Savona: Traditional Food Tour

Savona’s traditional food tour promises a delightful culinary adventure. Starting at Piazza Leon Pancaldo, the 3-hour small group experience takes visitors through local eateries to savor authentic dishes like crispy panissa, farinata, and pesto-dressed pasta. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour uncovers the fascinating stories behind each specialty, culminating in a sweet treat and espresso. For those eager to enjoy Savona’s rich food heritage, this tour offers a tempting taste of the region’s gastronomic delights.

Key Points

• A 3-hour culinary experience exploring local eateries in Savona, offering five traditional dishes and a guided tour.
• Meeting point at Piazza Leon Pancaldo, with the tour available in English and Italian.
• Sampling of crispy panissa, farinata, authentic pesto pasta, fresh fried seafood, and Genoese focaccia.
• Concluding with dessert options, espresso, and stories about the region’s culinary traditions from a knowledgeable guide.
• Flexibility in booking with free cancellation, reserve now & pay later, and suitable for individual travelers or small groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Savona Traditional Food Tour offers a delightful 3-hour culinary experience, priced from €89 per person.

Meeting at Piazza Leon Pancaldo under the tower, guests embark on a small group tour exploring Savona’s local eateries. Offered in English and Italian, the tour allows visitors to sample five traditional dishes like crispy panissa, chickpea pancake farinata, authentic pesto pasta, and Ligurian seafood.

The experience includes a rich lunch with water and wine. Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide shares stories and legends behind the region’s cherished food traditions and provides recommendations for the best local fare.

Booking Information

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Book your spot and pay nothing today using the reserve now & pay later option.

Check availability to see the starting times for this small group experience. The tour is suitable for individual travelers or small groups.

• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Reserve now & pay later: Book your spot and pay nothing today

• Check availability: See the starting times for this experience

• Small group size: Enjoy a personalized culinary journey

Culinary Experience

Diners can sample five traditional dishes at local eateries favored by residents during this rich and filling lunch.

The menu includes classics like panissa – a crispy chickpea flour crust – and farinata, a light and crispy chickpea pancake. Guests will also try authentic Ligurian pasta with pesto, made with local ingredients, as well as fresh fried seafood and the original Genoese focaccia.

Classic Ligurian dishes like crispy panissa, light farinata, handmade pesto pasta, fresh fried seafood, and original Genoese focaccia.

For dessert, they’ll enjoy either amaretti cookies or artisanal ice cream. To conclude the meal, an espresso provides the classic Italian coffee ritual.

Throughout, the knowledgeable guide shares stories and legends behind the region’s beloved culinary traditions.

Panissa: Crispy Chickpea Crust

Panissa is a traditional Ligurian dish featuring a crisp chickpea flour crust. This savory treat is a staple on the Savona Food Tour, offering a unique flavor profile and texture.

Some key facts about panissa:

1. Made with chickpea flour, water, and a pinch of salt.

2. Baked until golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and creamy on the inside.

3. Often served with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of rosemary.

4. Pairs beautifully with a glass of local white wine or a refreshing aperitif.

More Great Tours Nearby

Farinata: Ligurian Chickpea Pancake

Another Ligurian specialty found on the Savona Food Tour is farinata, a delectable chickpea pancake. This savory flatbread is made from a simple batter of chickpea flour, water, and olive oil. Farinata’s light, crispy texture comes from the high heat it’s cooked at in a wood-fired oven. It’s often topped with rosemary, sea salt, or other herbs and spices. Farinata’s origins date back centuries, with the dish holding an important place in Ligurian culinary traditions. Enjoy a slice of this iconic Genovese specialty on the Savona Food Tour.

| Ingredients | Cooking Method |

| — | — |

| Chickpea flour | Baked in a wood-fired oven |

| Water | High heat |

| Olive oil | Crispy texture |

Pasta With Pesto: Authentic Basil Pesto

The quintessential Ligurian dish featured on the Savona Food Tour is pasta with authentic basil pesto. This vibrant sauce is a local specialty, crafted from just a few simple ingredients:

1. Fresh, fragrant basil leaves

2. Grated Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses

3. Pine nuts for texture and richness

4. Garlic, olive oil, and a splash of pasta cooking water

The guide shares the legend behind pesto’s origins, explaining how Genovese chefs perfected this labor-intensive preparation using a mortar and pestle.

Served with freshly cooked pasta, the bold, herbal notes of this signature sauce delight the senses.

Fresh Ligurian Fish: Fritto Misto

Fritto Misto, a treasured Ligurian seafood specialty, graces the Savona Food Tour’s menu.

This authentic dish features a medley of fresh local fish and shellfish, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection.

Expect a variety of succulent morsels, from tender calamari to juicy prawns.

A medley of tender calamari and juicy prawns, a true delight for the senses.

The Fritto Misto showcases the region’s bountiful coastal waters and culinary traditions.

Savor each morsel, delighting in the crisp exterior and delicate interior.

Accompanied by a glass of local white wine, this course offers a quintessential taste of Ligurian flavors, highlighting the tour’s emphasis on genuine regional cuisine.

Dessert and Coffee: Amaretti and Espresso

How better to conclude the Savona Food Tour than with a traditional Ligurian dessert and the quintessential Italian coffee ritual?

The tour finishes with a choice of:

1. Amaretti di Sassello – Delicate almond macaroons with a crunchy exterior and soft interior.

2. Artisanal gelato – Creamy, handcrafted ice cream made with local ingredients.

3. An authentic espresso – The perfect Italian coffee experience to cap off the flavorful journey.

4. A glass of limoncello – A refreshing lemon liqueur to aid digestion after the hearty meal.

The dessert and coffee represent the final savoring of Savona’s time-honored culinary traditions.

Ask Away

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour details don’t mention any student or senior discounts. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly to inquire about any special pricing options that may be available.

Can the Tour Be Modified for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests with specific dietary needs should contact the tour operator to discuss options and make any necessary adjustments to the culinary experience.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

The tour price includes all food and drinks sampled during the experience. There are no additional fees or hidden costs. Guests should inform the operator of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure a customized experience.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From the City Center?

To get to the meeting point from the city center, you can take a short 10-minute walk. The tour meeting point is located in Piazza Leon Pancaldo, under the tower, which is easily accessible from the central areas of Savona.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include time to purchase souvenirs or local products. However, the guide can provide recommendations for the best places to shop for Ligurian specialties after the culinary experience concludes.

Final Words

This traditional food tour offers a delightful way to explore Savona’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors will savor authentic local dishes, discover fascinating stories, and indulge in a sweet treat and espresso, making it a memorable experience for food lovers. With a knowledgeable guide and a small group, this 3-hour tour provides an opportunity to take in the flavors and traditions of Savona.

You can check availability for your dates here: