Nestled in the heart of Genoa at Via S. Siro, 32r, Trattoria Genovese “LA CUCINA DI SONIA” Ricci invites diners on an authentic journey through the rich and vibrant flavors of Ligurian cuisine. This charming family-run trattoria is more than just a restaurant—it’s a warm culinary home where tradition and passion unite on every plate.
The menu is a tribute to the local terroir, painstakingly crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Ligurian farmers and the bountiful sea just beyond the city. Start your meal with the Antipasti di terra, vibrant vegetable medleys harvested from local farms, or indulge in the Antipasti di mare featuring freshly caught fish from the Ligurian coast. Each appetizer reflects a deep respect for simplicity and freshness, awakening your palate with vibrant textures and natural flavors.
For the main course, the kitchen excels in showcasing Liguria’s maritime heritage. The Filetto di pesce di stagione, featuring a perfectly cooked seasonal fish filet accompanied by crisp local vegetables, radiates delicate flavors and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Frittura di acciughe alla genovese offers a crispy and flavorful dive into the region’s anchovy tradition, while the Moscardini su crema di patate marries tender baby octopus with a luscious potato cream, pesto emulsion, Taggiasca olives, and pine nuts, crafting a dish that’s simultaneously comforting and sophisticated. Each bite is an immersive experience, shaped by the family’s legacy and Sonia’s masterful touch in the kitchen.
To conclude your meal, the homemade desserts are nothing short of heavenly. The Tiramisù fatto in casa evokes nostalgic sweetness, just like traditional Italian kitchens of the past. The Bavaresi, Ricotta e pere, and Panna cotta con salsa alle fragole offer a delicate, creamy finish that leaves a lingering sense of satisfaction and warmth.
The atmosphere at La Cucina di Sonia is intimate and inviting—a small, beautifully appointed space where every detail reflects care and heritage. Guests often describe feeling as if they've stepped into the family’s own dining room, a sentiment echoed by many who praise the generous hospitality of Luca, Sonia’s son, whose insightful recommendations and warm presence create an unparalleled dining experience. His passion for Ligurian food and local relationships with farmers and fishmongers shines through his attentive service.
Contrary to larger, impersonal restaurants, here you are treated as an honored guest. The genuine connection and storytelling that accompany each dish elevate the meal beyond mere consumption; it becomes a heartfelt celebration of Ligurian culture and family tradition. Loyal patrons repeatedly emphasize the freshness of ingredients, the authenticity of the recipes, and the soulful energy that permeates the trattoria’s walls.
For those seeking an extraordinary taste of Genoa’s heartfelt cuisine—where every morsel tells a story and every visit feels like coming home—Trattoria Genovese “LA CUCINA DI SONIA” Ricci is an absolute must-visit. Make a reservation, prepare to savor exquisite Ligurian flavors, and experience Italian hospitality at its most genuine and memorable.
Contact: +39 376 151 5289 | Via S. Siro, 32r, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
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Zeezee Thex
12/12/2025
Gracious and generous service. A true delight. Fresh, local ingredients. Charming family run place. Delicious fresh swordfish. Pesto is family recipe. I wanted to try the Cima allá Genovese but they were sold out. Luca, my waiter and Sonia’s son found a small bit for me to try as a gift. The chef, Sonia came to my table and I was able to give her my highest compliments. I am traveling solo and was rested like family. Best meal I’ve had in Genoa.
Māra Bērziņa
08/12/2025
A Hidden Gem of Italian Hospitality and Flavor This small, family-run Italian restaurant feels like stepping into someone's home — and what a home it is! The kitchen is truly outstanding, dishes made with love and generations of tradition. Mother Sonia is a culinary artist — her pasta pesto was perfectly cooked, the sauces rich and full of depth, and the desserts? Simply heavenly. You can taste the care in every bite. What made the experience even more memorable was the warm, genuine service. Luca, Sonia’s son, was friendly and attentive. It’s rare to find service that feels this personal and heartfelt. If you’re looking for real Italian food made with passion and served with love, this is the place. Highly, highly recommended.
Donna Dixson
15/10/2025
Absolutely outstanding! The best food, customer service and atmosphere I've enjoyed during two weeks in Italy! From the moment Luca attended our table, telling us that his Mom was the chef, I knew it was going to be amazing. The restaurant is small but beautifully appointed with careful attention to every detail. The menu changes often to offer only the best and seasonal ingredients. Not only is Sonia an accomplished chef, she is honestly the sweetest and most genuine human being. Luca and our server Krissi( might have that spelled wrong) were also warm, friendly and very professional. It was an added bonus that they both spoke fluent English but were delightfully Italian. It was a small miracle that we got the only table available for the exact time we needed and I'm so grateful not to have missed this incredible experience. Highly recommend making this a "must do" when you visit Genoa!
Sara Palazzo
04/10/2025
Wonderful experience! The care and passion behind La Cucina di Sonia are truly unparalleled a hidden gem in the heart of the city.
Sam Silver
02/10/2025
Food was excellent, service even better. A small menu, with each dish made from fresh ingredients. Luca and his family are amazing hosts, made us feel very welcome. Would highly recommend!
Paul D B
16/09/2025
I totally love this place. The owner (or the son of) is a perfect host. A word for every patron, a recommendation of where else to eat or drink and a man of much wisdom on the Ligurian kitchen. The menu is very small, but they take pride in what they prepare and it's freshness. Come here and experience Italian/Genovese hospitality at its very best.
Ocie Elliott
04/09/2025
Just make a reservation. You’ll get to meet one of the coolest most passionate down to earth people on the planet. Luca and his wife pour their soul into every dish and you can taste it. Ask Luca anything about the ingredients, or why he chooses them, where he gets them from or why he put them together for that dish and you’ll hear the most incredible stories of local relationships with farmers and how that supports the community, how the value of real ingredients isn’t lost on him, and what he hopes to showcase with each dish about his country city and culture. The food is beyond words and the atmosphere is something out of a movie. Luca, so much love for the incredible dinner and amazing recommendations! Keep being you brother!
Ева Яблокова
20/08/2025
We had a wonderful experience! The food was absolutely authentic, delicious, and surprisingly light — exactly what we were hoping for. The restaurant itself is small and very cozy, which makes it even more special. The staff were extremely welcoming and kind, adding to the warm atmosphere. We truly enjoyed our time here and would definitely recommend it!