The 4 best bakeries in Genoa chosen by Gambero Rosso

When you mention Genoa, you immediately think of focaccia. Greasy, fragrant, soft, flavorful – the warm Genoese focaccia is truly irresistible, even from the early hours of the morning (ask the locals in Genoa what they love to dip into their cappuccinos and coffees). However, in the city's bakeries, you can also find other specialties, from the pandolce typical of the Christmas period to the "pane libretto," made with soft wheat flour and characterized by its distinctive rectangular shape with incisions on the upper crust. Here are the best bakeries in Genoa highlighted in our latest guide, "Bread and Bakeries of Italy."

The Best Bakeries in Genoa

Panificio e Grissineria Claretta

Beloved bakery where it feels like stepping back in time. The offerings are quite classic but of high quality. Various formats of bread, mostly classics, including "libretti," rolls, baguettes, loaves, and "marinare" (olive oil bread typical of the Ligurian tradition). The focaccia is indeed Genoese but unique, lighter in color compared to that of other bakeries, thinner, with visible grains of salt: a different but absolutely pleasant focaccia, truly unmistakable. Equally interesting are the stretched grissini, crispy and flavorful, a must-try.

via della Posta Vecchia, 12 – 010 2477032 

At the Al Forno di Albaro

An interesting bakery in the residential neighborhood of Albaro, renovated at the beginning of 2023. The attention to producing bread, focaccia, pastries, and various baked goods is consistently excellent. Here, Genoese focaccia is a serious affair, prepared with artistry, soft underneath and crispy on top. There are various options available, including one with onions that is truly delightful. At the counter, there are numerous types of bread made using stone-ground flours. Among the most typical formats are 'libretti' and 'marinare' (olive oil bread resembling a sort of focaccia). Apart from the classic pizzas, small pizzas, stuffed focaccias, and Recco-style cheese focaccias, you should try the gourmet panettoni filled in various ways and the savory pies, some of which are vegan. On the sweet side: the typical Genoese pandolce, a selection of fresh and dry pastries, as well as plenty of yeasted and brioche pastries for breakfast.

via Albaro, 24r – Phone: 010 363315 

Pandolce dell'Antico Forno Patrone di Genova

Panificio Mario

One of the most famous bakeries in the city located on one of the most important and frequented streets by many Genoese. Mario's is a sure bet, with its flagship product being, needless to say, the typical Genoese focaccia—crispy on the surface and soft at the base, truly very tasty. The rest of the offerings, however, remain consistently excellent, both in terms of variations on focaccia (with onion, but also sage, olives, tomatoes, and so on) and in their bread and pizza selections.

Worth tasting for a tasty snack are the various white and red pizzas and small pizzas. The service is friendly and fast, even during peak hours.

via San Vincenzo, 74r – 010 580619 - panificiomario.it

Antico Forno Patrone

In the splendid alley of Ravecca, this place is famous primarily for its Genoese focaccia, consistently ranked among the best in the city: crispy and soft, savory and moist just right. The tray-baked pizzas are also excellent, like the one with zucchini, as well as the more classic options. The bread is meticulously crafted, all made with selected flours and the result of long leavening, some even using sourdough. All the loaves and more traditional formats are excellent, and it's worth trying the various special bread types. There's also a fine selection of Italian and, naturally, Ligurian gastronomy. The service is very courteous and attentive, always smiling and adept at fulfilling the customers' desires.

via di Ravecca, 72r – 010 2511093