Genoa is a city where food isn’t just fuel—it’s a way of life. Known as the birthplace of pesto, the city boasts a long tradition of seafood, focaccia, and pastries that reflect its maritime heritage and cultural pride. What makes Genoa especially appealing for food lovers is the variety of ways you can explore its culinary scene—from lively walking tours to hands-on cooking classes. For instance, the Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better offers a delicious deep dive into local pasta, focaccia, and seafood, with the chance to customize your experience []. It’s perfect if you want to learn about Genoa’s food culture while enjoying a substantial meal.
Among the many options, you’ll find guided tastings that combine history and food, private culinary experiences for those seeking exclusivity, and shorter street food adventures for quick bites. Whether you’re into wine, street snacks, or traditional dishes, Genoa’s food tours give you a taste of the city’s rich flavors with local guides who know their stuff. Now, here’s a quick rundown of the top tours, each with its own special focus and flavor.
1. Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better
For around $77.80, this 3.5-hour walking tour takes you through Genoa’s food scene, exploring its culture and tradition. The tour visits local restaurants and cafes, where you’ll sample pasta with fresh pesto, focaccia with cheese, seafood, and savory pastries. What makes this tour stand out is the choice of itineraries—traditional, street food, or gourmet—tailored to your interests. The guide shares stories behind each dish, like the origins of Genoa’s famous pesto or the city’s pastry secrets. The reviews emphasize the storytelling and authentic experience, with one guest saying, “We learned about the history and traditions behind each dish.” If you want a comprehensive taste of Genoa’s culinary heritage along with generous portions, this tour is a top pick. Bottom Line: Great for those who want a full, immersive meal experience with cultural insights.
2. Genoa: Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
Priced at a reasonable rate, this 2-hour tour pairs five traditional Genovese dishes with two glasses of local wine. Starting at Casa di Cristoforo Colombo, the route includes visits to Genoa Cathedral, a local bakery, and historic palaces. The focus on wine pairing makes it ideal for lovers of both food and drink, with the ability to customize the menu for vegetarians or those with food intolerances. The tour’s highlights include regional specialties and a chance to savor Genoa’s culinary staples in historic settings. One reviewer raves about the “fantastic value” and the private shops, which feel like private museums. It’s a shorter experience perfect for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a taste rather than a feast. Bottom Line: Excellent for a condensed, flavorful overview of Genoa’s culinary landscape with a wine twist.
3. Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with “Superb Gems”
At just over $70 for about 2 hours, this tour combines visits to iconic Genoese sites with tastings of traditional dishes like pesto, farinata, focaccia, and local wines. It begins at the house of Christopher Columbus and visits the Palazzo Ducale and San Lorenzo Cathedral, blending history and food seamlessly. The guide Lorenzo’s deep knowledge shines; guests mention feeling like they’re strolling with a local friend who shares fascinating stories along the way. The tour is praised for its well-curated food and cultural insights, making it ideal for history buffs who want to pair sightseeing with authentic bites. The inclusion of regional wines helps round out the experience. Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a quick yet rich dose of Genoese culture and cuisine.
4. Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food
This 6-hour tour, at a higher price point, offers a deep exploration of Genoa’s top sites and secret corners. You’ll walk through beautiful palaces along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, then enjoy street food like focaccia and fried fish cones at local markets and hidden squares. The tour also includes entry to major sites like the Palazzo Reale and the Museo di Palazzo Reale. The guide’s expertise and the variety of tastings make it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out—covering history, architecture, and food. Reviewers mention enjoying “the most amazing places for food” and the “easy pace.” It’s suited for those with plenty of time and a keen interest in uncovering Genoa’s lesser-known spots. Bottom Line: A full-day, immersive experience for serious food and culture enthusiasts.
5. Genoa Culinary Masterclass – A Hands-On Experience by Do Eat Better
At $112.62 for approximately 3 hours, this small-group cooking class focuses on teaching you how to make Genoa’s most iconic recipes, like pesto and focaccia. Led by local experts, the class involves hands-on preparation and tasting at a cozy, central spot. Guests love the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn authentic techniques directly from locals. The class is suitable for foodies who want a more intimate, interactive experience—they get to cook, ask questions, and share stories. The reviews highlight the fun, engaging instructors, and the delicious results. This is a rewarding option for those who prefer to create their own Ligurian dishes rather than just taste. Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary travelers seeking an authentic, participatory experience.
6. Genoa: Traditional Food Tour with Drinks
This 3.5-hour walking tour at $72.22 offers a relaxed way to sample Genoa’s classic dishes like focaccia, local snacks, and regional desserts, along with wine and other drinks. The itinerary includes stops at local bakeries and restaurants, including secret stops and hidden gems. The guide’s local knowledge shines, making the city’s food scene come alive. Guests mention the “great introduction” to Genoa’s cuisine and the “fantastic” stops. It’s suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, food, and drinks with a leisurely pace. Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a hearty tasting experience.
7. Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa
For about $64, this 2-hour tour offers six tastings—from fish to focaccia—and two wines from Liguria and Cinque Terre. Starting at Porta Soprana, the route touches key sights like Christopher Columbus’ House and Genoa Cathedral. The guide shares plenty of local stories, making it a well-rounded introduction. Reviewers note the “delicious food” and the “easy walking.” It’s an excellent choice for those who want a quick, taste-rich experience with some sightseeing thrown in. Bottom Line: Great for a short but flavorful introduction to Genoa’s culinary traditions.
8. Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa
This 2-hour tour at $69.96 emphasizes artisan shops, market stalls, and small bites. You’ll visit the historic Palazzo Della Regione, sample local fried fish, pesto, and artisan focaccia, and enjoy Ligurian wines. The guide’s local expertise makes for an engaging walk through Genoa’s flavors and stories. Guests appreciate the “excellent service” and the chance to try uncommon foods. It’s suitable for those who prefer a more intimate, artisanal experience. Bottom Line: An inviting, hands-on cultural and culinary walk suitable for food aficionados.
9. Genoa Old Town Food Tour
At 3.5 hours, this less-reviewed tour offers a chance to explore Genoa’s most charming spots and taste high-quality local products. It’s ideal for travelers eager to connect food with the city’s scenic corners and stories. While reviews are fewer, the emphasis on local culture and disappearing traditions makes this a thoughtful choice for those interested in the neighborhood’s culinary roots. Bottom Line: A relaxed way to combine scenic walks with authentic tastes in Genoa’s old town.
10. 1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing in Genoa
This quick, 1.5-hour experience at $48.97 is perfect if you’re short on time. It covers five street foods, Genoa’s birthplace of Columbus, and a famous church, providing a tasty overview that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule. Reviewers love the “great value” and the “knowledgeable” guide. It’s best for travelers who want a bite-sized introduction with some sightseeing. Bottom Line: An efficient way to taste Genoa’s street food scene without a big time commitment.
11. Genoa Street Food Tour with a Local
At just $49 for 3.5 hours, this street food tour emphasizes socializing and discovering Genoa’s best street snacks. Starting at Vascello Neptune, the route includes secret stops and local restaurants. The guide’s local insights add depth, making it a fun, informal introduction to Genoa’s food scene. Reviewers mention it as “a sociable dining experience.” It’s ideal if you want an authentic street food experience and lively company. Bottom Line: Perfect for casual, social eaters keen to explore Genoa’s alleys and flavors.
12. Genoa Eats Expedition Food and Walking Private Tour
This private tour at $886 per person is for those seeking exclusivity and tailored experiences. It includes visits to San Pietro in Banchi, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza De Ferrari, with a focus on local stories and food. Guests are treated to a personalized itinerary that includes seated tastings and cultural insights. Reviewers describe it as “an unforgettable, personalized experience.” It’s perfect for special occasions, food connoisseurs, or travelers craving privacy. Bottom Line: A premium, customizable way to explore Genoa’s culinary scene at your own pace.
13. Santa Margherita Ligure Food Tour Tastes of the Italian Riviera
This 1.5-hour tour at $83 offers a quick, flavorful introduction to Ligurian cuisine, starting at the local market. Highlights include focaccia, regional delis, and a gelato dip in dark chocolate. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the Riviera’s culinary delights while visiting nearby Santa Margherita Ligure. Reviewers mention the “best tastings” and a friendly guide. It’s suited for those with limited time but wanting a memorable flavor snapshot. Bottom Line: A concise, high-quality sample of Ligurian tastes.
14. Food Tour of the historic center of Chiavari and typical aperitif
At $120.09 for about 1.5 hours, this experience offers a unique local atmosphere with a focus on medieval arcades and artisan shops. Starting at a Genoese-style building, you’ll enjoy an aperitif of focaccia, pesto bruschetta, and regional wines. The walk includes stories and scenic views, making it a laid-back way to enjoy Chiavari’s culinary scene. It’s best for those interested in a relaxed, intimate tasting with cultural insights. Bottom Line: A charming, authentic experience for lovers of local flavors and history.
15. Genoa: Urban Walking Tour with Ligurian Wine & Food Tasting
At roughly 2.5 hours, this tour combines a scenic walk from the cruise terminal through Genoa’s historic sites with a Ligurian wine brunch. It includes tastings of focaccia, pesto, cheese, and regional wine, with stops at BioTigullio5Terre. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes it suitable for travelers who want a relaxed, social experience with a good mix of sightseeing and tasting. Reviewers mention it as a great way to “explore the city’s flavors and sights” in one go. Bottom Line: Excellent for cruise travelers or those short on time but keen on a comprehensive Genoa food experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Genoa Food Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and food interests. Do you want a full-meal experience? Try the Taste Genoa tour. Looking for a short, lively taste? The 1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing is perfect. Curious about cooking yourself? The Genoa Culinary Masterclass offers a hands-on culinary lesson. For a luxury, private experience, the Genoa Eats Expedition provides personalized attention. Finally, if you prefer street food and local snacks, the Genoa Street Food with a Local is lively and sociable.
Booking early is advisable, particularly in high season (spring and summer), and always check for dietary accommodations if needed.
Genoa offers a diverse range of food experiences that cater to every taste and schedule. Whether you’re after a comprehensive full-meal tour, a hands-on cooking class, or a quick street snack walk, there’s something to satisfy every craving. For travelers hungry for cultural stories and authentic flavors, these tours promise memorable bites and local insights. If one piques your interest, don’t hesitate—book early and get ready to enjoy Genoa’s culinary treasures to the fullest.
