FOOD MARKETS AND FOOD FAIR IN GENOA

Overview: The most famous market in Genoa, Mercato Orientale, is a bustling indoor food market located in the heart of the city. Established in the late 19th century, it offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheese, and Ligurian specialties. The market also has small eateries where you can sample local food.
Address: Via XX Settembre, 75R, 16121 Genova, Italy
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
What to Find: Fresh fish, seasonal fruits and vegetables, local herbs like basil (for pesto), cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pasta.
How to Get There: Nearest Metro: Brignole; a 5-minute walk from the station.

Overview: Located in a renovated historical building, Mercato del Carmine is a smaller, community-oriented market that promotes organic and locally sourced products. It’s an excellent spot for finding high-quality, seasonal ingredients with a focus on sustainability.
Address: Piazza del Carmine, 1, 16124 Genova, Italy
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What to Find: Organic vegetables, Ligurian cheeses, wines, and sustainable fish and seafood.
How to Get There: Bus 39 from De Ferrari to Carmine; about a 10-minute ride.

Seasonal and organic products from local farms.
Workshops and cooking demonstrations that focus on traditional Ligurian cooking.
Local honey, herbs, and hand-crafted food products.

Overview: This weekly organic market is held in Piazza Matteotti, offering an array of local and organic products. Farmers from the Ligurian region come to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods.
Address: Piazza Matteotti, 16123 Genova, Italy
Opening Hours: Every Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
What to Find: Organic vegetables, fruits, olive oil, honey, cheeses, bread, and jams.
How to Get There: Nearest Metro: De Ferrari; a 5-minute walk from the metro station.

Overview: Located near the historical Porto Antico, this is one of Genoa’s best spots for fresh fish and seafood. Fishermen bring in their daily catch early in the morning, and locals flock here to buy the freshest seafood.
Address: Calata Vignoso, 16124 Genova, Italy
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
What to Find: Fresh fish and seafood such as anchovies, squid, mussels, and octopus.
How to Get There: Nearest Metro: San Giorgio; a 5-minute walk from the metro station.

Overview: One of Genoa’s most popular annual food fairs, the Fiera di Sant’Agata takes place in early February in the San Fruttuoso district. This fair is a celebration of local produce, regional street food, and crafts.
Address: Corso Sardegna, 16142 Genova, Italy
Dates: Every February
What to Find: Street food stalls offering Ligurian delights such as focaccia, farinata, pesto, and local sweets. There are also numerous stalls selling local handicrafts, plants, and artisanal products.
How to Get There: Bus 18 from Brignole to San Fruttuoso.

Traditional Ligurian street food like focaccia, frisceau (savory fritters), and castagnaccio (chestnut flour cake).
A vibrant local atmosphere with a variety of artisan goods, plants, and produce.
A fun, family-friendly event that celebrates Genoa’s local culture and food heritage.

Overview: Slow Fish is a biennial event held in Genoa, organized by Slow Food, a movement dedicated to preserving traditional and sustainable food practices. This international fair focuses on sustainable seafood and fisheries, offering tastings, workshops, and conferences.
Address: Porto Antico, 16128 Genova, Italy
Dates: Held every two years, typically in May
What to Find: Fresh seafood, sustainable fishing practices, cooking demonstrations, and seafood tastings from various regions.
How to Get There: Nearest Metro: San Giorgio; a 5-minute walk.

Tastings of sustainable fish and seafood dishes.
Workshops and conferences on responsible fishing and marine biodiversity.
Global seafood presentations, with a focus on traditional Mediterranean and Ligurian seafood.

Overview: Genoa hosts several Christmas markets, where food stalls feature traditional holiday treats, such as pandolce (a type of Genoese fruitcake) and other sweets, cheeses, and preserves. The most popular markets are held in Piazza De Ferrari and Piazza Piccapietra.
Address: Piazza De Ferrari, 16121 Genova, Italy
Dates: December
What to Find: Ligurian Christmas sweets, artisanal cheeses, wine, olive oil, and gifts.
How to Get There: Nearest Metro: De Ferrari; located directly in the square.

Traditional Christmas treats like pandolce and spongata.
Artisan stands selling vino novello (new wine), torrone (nougat), and local preserves.
A festive atmosphere with lights, holiday decorations, and live performances.

Overview: Held every weekend in different parts of the city, this farmer’s market brings local producers directly to consumers, offering fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal products. Locations vary, but Piazza Matteotti and Piazza De Ferrari are common venues.
Address: Piazza De Ferrari, 16121 Genova, Italy (varies by week)
Opening Hours: Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What to Find: Fresh fruit, vegetables, local meats, cheeses, and organic products from Liguria’s hinterland.
How to Get There: Nearest Metro: De Ferrari; a 2-minute walk.

Farm-fresh produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Local dairy products like formaggio di capra (goat cheese) and artisanal butter.
Organic olive oil, honey, and jams.