Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with "Superb Gems" - Who Should Book This Tour?

The Top 11 Genoa Food Tours

Genoa isn’t just Italy’s gateway to the Ligurian Sea; it’s a city bursting with culinary surprises. Unlike many Italian cities that focus heavily on art and history, Genoa’s food scene is a lively mix of traditional flavors and local secrets. This makes it a prime destination for food lovers eager to explore authentic Ligurian fare. Tours like the Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour (https://happytovisit.com/taste-genoa-a-full-meal-walking-food-tour-by-do-eat-better/) stand out because they take you into local restaurants and cafes, offering a genuine taste of Genoese life. The emphasis on dishes like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood, combined with storytelling about local traditions, makes these experiences both delicious and educational.

If you’re after a quick taste of Genoa’s highlights, shorter tours such as the Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with “Superb Gems” (https://happytovisit.com/genoa-food-and-wine-tasting-tour-with-superb-gems/) give an excellent snapshot with visits to historic sites and tastings of regional wines. For those wanting to learn hands-on skills, the Genoa Culinary Masterclass (https://happytovisit.com/genoa-culinary-masterclass-a-hands-on-experience-by-do-eat-better/) offers a chance to craft your own Ligurian dishes in a friendly setting. Whatever your pace or interest, Genoa’s food tours provide a memorable way to understand the city’s culinary soul.

1. Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better

Taste Genoa: A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better

At number 1, this comprehensive full-meal tour offers a deep dive into Genoa’s culinary traditions. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll visit local restaurants and cafes, sampling pasta with pesto, focaccia with cheese, seafood, and savory pastries. The tour offers several itineraries, such as traditional, street food, or gourmet, so you can tailor your experience. The guide shares stories behind each dish, bringing the city’s food culture alive. Guests consistently praise the generous tastings and the opportunity to try authentic recipes like the famous basil pesto made with local fresh basil and pine nuts. The tour includes wine, which complements the dishes perfectly.

This tour is perfect for those who want a full, satisfying meal combined with cultural insights. It’s highly rated (5/5 from 442 reviews), and many mention how the storytelling adds richness to the experience. Expect at least 4 stops in local eateries, making it a great value for money. The only downside might be the amount of food—be ready for a serious appetite. Overall, it’s ideal for foodies and anyone wanting a thorough taste of Genoa’s flavors.

Bottom Line: A well-rounded, in-depth experience that combines great food with local stories—perfect if you want to indulge in Genoa’s most iconic dishes.

2. Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with “Superb Gems”

Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with "Superb Gems"

This 2-hour tour at number 2 is a bite-sized exploration of Genoa’s culinary highlights paired with local wines. Led by Lorenzo, the guide takes you through historic sites like Palazzo Ducale, San Lorenzo Cathedral, and Palazzo San Giorgio, before tasting regional specialties. The emphasis here is on authenticity—from focaccia and farinata to local wines—and on discovering Genoa’s maritime history intertwined with its cuisine. Guests rave about the knowledgeable narration and the fact that the tour visits hidden spots often missed by other visitors.

What makes this tour stand out is its compact format—a quick, enriching experience for those with limited time. The price (~$70) reflects a high-quality tasting, and guests often mention the “hidden gems” and personalized stories that make it special. The tour’s combination of history and food makes it ideal for culture-focused travelers who want a taste of Genoa’s past and present.

Bottom Line: A perfect short introduction to Genoa’s culinary and cultural highlights, especially good if you’re short on time but want an authentic experience.

3. Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food

Genoa Walking Tour: Discover Hidden Treasures and Street Food

Number 3 packs a lot into one day—covering top sites, secret squares, and local street food. Over 6 hours, you’ll explore Via Giuseppe Garibaldi’s palaces, enjoy panoramic views from Spianata Castelletto, and step inside Museo di Palazzo Reale. The tour emphasizes Genoa’s opulent past, with stops at aristocratic palaces and lesser-known alleys. But the real highlight is sampling pesto, focaccia, and Prosecco, all with a local guide who shares fascinating stories.

Guests highlight the comprehensive scope and appreciate the entrance fees included. The tour’s length suits those eager to see the top sights and get an authentic taste for Genoa’s food culture. Price-wise, it’s on the higher side, but the depth of experience justifies it. Expect ample walking and multiple tastings, making it a great option for those with time on their hands and a curiosity for Genoa’s hidden corners.

Bottom Line: A detailed, immersive day that combines sightseeing and street food, ideal for travelers wanting an all-in-one experience.

4. Genoa Culinary Masterclass – A Hands-On Experience by Do Eat Better

Genoa Culinary Masterclass-A Hands-On Experience by Do Eat Better

For around $113, this interactive cooking class offers a rare chance to learn how to prepare classic Ligurian dishes like pesto and focaccia. Conducted in a cozy, local setting, you’ll meet your chef, Bernardo, and work together to make at least four traditional recipes. The class emphasizes techniques and local ingredients, with water, wine, or beer included to keep the atmosphere lively. Guests love the personal attention in small groups, and many reviews praise the fun, friendly environment.

This experience suits those who want to get hands dirty in the kitchen and walk away with skills to recreate Genoese flavors at home. It’s a great value considering the personalized instruction, and you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made. It’s perfect for foodies and anyone interested in culinary culture. The main consideration is that it’s a shorter session, so it’s best paired with sightseeing or other tours.

Bottom Line: An engaging, practical way to dive into Ligurian cuisine, especially appealing if you want to cook and eat in a relaxed setting.

5. Genoa: Traditional Food Tour with Drinks

Genoa: Traditional Food Tour with Drinks

This 3.5-hour walking tour brings together local dishes and drinks, making it a well-rounded experience. Starting at Molo Ponte Calvi, you’ll go through secret stops, local bakeries, and restaurants. The tour features Genoa’s signature dishes like focaccia, fried fish, and regional desserts, paired with local wines or drinks. The guide helps you explore the city’s culinary traditions and offers insights into Genoa’s vibrant street life.

Guests mention the generous tastings and the informative narration, which enhances the experience. The tour’s duration makes it suitable for those wanting a decent sample of Genoese cuisine without a full day commitment. It’s especially good for first-timers who want to see hidden spots and taste authentic local flavors. Its value is good, considering the breadth of food and drink included.

Bottom Line: A flavorful, moderate-length tour perfect for those eager to sample Genoa’s signature dishes with a bit of culture and history.

6. Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa

Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa

Number 6 offers a delightful 2-hour walk through the city center, with six tastings of seafood, focaccia, and local flatbread, plus two wines from Liguria. The guide takes you to Porta Soprana, Christopher Columbus’ house, and Genoa Cathedral, sharing stories about the city’s maritime legacy and culinary traditions. Each tasting is carefully selected to showcase regional ingredients and local wine craftsmanship.

Guests love the balance of food and history, with many mentioning the friendly guide and the high-quality tastings. It’s excellent for short visits or those wanting a light but flavorful introduction to Genoa. The tour offers good value and an opportunity to sample local wines alongside traditional foods.

Bottom Line: A compact, engaging tasting experience with a focus on local wines and seafood, ideal for a quick yet authentic impression of Genoa.

7. Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa

Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa

Number 7 features a 2-hour stroll through Genoa’s old town, exploring artisan food shops and market stalls. Led by a passionate guide, you’ll try fritto misto, pesto sauces, and unusual focaccia. The tour emphasizes local craftsmanship and small production foods, giving you a taste of Genoa’s gourmet side. Plus, you’ll sample wines from the Ligurian slopes.

Guests note the informative and lively guide and the chance to try lesser-known specialties. This tour is best suited for food adventurers who want to go beyond tourist traps and explore local artisan shops. It’s a value-packed option for those who love gourmet food and wine pairing.

Bottom Line: A lively, insider’s look at Genoa’s artisanal foods and wines, perfect for those seeking authentic producers.

8. 1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing in Genoa

1.5 Hour Food Guided Tour & Sightseeing in Genoa

This brief, 1.5-hour tour packs in five tastings, including fish, focaccia, and local flatbread. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour also visits Columbus’ birthplace and San Lorenzo. It’s a good choice if you want a quick, well-rounded introduction to Genoa’s culinary and cultural highlights.

Guests appreciate the value for the time invested and delicious tastings. It’s perfect for cruise travelers or those with limited time who still want a taste of Genoa. The small size makes it intimate and flexible, with a focus on local flavors.

Bottom Line: A quick, flavorful introduction suited for travelers with limited time but a desire to enjoy Genoa’s best street foods.

9. Genoa Street Food with a Local

Genoa Street Food Tour with a Local

The 3.5-hour street food tour takes you into Genoa’s atmospheric vicoli, sampling fritto misto, focaccia, and other savory pastries. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore places only locals know and learn about Genoa’s culinary culture as you go.

Guests highlight the chance to meet a passionate local and the varied tastings. This tour suits foodies interested in street culture and those wanting an authentic, lively experience. It’s great for independent travelers who enjoy walking and sampling.

Bottom Line: A lively, local-led exploration of Genoa’s street food scene—ideal for those who want to experience Genoa’s everyday flavors.

10. Genoa Street Food Tour with a Local Guide

Genoa Street Food Tour with a Local

Finally, this 3-hour small-group tour offers a personalized look into Genoa’s most typical dishes. Led by a local guide, you’ll sample focaccia, fried fish, and regional specialties, all while discovering hidden spots.

Guests love the friendly guide and the authentic foods. It’s perfect if you prefer a more intimate experience and want to learn about local culinary traditions. The tour is also suitable for food lovers who want to combine tasting with cultural insights.

Bottom Line: An intimate, flavorful walk that reveals Genoa’s culinary secrets with a knowledgeable local.

11. Street Food Tour in Genoa

Street Food Tour in Genoa

Last on our list, this 3-hour tour focuses on authentic street food, including sweet and savory items. Led by Roberto and Tiziana, the tour explores markets and food stands that locals frequent. You’ll taste famous Genoese specialties and learn about the city’s culinary culture.

Guests mention the passion of the guides and the unique insights into Genoa’s food scene. This tour is perfect for adventurous eaters eager to find hidden spots and sample local favorites.

Bottom Line: For those seeking a true taste of street food culture with a passionate guide, this tour is a must.

How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Genoa

When selecting among these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you want a full, immersive meal with storytelling, the Taste Genoa tour (link) is your best bet. For a shorter but rich experience, the Genoa Food and Wine Tasting (link) offers a quick cultural fix. If you’re passionate about learning to cook, the Culinary Masterclass (link) is perfect.

For travelers wanting deep sightseeing combined with taste, the Hidden Treasures and Street Food tour (link) covers top sites and local bites. Budget-conscious visitors might prefer the shorter 1.5 Hour Food Walk (link), while those craving authentic street eats should consider the Street Food in Genoa (link).

Timing, price, and interest in specific food types—seafood, pasta, wine, or street snacks—are key factors. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours during peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

Genoa offers a diverse range of food experiences, from leisurely full-meal tours to engaging cooking classes. Whether you’re after an in-depth culinary journey or a quick highlight reel, the city’s tours won’t disappoint. For first-timers, a comprehensive walking tour like the Taste Genoa experience makes sense. If you’re short on time but want a flavor-packed snapshot, the Genoa Food and Wine Tasting is ideal. And for those eager to learn a new skill, the hands-on masterclass will leave you with new recipes and memories.

Make sure to choose a tour aligning with your schedule and interests—Genoa’s food scene is rich enough to warrant multiple tastings. Booking in advance is smart, especially during the busy summer months. Dive into Genoa’s flavors and enjoy a true taste of Italy’s Ligurian coast—you’ll leave with a full belly and stories to tell.