial atmosphere that highlights Ligurian traditions.
6. Private Tour and Lunch in a typical restaurant in old town
This Private tour and lunch combines exploring Genoa’s historic center with a delicious meal in a local restaurant. Starting with a rickshaw ride through the alleys, you’ll visit landmarks like Piazza Sarzano, Santi Cosma e Damiano, and Via Garibaldi, enjoying insights from an expert guide. After the tour, the experience continues with a traditional Genoese lunch, served in a cozy, authentic setting.
At $248.88 for the entire group, it offers a well-rounded cultural and culinary immersion in about 4 hours. Reviewers comment on the personalized approach and the quality of the food, noting, “The lunch at the local restaurant was fantastic, and the tour made it even better.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing and eating, with the convenience of a guide facilitating both.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a full city experience with authentic food at its core.
7. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Chiavari with Show Cooking
This Dining at a local’s home in Chiavari offers a cozy, personalized cooking experience for about $101.77. You’ll learn to prepare traditional recipes passed down through generations, then enjoy a 4-course meal with regional wines. The host shares stories about local culinary traditions, making it a memorable and engaging experience.
The review mentions “delicious home-cooked food and a charming host,” highlighting how much guests appreciate the intimate atmosphere. This experience is best for those interested in hands-on cooking and regional recipes, especially in a smaller town setting outside Genoa.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want to learn family recipes and enjoy a relaxed, authentic meal.
8. Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local’s Home in Genoa
Finally, the Cesarine experience offers a detailed cooking class combined with a four-course dinner. For about $102.33, you’ll learn to prepare starters, pasta, a main course, and dessert—each served with locally produced wines and fresh espresso. The private class in a Genoese home emphasizes tradition and skills, with each dish rooted in regional cuisine.
Guests leave with a Cesarine apron and tote bag, adding a nice souvenir of their culinary journey. Reviewers note the “interactive and fun” nature of the class, making it suitable for foodies eager to learn.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting a hands-on cooking experience that ends with a genuine dinner in a local setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Genoa Dining Experience
When selecting your ideal food adventure, think about your interests and travel style. If you prefer a casual walk with bites, the Itinerant dinner in the old town is a perfect start. If you want to dive deep into local wines, the Genoa wine tasting offers a rich pairing experience.
For authentic home-cooked meals, experiences like dining at a local’s home, Santa Margherita show cooking, or Chiavari dinner provide intimate, chef-led experiences. Those seeking a full-day cultural and culinary immersion should consider the private city tour combined with lunch.
Book early—many of these experiences are popular, especially in high season, and they sell out quickly.
Summary and Final Recommendations
Genoa offers a wide range of dining experiences, from casual food walks to private home dinners and wine tastings. If you’re short on time but want a flavorful snapshot of Liguria, the Itinerant dinner in the old town is a great choice. For a more immersive, local-family experience, the Dining at a local’s home or Santa Margherita show cooking provide authentic flavors and stories.
Wine lovers and history enthusiasts will appreciate the Genoa wine tasting, while those wanting a comprehensive city and culinary tour should consider the private city tour with lunch. Whichever route you choose, these experiences deepen your connection to Genoa’s vibrant food scene. Be sure to book ahead, especially during peak seasons, and enjoy your culinary journey through this fascinating Italian port city.
