Three of the Best Pubs in Genoa: Complete Guide to Beer Tourism in the Superba
Genoa has always been a city made for people. Made for poets, writers, and singer-songwriters. For some years now, it has also been made for beer geeks: from the Old Port, you can easily access one of the largest historic centers in Europe, which hosts, in the so-called "alleys," centuries-old shops just steps from the evening nightlife, a step from petty crime, and half a step from the most majestic churches.
Here, in fifteen minutes of walking from the Old Port to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, you pass by three of the best breweries in the Superba. This Genoese pub crawl makes your mouth water and takes you on a journey through the Ligurian beer culture, blending maritime tradition, craft innovation, and authentic hospitality.
Genoa and Beer: A Recent but Passionate Story
The Ligurian Tradition
Liguria is not historically a beer region (wine dominates), but in the last 15 years it has experienced a craft beer revolution that has brought craft breweries, beer shops, and quality pubs throughout the region.
Genoa, with its historic port, medieval alleys, and cosmopolitan soul, has become the beating heart of the Ligurian beer scene.
The Alleys: The Heart of Genoa
The "caruggi" (alleys in Genoese) are the maze of narrow, dark, and fascinating streets that make up the medieval historic center. Here coexist:
- Historic shops and artisans
- Traditional restaurants (focaccerie, fry shops)
- Modern pubs and breweries
- Baroque churches and noble palaces
- Lively nightlife
Walking through the alleys is a unique experience: you get lost, find yourself, discover hidden corners, and come across extraordinary venues.
The Three Best Pubs in Genoa
1. Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (MCSVA)
Area: Historic Center (Vico Vegetti)
Founded: 2012
Style: Modern craft beer bar
History: Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (name inspired by the Roma fan chant) is the temple of craft beer in Genoa. Born as a small venue in the alleys, it has become a reference point for enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Beers:
- 12 rotating taps: Curated selection of Italian and international craft beers
- Focus on: IPA, Sour, Stout, experimental beers
- Breweries present: Lambrate, Baladin, Brewfist, Birrificio Italiano, Mikkeller, To Øl, Omnipollo
- Rotation: Frequent changes, always new releases
Atmosphere:
- Small, intimate, always busy
- Minimal-industrial decor
- Rock, indie, alternative music
- Young, passionate, informal clientele
- Knowledgeable and passionate staff
Food:
- Boards of cured meats and cheeses
- Genoese focaccia
- Gourmet sandwiches
- Carefully paired beer-food combinations
Why visit: It’s the most "craft" venue in Genoa, with a constantly updated selection and authentic atmosphere. Perfect for those looking for innovative beers and wanting to discover the latest in the craft scene.
Info:
📍 Vico Vegetti 23r
🕐 Tue-Sun 18:00-02:00
💶 Beer: €5-8
📱 Instagram: @machecisietevenutifa
2. Klainguti
Area: Historic Center (Piazza Soziglia)
Founded: 1828 (as pastry shop), 2010 (as beer bar)
Style: Historic venue with craft selection
History: Klainguti is one of Genoa’s historic pastry shops, founded in 1828 by a Swiss family. In 2010 it added a selection of craft beers, creating a unique blend of pastry tradition and beer culture.
Beers:
- 8-10 taps: Italian and Belgian craft beers
- Focus on: Belgian Ale, Trappist, meditation beers
- Breweries: Baladin, Chimay, Westmalle, Orval, Ligurian breweries
- Bottles: Wide selection of collectible beers
Atmosphere:
- Elegant, historic, refined
- Period furnishings, mirrors, dark wood
- Piazza Soziglia (one of the most beautiful in Genoa)
- Mixed clientele: young people, families, tourists
- Perfect for aperitif or after dinner
Food:
- Historic pastry shop: Traditional Genoese sweets
- Focaccia: Classic Genoese
- Boards: Ligurian cured meats and cheeses
- Beer-dessert pairing: Unique experience (Stout + chocolate!)
Why visit: For the historic atmosphere, the location in the square, and the unique pairing of traditional pastry and craft beers. Perfect for those seeking elegance and tradition.
Info:
📍 Piazza Soziglia 98r
🕐 Mon-Sun 08:00-01:00
💶 Beer: €5-9
🎂 Pastry shop since 1828
3. Birrificio Busalla
Area: Busalla (30 min from Genoa) + Taproom in Genoa
Founded: 2014
Style: Ligurian craft brewery
History: Birrificio Busalla is one of the most important craft breweries in Liguria. Founded in 2014 in Busalla (inland Genoa), it produces modern and innovative beers with a Ligurian touch.
Beers produced:
Busalla IPA:
- Hoppy American IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- Hops: Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe
- Aromas: Citrus, tropical fruit, resin
Busalla Pale Ale:
- Balanced American Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.5%
- Light and aromatic
Busalla Stout:
- Creamy and roasted Stout
- ABV: 5.8%
- Notes of coffee, chocolate, caramel
Seasonal beers:
- NEIPA, Sour, Barrel-Aged, collaborations
Where to drink them in Genoa:
- Taproom Busalla: Via XX Settembre (downtown Genoa)
- MCSVA: Often rotating
- Specialized beer shops
Visit to the brewery:
- Possible to visit the brewery in Busalla (reservation required)
- Tour, tasting, direct purchase
Why visit: To discover Ligurian beer production, try fresh beers directly from the brewery, and support local craftsmanship.
Info:
📍 Taproom: Via XX Settembre (Genoa)
📍 Brewery: Busalla (GE)
🕐 Variable (check social media)
💶 Beer: €5-7
Other Pubs and Breweries Not to Miss in Genoa
4. Birdy
Area: Carignano
Style: Cocktail bar with beer selection
Features:
- Craft cocktails + craft beers
- Modern and relaxed atmosphere
- Panoramic terrace
5. Hopera
Area: Foce
Style: Beer shop + taproom
Features:
- Takeaway beer sales
- Tasting on site
- Wide selection (200+ labels)
6. Officina della Birra
Area: Sestri Ponente
Style: Traditional pub
Features:
- Craft and commercial beers
- Pub cuisine (hamburgers, fried foods)
- Casual atmosphere
Genoa Pub Crawl Itinerary (1 Evening)
Route: Old Port → Historic Center → Cathedral
6:00 PM - Aperitif at the Old Port
- Walk along the seafront
- Genoa Aquarium (if you have time)
- Aperitif in one of the bars of the Old Port
7:30 PM - Klainguti (Piazza Soziglia)
- First stop: elegant atmosphere
- Belgian or Trappist beer
- Focaccia or Genoese dessert
- Duration: 1 hour
8:30 PM - Walk in the Alleys
- Explore the caruggi (narrow streets)
- Cathedral of San Lorenzo (illuminated at night)
- Via Garibaldi (Palazzi dei Rolli - UNESCO)
9:30 PM - Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (Vico Vegetti)
- Second stop: modern craft beer
- IPA, Sour, or experimental beer
- Platter or sandwich
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
11:30 PM - Closing in the Alleys
- Night walk
- Possible third stop at another venue
- Return to hotel/accommodation
Genoese Pairings: Beer and Ligurian Cuisine
Genoese Focaccia
Pairing: Pilsner, light Lager, Pale Ale
Why: The focaccia is simple, salty, oily. You need a refreshing beer that cleanses the palate.
Farinata (Fainà)
Pairing: IPA, Pale Ale
Why: Chickpea farinata is flavorful and slightly bitter. IPA balances it with its hoppy bitterness.
Genoese Pesto
Pairing: Saison, Belgian Ale, Witbier
Why: Pesto is herbal, aromatic, and fatty. It needs a fresh and spicy beer.
Mixed Fried Fish
Pairing: Pilsner, Lager, Weizen
Why: Fried food is greasy and delicate. It needs a light and refreshing beer.
Genoese Pandolce
Pairing: Barley Wine, Quadrupel, Imperial Stout
Why: Pandolce is sweet, spicy, and rich. It needs a complex contemplative beer.
Practical Tips for Beer Tourism in Genoa
When to Go
- Spring/Summer (Apr-Sep): Better weather, open terraces
- Autumn (Oct-Nov): Fewer tourists, authentic atmosphere
- Winter: Cold but charming, perfect for dark beers
How to Get Around
- On foot: The historic center is compact (all reachable on foot)
- Metro: Efficient for reaching peripheral areas
- Elevators/Funiculars: To reach the upper districts (Castelletto, Righi)
Budget
- Beer: €5-8
- Food: €10-20
- Accommodation: €50-120/night
- Evening budget: €30-50
Safety
- The alleys are generally safe, but watch out for bags/wallets
- Avoid alleys that are too dark and isolated at night
- Stay in frequented areas
Beer Events in Genoa
Genoa Beer Festival
When: September
Where: Porto Antico
What: Festival with craft breweries, tastings, street food
Tap Takeover
Many pubs organize tap takeovers with guest breweries. Follow the venues' social media for updates.
Conclusion: Genoa, City of Sea and Beer
Genoa is not just pesto, focaccia, and the port. It is also a city with a lively and passionate beer scene, where tradition and innovation coexist in the medieval alleys. From historic pubs like Klainguti to craft temples like Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà, passing through Ligurian breweries like Busalla, Genoa offers an authentic and surprising beer experience.
Whether you are a craft beer enthusiast or a curious visitor wanting to explore the city, a Genoese pub crawl is an experience not to be missed. Get lost in the alleys, discover hidden corners, taste extraordinary beers, and let yourself be captivated by the Superba.
Discover our selection of Ligurian and Italian craft beers on Maltese.beer and bring home the taste of Genoa! 🍺⛵
