Da Genio

One of Genoa’s most beloved trattorie, handily situated near Piazza Dante in the Old Quarter, Da Genio is wonderfully animated. Local artists’ works brighten the cozy dining rooms, which are almost always full of Genovese businesspeople and families who have been coming here for years. The assorted antipasti provide a nice introduction to local cuisine, with such specialties as stuffed sardines and torte di verdure (vegetable pie). While the menu usually includes a nice selection of fresh fish and some meat dishes (including delicious tripe or steak with porcini), you can also move on to some of the homey standbys the kitchen does so well, such as spaghetti al sugo di pesce (topped with a fish sauce) or an amazingly fresh insalata di mare (seafood salad)—though almost everyone starts off with Liguria’s single most popular and famous traditional dish, trenette al pesto (linguine with pesto sauce). The wine list includes a nice selection from Ligurian vineyards.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.