Eat in Castelletto, Genoa

Voltalacarta ★ 4.3

Voltalacarta, a small fish restaurant on Via Assarotti, a short walk from Piazza Corvetto in Genoa, is known for its cappon magro and has few tables.

OrderThe cappon magro when it is on; Michelin and Gambero Rosso both name it the house signature.

TipMichelin describes a tiny doorway and only a few tables, and advises booking ahead given the kitchen's reputation in town.

Le Rune ★ 4.1

Le Rune sits on Salita Inferiore Sant'Anna near Piazza Portello in Genoa, with small dining rooms, a summer dehor and a menu tied to the sea and the seasons.

OrderThe stoccafisso brandacujun or the calamari stuffed with prawns and courgettes, both named by Michelin.

TipMichelin notes that some tables sit above the kitchen; the restaurant's page shows a summer dehor on the salita.

Ristorante Montallegro ★ 3.9

Ristorante Montallegro at Righi, Genoa, lists pansoti and mandilli al pesto at €12 and fritto misto at €22, with pizza by the metre and a terrace room.

OrderPansoti in salsa di noci or mandilli al pesto (both €12), or the pizza by the metre.

TipThe site says it serves dinner every day and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and points to the funicular-station terrace beside it, with a compass rose.

Voltalacarta ★ 4.3

Voltalacarta hides behind a tiny door on Via Assarotti, 100 metres from Piazza Corvetto in Genoa, with few tables and a cappon magro Michelin praises.

OrderThe cappon magro, which Michelin says is so good it deserves an identity card.

Why locals goMichelin says the tiny doorway conceals an intimate room with few tables, on Via Assarotti a hundred metres from Piazza Corvetto.

TipGambero Rosso counts about 35 seats; the restaurant's own page is old and lists only phone and address.