Must-Try Foods In Old Port (Porto Antico) (Genoa) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

The Culinary History of Old Port (Porto Antico), Genoa

Old Port (Porto Antico) in Genoa is not only a hub of history and culture but also a melting pot of Ligurian cuisine. Over the centuries, Genoa developed a unique culinary tradition that marries the flavors of the sea with those of the mountains and the countryside. Traditionally, the diet in Genoa relied heavily on vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and seafood, due to its coastal location.

Famous for being the birthplace of pesto, a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino cheese, and olive oil, Genoa's cuisine reflects the richness of its maritime heritage. The Old Port area, once a bustling center of maritime trade, now attracts both locals and tourists to its myriad of restaurants and eateries that offer traditional Genoese flavors.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Old Port (Porto Antico), Genoa

1. Pesto alla Genovese (Veg): The quintessential Genoese sauce, ideal with pasta such as trofie or trenette.
2. Focaccia Genovese (Veg): A traditional type of flatbread, soft inside with a crisp exterior, often seasoned with olive oil and salt.
3. Farinata (Veg): A thin, crispy pancake made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt, cooked in a wood-burning oven.
4. Panissa (Veg): Similar to farinata but thicker and cut into pieces, often enjoyed as a street food.
5. Cappon Magro (Non-Veg): A traditional Ligurian seafood salad with a base of biscuits soaked in vinegar, topped with a rich variety of seafood and vegetables.
6. Focaccia di Recco (Veg): Thin layers of dough filled with soft Stracchino cheese, a different yet delicious variation of focaccia.
7. Torta Pasqualina (Veg): A savory Easter pie made with puff pastry, spinach or chard, ricotta cheese, and eggs.
8. Acciughe Ripiene (Non-Veg): Anchovies stuffed with a mixture of parsley, garlic, and breadcrumbs, often served fried or baked.
9. Pansoti alla Salsa di Noci (Veg): A type of ravioli filled with wild herbs and served in a walnut sauce.
10. Zimino di Seppia (Non-Veg): A hearty stew made with cuttlefish and a variety of vegetables, typically spinach or chard, in a savory tomato sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Old Port (Porto Antico), Genoa, and Their Signature Dishes

Trattoria Da Maria

Address: Vico Testadoro, 14/r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy

Famous Dish: Trofie al Pesto (Veg) - A classic pasta dish tossed in freshly made Genoese pesto.

Antica Osteria di Vico Palla

Address: Vico Palla, 14r, 16128 Genova GE, Italy

Famous Dish: Cappon Magro (Non-Veg) - A layered seafood and vegetable salad, dressed in a rich and tangy sauce.

Eataly Genova

Address: Via al Porto Antico, 4, 16124 Genova GE, Italy

Famous Dish: Farinata (Veg) - The iconic chickpea pancake that is a must-try for every visitor.

I Tre Merli Porto Antico

Address: Calata Cattaneo, 17, 16128 Genova GE, Italy

Famous Dish: Pansoti alla Salsa di Noci (Veg) - A delicate and flavorful stuffed pasta with a creamy walnut sauce.

Gran Ristoro

Address: Via al Porto Antico, 16124 Genova GE, Italy

Famous Dish: Focaccia Genovese (Veg) - Traditional Genoese flatbread with a golden crust and soft interior.

Le Cantine Squarciafico

Address: Piazza Invrea, 3r, 16123 Genova GE, Italy

Famous Dish: Zimino di Seppia (Non-Veg) - A flavorful seafood stew with a base of tender cuttlefish and vegetables.

Each of these locations in Old Port (Porto Antico) provides a taste of Genoa's rich culinary heritage, offering both classic dishes and modern interpretations of traditional flavors.