Discover Genoa’s Culinary Soul with Artviva
At Artviva, we believe that Italy’s great cuisine isn’t just about technique or tradition—it starts with the ingredients. That’s why we invite you to experience A Taste of Genova (Genoa): A Walking Tour Market Visit to the Famous Mercato Orientale, led by none other than Pier Carlo Testa, Artviva’s director and a native Genovese with deep roots in the city’s food culture. Book this Genova food tour now!
Pier Carlo has been walking the aisles of this market since he was a little boy, watching his grandmother barter for the freshest seafood and herbs, listening to stories whispered by generations of shopkeepers who know that flavor begins in the soil—and in the sea.
Welcome to Genova (Genoa): A City Between Mountains and Sea
Genova—called Genoa in English—is tucked along the northwestern Ligurian coast of Italy. Cradled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this historic maritime city once ruled the waves as a powerful republic and trading empire.
Its port brought spices and treasures from the East, but its true wealth has always come from the land and sea around it. The steep terraced hills, olive groves, aromatic herbs like marjoram and basil, and abundant fish create a cuisine that is humble, healthy, and incredibly rich in flavor.
The Mercato Orientale: Genoa’s Historic Market
The Mercato Orientale—literally “Eastern Market”—sits in the bustling heart of the San Vincenzo district. Housed in what was once the cloister of the Church of Nostra Signora della Consolazione, the market officially opened in 1899. A covered market surrounded by elegant arcades and columns, it has always been more than a place to buy food—it’s where the flavors of Genova are born.
Inside, you’ll find everything from glistening Ligurian anchovies to sweet mountain strawberries, spicy local salami to wedges of briny pecorino cheese.
Today, the Mercato Orientale has become a contemporary gathering place as well—home to MOG (Mercato Orientale Genova), a modern food court showcasing top chefs and local delicacies. But the soul of the market remains rooted in the ritual of choosing the best ingredients of the day, speaking with producers, and respecting the seasons.
Why Seasonality and Territory Matter
Pier Carlo Testa says it best: “Italian cuisine isn’t about complicated recipes. It’s about knowing where your food comes from.”
Whether it’s the tiny Taggiasca olives, the wild fennel from mountain slopes, or tomatoes ripened by the salty sea breeze, it all starts with territorio. In Italy, the land matters. So does the time of year.
Shopping for what’s in season means your food is fresher, healthier, and more vibrant. And that’s what makes Italian cuisine not just delicious—but deeply satisfying.
Our market walking tour is not a tourist show. It’s an invitation to step into the everyday ritual that defines Italian food culture: the search for the best ingredients.
Genova Food Tour – A Market Tour with Pier Carlo Testa
Pier Carlo, Artviva’s co-founder and a true native of Genova, guides you through the Mercato Orientale with the familiarity of someone who’s been doing this his entire life.
You’ll learn which tomatoes are best for sauces versus salads. You’ll meet the cheesemonger who’s been aging Parmigiano Reggiano in a backroom since 1972. You’ll sip Ligurian white wine while nibbling focaccia straight from the oven.
You’ll also hear stories—of Genovese grandmothers, of fishermen’s early morning rituals, of slow-simmered broths and kitchen secrets passed down through the generations.
This Genova food tour is storytelling through taste.
What You’ll Taste and Experience on the Genova Food Tour
• Warm focaccia alla Genovese brushed with fragrant olive oil
• Fresh basil, the key to real pesto, and a tasting of pestos made with different oils and nuts
• Taggiasca olives and local salami
• Cheeses from Liguria and the nearby mountains
• Seasonal fruits bursting with flavor
• A chance to speak directly with stallholders and artisans
And if you wish, we can end the tour with a reserved table at one of Genoa’s hidden trattorias or innovative modern kitchens.
See the YouTube video of Pier Carlo Testa doing a walking tour of the Genoa market food market here
Artviva’s Bespoke Gourmet Journeys in Italy
At Artviva, we specialize in curating authentic culinary experiences that go far beyond what you’ll find in a guidebook. Whether it’s a walking tour in Florence or a truffle hunt in Tuscany, our journeys are designed to connect you to the true Italy—through food, people, and place.
Want to combine your visit to Genova with a wine-tasting in Piedmont or a cooking class on the Amalfi Coast? We’ll create a custom itinerary just for you, complete with restaurant bookings, private transfers, and insider access to Italy’s top chefs and food producers.
Just contact us for a bespoke package.
More Food & Wine Experiences from Artviva
Explore more of Italy’s culinary treasures with these handpicked Artviva tours:
1. Tastes of Florence: A Walking Food Tour
A classic Florence food tour through markets, wine bars, bakeries, and street food favorites.
3. Taste of Tuscany: Wines of Nobility
Visit renowned wine estates in the Tuscan countryside with tastings and vineyard tours.
4. Rome to Florence Gourmet Transfer
Turn your travel day into a culinary experience with a scenic drive, food tastings, and lunch.
5. The Best Gourmet Food and Wine Experiences in Italy
Discover Italy’s top food and wine experiences with this curated selection.
6. Bologna Food & History Tour
Taste mortadella, tortellini, and balsamic vinegar in the food capital of Emilia-Romagna.
7. Venice Food & Wine Tour
Explore cicchetti bars and markets in the magical canals of Venice.
8. Truffle Hunt & Tuscan Lunch
Join a professional truffle hunter and enjoy a gourmet lunch in the woods.
9. Chianti Wine & Artisan Tour
Meet artisan winemakers and taste their small-batch Chianti Classico wines.
10. Private Cooking Class in Florence
Cook a traditional Tuscan meal with a local chef in the heart of Florence.
Plan Your Italian Culinary Journey
Whether you’re a seasoned food lover or simply curious about how the locals eat, A Taste of Genova: A Walking Tour Market Visit to the Famous Mercato Orientale is a deeply immersive experience designed to feed your curiosity—and your appetite.
Contact Artviva today to book this unforgettable experience and to design your own bespoke gourmet journey through Italy.
