Does it get any more perfect than an eating holiday in Italy? In Turin and Genoa, the sun is shining, the wine is flowing and you have the charm of a small city while you eat and eat and eat.
Genoa
Trofie pesto is the specialty in this region. I tried it at Trattoria di Santiago which is down the street from Piazza de Ferrari. I was actually attempting to go to Trattoria Maria which I had heard from a local has very typical Genovese food, both reasonably priced and very good. Sadly it was closed and only open at certain times.
Trofie pesto is the specialty in this region. I tried it at Trattoria di Santiago which is down the street from Piazza de Ferrari. I was actually attempting to go to Trattoria Maria which I had heard from a local has very typical Genovese food, both reasonably priced and very good. Sadly it was closed and only open at certain times.
One of the highlights of my holiday so far has been Trattoria Rosmarino's prawn canelloni with cinnamon. I was so blown away that I am determined to recreate it when I go home. Bookings are essential and they turned away numerous people whilst I was there. They have English menus on tablets and the staff are multilingual. It is just off Piazza de Ferrari. It has a great atmosphere with great attention to detail, as well as being very affordable.
It's not just about pizza and pasta in Genoa. Focaccia is the food of the day. You must try the focaccia with cheese from Recco, which is a 'gastronomic experience'. Focaccia shops are like the McDonalds of Genoa, but infinitesimally better tasting. Focacceria Genovese in Piazza Fossatello in the historical part of the city sells it by weight and is highly rated on Tripadvisor.
The most famous restaurant in Genoa is Zefferino's. Popes, Sinatra and Celine Dion are just a few of their famous customers. Unlike most restaurants in Italy, it is open from 12pm to 12am so it might make life a bit easier if you've not adopted the late dinner schedule (8pm in Turin and 7.30 in Genoa). It's expensive but then you might want to try it.
Fresh fish is very popular too. I tried a local white fish which was tasty but full of bones. Such is the delight with fish!
Turin
Around Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Pizzeria da Michele and Porto di Savona are both very good and have lovely views of the Piazza.
Around Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Pizzeria da Michele and Porto di Savona are both very good and have lovely views of the Piazza.
I enjoyed the €30 tasting menu at Porto di Savona - vitello tonnato (veal in tuna mayonnaise), agnolotti (meat ravioli which is a specialty in Turin), braised beef and bonet (a traditional dessert which is like a chocolate creme caramel).
Rabbit and beef cheeks are also very popular in Turin. Hams and meat are more prevalent in Turin.
I had amazing pizza. Italian tomatoes are so full of flavour and it goes so well with the cheese and thin crust base.
You can save a little by not having the bread which is charged at €2 and brought to your table at the beginning of the meal. Wine by the glass is around €3. Overall eating in Italy is very decently priced.
Dessert
Of course there is gelato. Did you know that you can now get it in violet?! Creamy and divine. The sun shines and the gelato beckons.
Of course there is gelato. Did you know that you can now get it in violet?! Creamy and divine. The sun shines and the gelato beckons.
Chocolate, biscuits and cakes galore. Bars and cafes sell them in abundance and they are sweet treats.
Italy is a foodlover's paradise. Enjoy it. Both Genoa and Turin are exemplary culinary experiences that will make your holiday that much more memorable.
 |
| Prawn Canelloni with Cinnamon |
 |
| Wild boar pasta |
 |
| Duck pasta |
