Liguria’s Cuisine: Famous Dishes from the Northern Italian Region

As you travel from the south to the north in Italy, you will find that the food continuously changes as you pass through the regions. One of the regions with unique food you may visit is Liguria. As part of our food series from each of the Italian regions, here is an overview of Liguria’s cuisine, its typical ingredients, and examples of the region’s most famous dishes.

Where Is Liguria?

Liguria is a region in northwestern Italy, bordered by France to the west, Piedmont to the north, and Tuscany to the east. Geographical features include the Alps to the north and the Ligurian Sea to the south of the region.

For What Is Liguria Famous?

Liguria is famous for its beautiful coastline, picturesque villages, and delicious cuisine. The area is also known for its production of high-quality olive oil and wine. Additionally, Liguria is home to the famous Cinque Terre, a series of five small coastal towns that are known for their colourful houses and scenic hiking trails.

What Are the Typical Ingredients of Liguria’s Cuisine?

Ligurian cuisine is known for its simple yet flavorful dishes that make use of fresh, local ingredients. Some of the typical ingredients used in Ligurian cuisine include:

• Basil: This fragrant herb is a key ingredient in pesto, a famous sauce from the region.
• Pine nuts: These small, crunchy nuts are also used in pesto and add a delicious nutty flavour to dishes.
• Olive oil: Liguria is known for producing some of the best olive oil in Italy, and it is a staple in the region’s cuisine.
• Seafood: Given its proximity to the sea, Liguria is famous for fresh seafood dishes, which often include anchovies, squid, and shellfish.
• Focaccia bread: This flat, oven-baked bread is a popular snack in Liguria, and the Italians often top it with olive oil and herbs.
• Vegetables: Liguria’s cuisine uses a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, artichokes, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Cheese: Liguria is known for producing a variety of delicious cheeses, including pecorino and Parmesan.
• Wine: The region produces various wines, including the famous Cinque Terre DOC white wine.

Examples of Dishes from Liguria’s Cuisine

Liguria is famous for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavourful dishes. Here are some of the most popular dishes from the region:

1. Pesto alla Genovese: This is perhaps the most famous dish from Liguria. It is a simple yet delicious sauce of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The Italians serve it with either pasta or potatoes or on top of focaccia bread.
2. Focaccia: This type of flatbread is popular throughout Italy, particularly in Liguria. People typically season the bread with salt, olive oil, and fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
3. Trofie al Pesto: Trofie is a short, twisted pasta often served with pesto sauce. This dish is a Ligurian classic that both locals and tourists enjoy.
4. Farinata: This is a type of savoury chickpea flour pancake. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. People usually serve it as a snack or appetizer.
5. Ciuppin: This is a hearty fish stew that is popular in Liguria and other coastal regions of Italy. It typically includes various seafood, such as mussels, clams, squid, and fish.
6. Cappon Magro: This is a traditional Ligurian dish that people usually serve on special occasions, such as Christmas or Easter. It is a layered salad that includes seafood, vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs.
7. Torta Pasqualina: This is a savoury pie Ligurians usually serve in the Easter season. The filling is spinach, ricotta cheese, and eggs. It is a delicious vegetarian option.

You might also like to read about the cuisine of Lombardy, Lazio, and Emilia-Romagna.

Have you tried any dishes from Liguria? Let us know about your favourite dishes in the comments below.