The ten typical Genoese dishesto visit the city of Genoa like a local. Discover what are the most famous and famous dishes but above all the most appreciated in Genoa for a visit to the city and its beauties, but especially for a gastronomic and gastronomic visit to Genoa.
Eating in Genoa means enjoying a cuisine based mainly on legumes, fish and wild herbs.
Those who want to visit this city, before leaving, should know what are the typical dishes of Genoa, not to be missed, and the best places to find them. The typical Genoese cuisine is characterized by numerous traditional dishes, here are my favorites.
1. Genoese focaccia
Focaccia is the most typical dish in Genoa. The Genoese eat it at any time of the day, from breakfast, soaked in cappuccino, to dinner.
It can be found in different versions, the two main ones being the classic one with oil and the one with cheese. Genoese focaccia is really difficult to prepare at home, so much so that even the Genoese themselves buy it from bakeries. Among the best known places in Genoa, for the best focaccia, I recommend the Mario bakery in via San Vincenzo (recommended for eating the classic), and the pizzeria "Del Ponte" found in both Genoa and Recco, where you can try the cheese version. If you don't eat focaccia, you can't say you've been to Genoa.
When you think of what to see in a day in Genoa, keep in mind that you will necessarily have to taste the typical Genoese focaccia.
2. Panissa
Panissa is one of the most particular dishes of Genoa, to be tasted in the alleys of the historical center in the numerous fryers. In fact, it is a kind of polenta made with chickpea flour, cut into sticks and fried. It can also be found in trattorias, and is often accompanied by other fried vegetables. Very tasty. If you want to stay in Genoa a little longer than expected, make sure you have a guide with you on what to see in three days in Genoa. Certainly, panissa is a dish you will taste on this vacation in Liguria.
3. Cima
Cima is a second Genoese dish, very often served as an appetizer. It consists of a piece of veal, thinly sliced and stuffed with different ingredients such as peas, egg, mushrooms, pine nuts, cheese and some aromatic herbs. The preparation is not simple, but it is a dish very loved by the Genoese, consistent and very good!
4. Minestrone and soups
Genoese cuisine, like that of Liguria, is mainly based on legumes. That is why in Genoa there are numerous trattorias offering a wide variety of soups and hot/cold soups based on legumes, vegetables and even fish. The classic Genoese minestrone is prepared with ingredients such as beans, pesto, potatoes and green beans. Soup is part of the Genoese culture and even if you are not a soup lover, I recommend you try at least one. Among the places to try, you can't miss "Zupp" in via Salita di Coccagna, 10r.
5. Panera
It is a coffee parfait, all Genovese. The name panera means "cream - black", because coffee powder is added to the cream. It is not found everywhere, because it is a very characteristic dessert. It is mainly found in the form of ice cream. The best place to eat the panera flavor, in my opinion, is at the ice cream parlor "Siculo" in via Tebisonda.
6. Pasqualina cake
Pasqualina pie is another typical Genoese recipe. From the name we understand that it is a dish that is eaten during the Easter season, but in reality it is eaten all year round.
It is a tasty pastry made with puff pastry and stuffed with vegetables, in different versions. The most classic version is prepared with a filling of beets, peas and artichokes, but very often it is made with only beets and prescinseua, a type of creamy cheese with a slightly sour taste.
7. Sweet buns and canestrelli
Pandolce and canestrelli are two typical sweets of Ligurian tradition. Pandolce is a panettone with raisins, pine nuts, almonds and sweets, while canestrelli are butter cookies, shaped like daisies. Their peculiarity is to have a very fragrant aroma, which is usually anise, vanilla, lemon or cocoa. If you want to taste these typical sweets, and more, a must visit is the Panarello pastry shop, in via XX Settembre. One basket leads to another, I assure you.
Between one dish and another, while you are in the city, do not forget to see some monuments, the Aquarium and the caruggi of Genoa. I advise you not to miss the 10 things worth seeing Genoa for and then you can come back to taste all your dishes.
8. Farinata
Farinata is another legume-based dish and is usually served as a main dish or main course. It is a mixture of only chickpea flour, water, oil and salt. Everything is baked in the oven at a very high temperature. The result is a very fine quiche. A tasty dish, to accompany with cheese or vegetables. In Genoa you can find it in all the trattorias and bakeries. In via San Vincenzo, the street par excellence, you can't go wrong.
9. Pansotti with walnut sauce
I admit that pansotti with walnut sauce is my favorite dish! They are ravioli stuffed with wild herbs, seasoned with a nut sauce that is usually made with prescinseua and chopped walnuts. A dish by no means light, but definitely worth a try.
10. Pesto
Pesto, obviously, could not be missing in this list. One of the must of the typical Genoese cuisine. Seasoning based on basil, pine nuts, garlic, oil and parmesan, which is used not only to season pasta, but also to season minestrone, soups, focaccia, savory pies and also as a base for pizza, instead of tomato sauce.
In short, the Genoese really use it in everything! Traditionally eaten with trofie, potatoes and green beans. Try: Any tips on where to eat Genovese pesto? You definitely have to try Sa 'Pesta Restaurant, one of the most characteristic of all Genoa, you will fall in love.
