Food festivals in Genoa worth planning a trip around, by month.
Food festivals in Genoa worth planning a trip around, by month.
One hundred competitors from around the world pound basil, garlic, pine nuts and Ligurian oil in marble mortars under the frescoes of Palazzo Ducale, from morning heats to an afternoon final. Held every two years.
Focus: Pesto genovese al mortaio
Tip: Spectator entry is free until the hall is full; arrive before the 10am start. The 11th edition was 21 March 2026, the next is due in 2028.
The Porto Antico's bazaar of cultures: a covered souk on Piazza delle Feste with ten cooks serving Senegalese, Syrian-Lebanese, Indian, Mexican, Tunisian and other dishes, plus theatre, music and talks.
Focus: Ten international cuisines plus Genoese pànera
Tip: The souk and food stalls are free; theatre shows cost 10 to 12 euros. Evenings are when the kitchens, stage and bazaar are all running.
Italy's first official Oktoberfest, running since 2005, pitches its tent on Piazza della Vittoria: Hofbräu beer, canederli, pretzels, schnitzel, pork knuckle and spätzle, with bands nightly and family weekends.
Focus: Bavarian food and Hofbräu beer
Tip: Weeknights open at 6pm and weekends at noon, both until 2am; weekday early evenings are the only time you can sit without a wait.
A weekend devoted to focaccia genovese on Piazza delle Feste at the Porto Antico: bakers from Genoa and Liguria bake live, with tastings, show cooking, workshops and talks on the art of white bread.
Focus: Focaccia genovese
Tip: Free entry from 10am; the live bakes and tastings run in slots, so check the schedule board when you arrive and taste early.
Recco, 25 minutes by train from Genoa, has celebrated its cheese focaccia since 1955: the consortium's bakers hand out thousands of hot slices in the town centre all day, with a one-kilo eating challenge.
Focus: Focaccia di Recco col formaggio IGP
Tip: Free; trains from Genova Brignole are packed after 11am, so go early. The 2027 edition is Sunday 23 May.
Embark on a Genoa food tour in the historic center and savor Pasta with Pesto, wine, Focaccia, Fried Fish, and Gelato, while discovering the city’s rich culinary tradi...
Savor the authentic flavors of Genoa with a selection of traditional dishes. Complement your meal with the finest local wines, with the option to customize the menu ac...
Embark on a Genoa Guided Food Tour and savor fried fish, focaccia with pesto, focaccia with cheese, Ligurian savory pies mix and panera, while discovering the city’s r...