
La Buca di San Matteo
A charming Italian restaurant in Genoa's historic center, famed for its unique ambiance and exquisite Ligurian seafood and truffle dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

La Buca di San Matteo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Italian restaurant in Genoa's historic center, famed for its unique ambiance and exquisite Ligurian seafood and truffle dishes.
"An exceptional resting that I would strongly recommend it of you are visiting Genoa."
Book the private room
Consider booking a private room with amazing ambiance for an extra fee, perfect for special occasions.
Save room for tiramisu
Don't miss dessert! The hazelnut tiramisu is highly recommended and a perfect sweet ending.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Ligurian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+39 010 236 2389
Address
Via David Chiossone, 16123 Genova GE, Italy
Website
labucadisanmatteo.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Secret Well' Table
Dine in a unique candle-lit corner perched on a glass floor over a 1400s well. Ultimate date night!

Divine Truffle Dishes
Indulge in heavenly truffle dishes, a true delight for the senses. A must-try for truffle lovers.

Fresh Seafood Specialties
Savor incredibly fresh seafood, expertly prepared and beautifully presented.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book the private room
Consider booking a private room with amazing ambiance for an extra fee, perfect for special occasions.
Save room for tiramisu
Don't miss dessert! The hazelnut tiramisu is highly recommended and a perfect sweet ending.
Visit during weekdays
Enjoy a quieter, more relaxed dining experience by visiting during less busy times like weekdays.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book the private room
Consider booking a private room with amazing ambiance for an extra fee, perfect for special occasions.
Save room for tiramisu
Don't miss dessert! The hazelnut tiramisu is highly recommended and a perfect sweet ending.
Visit during weekdays
Enjoy a quieter, more relaxed dining experience by visiting during less busy times like weekdays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Buca di San Matteo offers a unique dining experience with its historic ambiance and traditional Ligurian cuisine. Guests rave about the fresh seafood, truffle dishes, and the romantic atmosphere, particularly the special table over the well. While most praise the friendly service and delicious food, a few diners noted that some dishes could benefit from more seasoning and that the interior can get a bit warm.
"This was a lovely experience! Warm welcome, perfect service, incredible food, beautiful atmosphere. (They even have a special table in a secluded candke-lit corner, perched on a glass floor over an atmospheric well! Think ultimate date night!) They have a number of dishes with truffles -- divine. The fish is fresh and well prepared. Save room for dessert."
Karen M
"Lovely host, great food and such a lovely square. Would recommend! Advice: order the hazelnut tiramisu!"
Indy Flipsen
"One of the best dining experiences I had in a while. The food was excellent. Wvery dish we had was very tasty.
the service was very good, especially our waiter Rouba who was very friendly.
The atmosphere very calm, and chic.
I only have one remark, some of the dishes needed a bit more salt. However, an exceptional resting that I would strongly recommend it of you are visiting Genoa."
Ghady El-Khoury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant features a special candle-lit corner with a glass floor overlooking an ancient well from the 1400s, offering a truly unique dining experience.
Guests highly recommend the divine truffle dishes, fresh seafood like fritto misto, and the hazelnut tiramisu for dessert.
Yes, you can book a private room with an amazing ambiance for an extra fee, ideal for intimate gatherings.
To enjoy a quieter evening and a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting during weekdays.
The restaurant offers typically Italian dishes and has good vegetarian options available.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best places to eat in Genoa (8 best restaurants)
In the historical heart of Genoa, we can stop to taste Ligurian dishes and creative recipes between soft lights and stone arches: just enter the Buca di San Matteo. In a location of great charm with wooden beams and a suggestive atmosphere, the restaurant offers a cuisine based on excellence and on the constant search for quality using only selected raw materials. Looking at the rich menu we are spoiled for choice: appetizers, starters, main courses and desserts that meet the expectations and tastes of all palates to discover Ligurian cuisine.
A Week In Genoa: Aquariums, Boat Tours, And Local Cuisine: Itinerary 2025
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at La Buca di San Matteo, known for its traditional Genoese cuisine. Afterward, visit the iconic Aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest and most fascinating aquariums in Europe.
Genoa - Dining
Located in the heart of the historic centre of Genoa, La Buca Di San Matteo is a small and elegant restaurant that offers typical Ligurian dishes with a focus on seafood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit