Liguria · Italy by Taste

Liguria Food Mistakes to Avoid

Simple choices for a calmer food trip: understand the dish, choose one area and leave room for the actual journey.

1 · Treating Genoa as the whole region

Use Genoa as your first chapter. A food day in La Spezia, the Tigullio or the western valleys has its own geography and local dishes.

2 · Calling every focaccia the same thing

Genoese focaccia is a yeasted olive-oil bread. Cheese-filled focaccia associated with Recco has a different dough and texture. Read the name and ask what you are buying.

3 · Turning the coast into one short walk

The old town, Boccadasse, Camogli and the Cinque Terre do not belong to one compact walking route. Pick an area and check the way back before adding another town.

4 · Confusing market and food-hall hours

Mercato Orientale’s stalls and the MOG food area are distinct parts of the visit. Check the service you actually want, including holiday changes.

5 · Guessing ingredients from the dish name

Pesto can include milk products and pine nuts; pansoti, pies and walnut sauce need their own checks. Ask about ingredients and cross-contact when that matters to you. A vegetable dish is not automatically vegan.

6 · Trusting scenery more than the menu

Look for clearly described dishes, a preparation that interests you and service that fits your plans. Check the source of fish, the origin of products and any separately charged extras.