Savona Liguria Piedmont And Valle Daosta, Italy Travel Guide
Liguria’s landscape, with its sea and peaks, shaped its simple, quality-focused cuisine. Fresh fish, olive oil, and aromatic herbs are central.
Ligurian cooking uses less meat, favoring vegetables, olive oil (from Taggiasca olives), and herbs like basil, rosemary, and marjoram. History as a trading hub added subtle Eastern influences.
While pesto is region-wide, coastal towns like Savona focus on seafood. Inland areas may feature game meats, mushrooms, or chestnuts.
Even focaccia varies slightly away from town to town in preparation and toppings.
Savona’s port history reflects in its seafood-centric dishes and use of spices.
The iconic basil pesto, traditionally served with trofie or trenette pasta, sometimes with potatoes and green beans.
Find in virtually all trattorias and restaurants.
Ligurian flatbread, often simply topped with olive oil and coarse salt. Variations include onions or olives.
Available at bakeries (panifici) and bars.
Rabbit stewed with Taggiasca olives, pine nuts, and aromatic Ligurian herbs. A hearty inland dish.
A traditional menu item, look for it in trattorias.
Look for white Pigato and Vermentino, pairing well with seafood. Red options include Rossese or Ormeasco.
A local, bitter, carbonated soft drink from the chinotto fruit, known to be produced in Savona.
While fewer Michelin-starred options as opposed to larger cities, Savona has "ristorante" offering elevated Ligurian food with refined atmosphere and service.
Numerous "trattorie" and "osterie" offer a balance of quality, authenticity, and price. Great for traditional dishes in comfortable settings.
Panifici (bakeries) for focaccia, Pizzerie al taglio (pizza by slice), Farinaterie (farinata shops), and bars offer quick, authentic, and inexpensive options.
Savona's main daily indoor market in Piazza del Popolo. Locate fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, plus regional dishes.
Operates most mornings.
A weekly outdoor market, typically on Saturday in Piazza del Popolo and surrounding streets. Features clothing, household goods, and some food stalls.
Offers a lively atmosphere for local finds.
Some pizzerias offer Neapolitan or Roman variations.
Limited Chinese or Japanese restaurants may be found.
For authentic taste, prioritizing local Ligurian fare is recommended.
International options are fewer than in larger urban areas.
Halal and kosher options are very limited or non-existent in Savona.
Travelers should plan to stick to vegetarian or fish dishes (if permitted).
Consider self-catering for specific dietary requirements.
Supermarkets will have basic ingredients.
Direct communication with restaurant staff is . Italian cuisine includes cheese alongside eggs commonly.
Look for restaurants displaying the AIC (Associazione Italiana Celiachia) sticker for certified gluten-free choices.
Local agencies or schools in Genoa or nearby offer Ligurian cooking classes.
Visit olive oil mills (frantoio) in the surrounding hills, especially during olive harvest season (autumn/early winter).
Some vineyards offer tasting experiences, showing local Pigato or Vermentino wines.
Search for places specializing in "cucina tipica ligure."
Explore small shops selling local produce and specialties. Some offer tastings.
Directly engage with the local culinary culture.
Discover small producers of local cheeses or other specialties in the surrounding area.
Visit Mercato Civico for fresh ingredients for a picnic or self-catering.
Explore local bookstores for Ligurian cookbooks to bring flavors home.
Tipping ("mancia") is not customary if "coperto" or "servizio" is on the bill. If no such charge, a small gratuity for exceptional service is appreciated.
