Hostaria al Mercato is a gem in the heart of Genoa, located on the second floor of Genoa’s Mercato Orientale (MOG). This restaurant, the brainchild of Enrico Vinelli, Daniele Rebosio and Alessio Silesu, stands out for its contemporary Ligurian cuisine, which combines tradition and innovation with high-quality local ingredients.
The ambiance of Hostaria al Mercato is informal yet refined, with a unique treat: an organic vegetable garden in the center of the room, created in collaboration with the OrtoBee network of local farmers. This garden directly supplies the restaurant’s kitchen, ensuring freshness and seasonality of produce.
Our review
During our visit to Hostaria al Mercato, we had the pleasure of exploring a menu that exalts both culinary tradition and innovation. The restaurant, located on the second floor of Genoa’s Mercato Orientale, offers a casual yet refined setting with a unique touch: an organic vegetable garden in the center of the room that provides fresh, seasonal ingredients.
We began our gastronomic journey with the crocchette cacio e pepe, a true explosion of flavors. The crunchy exterior contrasted perfectly with the creamy interior, creating a memorable appetizer.
The crispy pink shrimp, served later, were very fresh and prepared in a way that enhanced the natural flavor of the fish.
For the first courses, we relied on the advice of Alessio, the sommelier and head waiter. The potato gnocchi with mussels and lemon won us over with their perfect texture. The mussels and clams were cooked simply and naturally, allowing us to fully appreciate the taste of the sea, while the lemon added a note of freshness that made the dish light and pleasant.
The second first course, fusilloni alla genovese with octopus and breadcrumbs, was an exciting discovery. It was almost like enjoying a traditional ragout, but the main element was the octopus, soft and flavorful, enhanced by the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs.
For the main course, we chose the stuffed calamari with friggitelli spadellati. The squid were cooked to perfection and the flavor was well balanced by the friggitelli, which added a pleasant bitter note to the dish.
Dessert concluded our experience in sublime fashion. The reinterpretation of tiramisu, with ladyfingers replaced by a sablè, retained the traditional mascarpone egg custard, providing an interesting and delicious contrast. The other dessert, pineapple, coconut and white chocolate, was perfect to end the dinner with sweetness and freshness, combining exotic flavors in a light and refreshing dish.
Hostaria al Mercato is distinguished not only by the excellent quality of its dishes, but also by the attention to detail and passion of the staff. Ligurian cuisine is reinterpreted with creativity and respect for tradition, offering a culinary experience that satisfies both the palate and the heart. This restaurant is definitely a must for those who wish to savor the best of Genoese gastronomy in a contemporary and welcoming setting.
The menu
Hostaria al Mercato’s menu was designed by executive chef Daniele Rebosio and created by chef Jacopo Pasolini. The “Siamo Fritti” section is popular, with dishes such as Breaded and Fried Anchovies and Brusco Milk.
Among the first courses, Mandilli al pesto with potatoes and green beans, a reinterpretation of the classic Genoese dish, stands out, and among the main courses, Coniglio alla carlona, stuffed with taggiasche olives and pine nuts, has become a signature dish of the restaurant.
The experience
The restaurant formula lends itself to a variety of occasions, from a quick and tasty lunch break to a more elaborate dinner.
Hostaria al Mercato attracts a diverse clientele, including tourists, workers and local professionals, thanks to the excellent balance between quality and price.
The average cost of a meal is around 35€ per person, an affordable price considering the quality of the raw materials and the care taken in preparing the dishes.
Service and reception
Hostaria al Mercato’s staff is young, energetic and passionate, always ready to make customers’ experience delightful and welcoming.
Alessio Silesu, sommelier and head waiter, deftly curates the wine selection, offering about 60 local and artisanal labels, perfectly matched to the dishes on the menu.
Vegetarian cuisine and intolerances
While not an exclusively vegetarian restaurant, Hostaria al Mercato offers numerous high-quality vegetarian options. In addition, the kitchen is attentive to the needs of people with celiac disease, milk intolerance, and yeast intolerance, thus ensuring an inclusive experience for all types of customers.
Conclusion
Hostaria al Mercato represents a perfect synthesis of tradition and modernity in the unique setting of Genoa’s Mercato Orientale.
The quality of the dishes, the attention to ingredients and the warm welcome of the staff make this restaurant a must for anyone who wants to have an authentic and innovative dining experience in Genoa.
With its growing success and ambitions for the future, Hostaria al Mercato confirms itself as a new hub of Genoese dining, capable of satisfying the most demanding palates and attracting an ever-growing clientele.
Contact and reservations
- Address: ia XX Settembre, 75 rosso, 16121 Genova GE
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday closed
- Price: €€€
- Phone: +39 010 897 3003
- Website: hostariaalmercato-prenotazioni.it
