Genoa isn’t just a city of stunning architecture and maritime history; it’s also a fantastic destination for dinner experiences that truly showcase local flavors. Whether you want to stroll through the old town sampling Ligurian specialties or enjoy a private home-cooked meal, Genoa offers options that satisfy both your palate and curiosity. Personally, I love the Itinerant dinner in the old town because it combines culture, history, and food in a relaxed evening walk—perfect for travelers who want to see the city after sunset without sacrificing the enjoyment of authentic cuisine. For those seeking a deeper dive into local wines paired with regional dishes, the Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner is a standout. And if you’re craving a truly immersive experience, the Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo allows you to roll up your sleeves and learn Ligurian cooking firsthand.
Quick Overview
The list below features four top dinner experiences in Genoa, each offering a different way to enjoy Ligurian cuisine:
– A food-focused walking tour through the old town with tastings (Itinerant dinner in the old town)
– An historic center walk combined with wine tasting and dinner (Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner)
– A private cooking class in Rapallo that concludes with a homemade meal (Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo)
– An exclusive family home dinner in Santa Margherita Ligure with show cooking (Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Santa Margherita Ligure)
1. Itinerant dinner in the old town
At number 1, this food-focused walking tour combines sightseeing and tasting in the heart of Genoa’s old town. Starting at 5:30 pm, your local guide takes you through historic piazzas and alleys, sharing stories about the city’s past while you sample Genoese and Ligurian specialties like focaccia, pesto, and farinata. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a relaxed way to see some of Genoa’s most iconic spots, including Piazza San Matteo, Palazzo San Giorgio, and the medieval Torri di Porta Soprana, all while savoring regional bites.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of culture and cuisine—you’re not just eating, but learning about Genoa’s history in an intimate setting. The small-group format ensures personal attention and a leisurely pace. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guide Alessandro, who smoothly personalizes the experience, making it feel like a walk with a friend who knows everything about the city. Some say the variety of food could be broader considering the price, but overall, it offers an excellent introduction to local flavors.
Bottom line: If you prefer a laid-back evening exploring Genoa’s old town with delicious tastings, this tour offers a perfect mix of local history and Ligurian treats.
2. Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner
Next, the Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner offers a richer evening experience, ideal for those who want to pair wine with regional food in a lively, historic setting. Starting at 5 pm, you’ll wander through prime spots like Piazza San Matteo and Via dei Macelli di Soziglia, visiting local shops that proudly display Genoa’s culinary heritage.
The tour’s highlight is the visit to a cellar in the heart of the historic center. Here, you’ll enjoy tasting three carefully selected wines, each paired with traditional Ligurian dishes. The included small museum adds a cultural touch, giving you insight into local wine production. Reviewers mention how Alessandro, the guide, brings the city’s wine traditions to life and makes the experience memorable, emphasizing the quality of the wines and food pairings.
This tour caters well to wine lovers and those interested in how Genoa’s maritime past influenced its cuisine. It’s an ideal way to start your evening or unwind after sightseeing.
Bottom line: For around $97, this tour offers excellent value, combining historic charm, regional wine, and hearty Ligurian flavors—perfect for a relaxed yet immersive evening.
3. Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo
Number 3 on our list takes you outside Genoa city, to Rapallo, for a private cooking class that concludes with a full four-course meal. For about $97, your host Elisa and her family welcome you into their home for a hands-on experience beginning with a cooking demo. You’ll learn how to prepare Ligurian staples like pasta with pesto, eggplant Parmesan, and more, all paired with local wines.
What makes this experience stand out is its personalized nature—you’re not just a spectator but an active participant. The reviews highlight the warm, friendly atmosphere and the quality of homemade dishes that taste just like grandma’s. Elisa’s family shares their recipes and culinary stories, giving you a true taste of local life. The meal is served family-style, offering plenty of conversation and the chance to ask questions about Italian cooking techniques.
This tour is best suited for foodies who want an authentic, intimate experience, or travelers keen on learning how to make classic Ligurian dishes themselves. The two-and-a-half-hour format makes it manageable for most schedules, and the private setting ensures personalized attention.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a hands-on, authentic cooking experience in Liguria, this class offers fantastic value and a memorable meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Dining Experience at a local’s Home in Santa Margherita Ligure with show cooking
Finally, the exclusive Dining Experience at a local’s home in Santa Margherita Ligure provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy Ligurian cuisine directly in a private family setting. For roughly $122, you’ll be welcomed into a family kitchen where your host demonstrates traditional recipes, sharing the culinary history of the region.
This experience lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a four-course family-style meal paired with regional wines. The highlight is the show cooking, which gives you insight into Liguria’s cooking secrets. Reviewers emphasize the warmth of the hosts and how this personal experience feels like dining with old friends, making it ideal for travelers who want a more intimate and authentic meal.
It’s best suited for those who enjoy cultural exchange and are willing to indulge in a relaxed, social atmosphere. The limited reviews suggest it’s a highly personalized experience, perfect for a romantic dinner or small group seeking genuine hospitality.
Bottom line: For a unique, home-cooked Ligurian meal with personal storytelling, this private family dinner tops the list of exclusive experiences.
How to Choose the Best Dinner Experience for You
When selecting among these dinner options, consider your budget, schedule, and what kind of experience you value most. If you want a casual, flavorful walk through Genoa’s old town, the Itinerant dinner in the old town is perfect. For wine enthusiasts wanting to pair local wines with history, the Genoa historic center and wine tasting is a great fit. Foodies eager to learn homemade Ligurian recipes should consider the cooking demo in Rapallo, while those craving a private, family-style dinner will find the Santa Margherita Ligure experience ideal.
Practical tips: Book early, especially for the private and small-group tours, as they fill quickly. Check your schedule to find the best fit—shorter tours like the Rapallo cooking class suit travelers with tight timelines, while the wine and historic center tour is perfect for an evening activity.
Genoa offers a wonderful variety of dinner experiences that go beyond just eating—these tours provide insight into Ligurian culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you prefer a relaxed food walk, an immersive wine tasting, or a hands-on cooking class, you’ll find a memorable way to enjoy Liguria’s incredible cuisine. For a truly authentic taste of Genoa, I recommend booking early and choosing an experience that matches your culinary curiosity.