Zeffirino Genova
An elegant, historic Italian restaurant in Genoa famed for its generations-old pesto recipe and fresh seafood. A dining experience beloved by locals a...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Zeffirino Genova
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant, historic Italian restaurant in Genoa famed for its generations-old pesto recipe and fresh seafood. A dining experience beloved by locals and stars alike.
"Truly one of my favorite places I’ve ever eaten at. The service was fantastic!"
Reserve for the Best Views
Book your table in advance to ensure a spot with coveted waterfront views.
Must-Try House Specialties
Don't miss the 'paffutelli in vellutina di basilico' or their legendary pesto.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Ligurian, Seafood
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Pesto Pasta
Indulge in generations-old pesto recipes, renowned as some of the best in Genoa, made fresh for an unforgettable taste.
Waterfront Dining Elegance
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with stunning waterfront views in an elegant, historic family-run establishment.
Celebrity-Adored Italian Cuisine
Dine like a star at Zeffirino, a decades-old favorite of popes, Frank Sinatra, and Pavarotti, offering a taste of true Genovese tradition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve for the Best Views
Book your table in advance to ensure a spot with coveted waterfront views.
Must-Try House Specialties
Don't miss the 'paffutelli in vellutina di basilico' or their legendary pesto.
Ask for Personalized Options
Inquire about half & half variations for a unique, custom dining experience.
Exceptional Service
Experience service that goes above and beyond, especially during lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve for the Best Views
Book your table in advance to ensure a spot with coveted waterfront views.
Must-Try House Specialties
Don't miss the 'paffutelli in vellutina di basilico' or their legendary pesto.
Ask for Personalized Options
Inquire about half & half variations for a unique, custom dining experience.
Exceptional Service
Experience service that goes above and beyond, especially during lunch.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zeffirino Genova is celebrated for its authentic Ligurian cuisine, particularly its famed pesto, and its elegant atmosphere with waterfront views. While many praise the exceptional service and high-quality food, some find the portions small and the prices high, suggesting a less favorable price-performance ratio for certain diners.
"A lovely restaurant with tradition, decent prices and wonderful staff. Particulary the staff who goes above and beyond.
The restaurant was opened in 1939 and has passed down three generations. The visitors include both popes, Frank Sinatra, Madonna and Pavarotti.
The staff are friendly, know their craft and have good humor. This is a must place visit in Genoa"
Kasper B-A
"Truly one of my favorite places I’ve ever eaten at. Even my dad who is famous for saying that things always taste “fine” said it was delicious.
The service was fantastic, and everyone was so nice. I will definitely be trying to come back here while on my trip."
Julia Mlodkowska
"Went last year for my sisters birthday and I still think of this place. The food was absolutely delicious, the atmosphere was warm and inviting and above all the service was phenomenal. The staff were so friendly and we even took pictures with the chef and owner❤️❤️❤️😘"
Nicole Bang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Zeffirino Genova is most famous for its authentic Ligurian cuisine, especially its traditional pesto, which has been made with a family recipe for decades.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially if you desire a table with waterfront views.
The house specialty, 'paffutelli in vellutina di basilico', and their iconic Genoese pesto are highly recommended.
Yes, the restaurant is known for its willingness to cater to guests' preferences, including personalized dish options like half & half variations.
Zeffirino Genova is considered upscale, with dinner prices typically ranging from 60 to 150 EUR per person.
Yes, many guests have celebrated birthdays and other special occasions here, praising the delicious food, warm atmosphere, and phenomenal service.
Yes, dogs are welcomed at Zeffirino Genova and are even provided with a cup of water without needing to ask.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In Genoa, Italy
This family-run Genoese institution has been cooking in traditional, sumptuous and romantic surroundings for the past 80 years, when it was started by a family of farmers during WWII. Always synonymous with high-quality cuisine, they still adhere to cooking from everything this bountiful region supplies, with seasonal offerings and the freshest ingredients. If you order just one thing, make it the house speciality: paffutelli in vellutina di basilico.
Vivid green pesto, great wine and fabulous walks … Genoa is a city of indulgence for Nicholas Walton | Genoa holidays
At the other end of the scale is Zeffirino, run by a charismatic guy who knew Sinatra and cooked for Pavarotti – who is said to have rented a flat above the restaurant. I remember having a delicious sea bream with taggiasca olives and tomato there – a level above anything I’ve had.
Guide to Genoa, the Italian Riviera's Hidden Gem
Established in 1939, Zeffirino is the place for pesto—the recipe has been in the family for decades. The menu offers traditional Ligurian dishes like pasta and seafood in a sophisticated, white tablecloth setting.
The best restaurant in Genova
The restaurant Zeffirino is to consider the starting point to taste the piztti and traditional foods of Genoa that are served in an elegant and stylish way. among the specialties of the restaurant we have fresh presce also raw and desserts, and then last but first the Genoese pesto a really good dish. Despite this year the restaurant has undergone a restyling, inside you can still breathe the traces of its long past; the furniture is hand painted by the brush of Federico Ferrari.
Restaurants in Genoa, best cafes: description, prices
One of the iconic restaurants in Genoa, according to tourist reviews, is Zeffirino. The prices here are high (dinner will cost you between 60 and 150 EUR), but you can try classic Ligurian dishes prepared to perfection. It's worth mentioning that Zeffirino's pesto is supplied to the Vatican, and the restaurant has had famous clients like Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit