Nestled between the blue waters of the Mediterranean and the rugged peaks of the Apennines, Liguria is a region that enchants both the eyes and the palate. Known as the Ligurian Riviera, this thin coastal strip offers a culinary experience as breathtaking as its views. The heart of Ligurian cuisine lies in its simplicity, using fresh, local ingredients to create dishes as vibrant as the region itself. A visit to Liguria is not complete without indulging in its most famous creation, Genoese pesto. Made with fragrant basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil, this bright green sauce is typically tossed with linguine, creating a quintessentially Ligurian meal.
As you wander through charming coastal towns like Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Sanremo, you’ll find a wide range of traditional dishes that reflect the region’s maritime heritage. Focaccia, a golden, olive oil-rich focaccia, comes in many variations, including the cheese-filled Recco focaccia, a must-try for any visitor. For seafood lovers, Liguria offers an abundance of fresh fish prepared in myriad ways. One of the typical dishes is buridda, a tasty seafood stew rich in cuttlefish, mussels and fish, all boiled with tomatoes, garlic and wine. And don’t miss the tasty vegetable pies known as vegetable pies, which demonstrate the region’s love of garden-fresh produce like chard, courgettes and artichokes
Traveling in Liguria is a feast for the senses. The terraced vineyards and olive groves that dot the landscape bear witness to the region’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions. Take a leisurely stroll through Genoa’s lively markets, where the aromas of fresh herbs and the sight of vibrant produce will tempt you to sample the local cuisine. Whether you’re dining al fresco on a clifftop terrace or enjoying a leisurely meal in a picturesque trattoria, the culinary delights of Liguria promise to leave you with a lingering taste of the Ligurian Riviera’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. Come for the breathtaking views, stay for the unforgettable flavours: Liguria is a region that truly has it all.
Liguria, often referred to as the Italian Riviera, is a region that offers a rich and diverse culinary experience. Here are some highlights of Ligurian cuisine:
Pesto alla Genovese
This iconic sauce is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s typically served with pasta, especially linguine, and is a must-try when visiting Liguria.
Focaccia
Liguria is famous for its focaccia, a golden, olive oil-rich flatbread. Variations include the cheese-filled focaccia di Recco, which is particularly popular.
Seafood
Given its coastal location, Liguria boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. One standout dish is buridda, a flavorful seafood stew made with cuttlefish, mussels, and fish, simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and wine.
Torte di Verdure
These savory vegetable pies showcase Liguria’s love for garden-fresh produce like chard, zucchini, and artichokes.
Olive Oil
Liguria produces some of the best olive oil in Italy, particularly from Taggiasca olives, which are DOP-protected to maintain quality.
Basil
Genovese basil, grown in the region, is known for its sweet and flavorful taste. It is the key ingredient in authentic pesto.
Dining Experience
Whether you’re dining al fresco on a cliffside terrace or in a quaint trattoria, the culinary delights of Liguria promise an unforgettable experience.
Liguria’s cuisine is a true reflection of its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Have you tried any Ligurian dishes before?
Focaccia (fügassa) alla genovese (focaccia alla genovese)
Focaccia on the beach, a great classic (ph Jaclyn DeGiorgio)