Food and wine on the Riviera dei Fiori

The Imperia area, on the Riviera dei Fiori, is a land that enchants not only for its landscapes but also for its cuisine. Here, food and wine tell stories of tradition, sea and land, with recipes handed down through generations and simple but high-quality ingredients.

The typical cuisine of Imperia is a perfect balance between taste and lightness. Pesto alla genovese, prepared with fragrant DOP basil and Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil, is one of the best-known delicacies. There is no shortage of traditional dishes such as torta verde and focaccia, fragrant and tasty, ideal for a snack or a genuine appetiser. Among the most representative recipes is Ligurian rabbit, slowly cooked with Taggiasca olives, pine nuts and Mediterranean herbs. Chickpea farinata, thin and crispy, is also a must for those who want to savour the real Liguria. Pansotti with walnut sauce best express the vegetable-based nature of the local cuisine, while fresh fish from the Ligurian Sea – such as sea bream, anchovies and red prawns – is often served with simple preparations that enhance its natural flavour.

Extra virgin olive oil is the element that unites every dish: delicate, fruity and produced with the famous Taggiasca olive, it is the symbol of local agriculture.

Alongside good food, Imperia offers a highly respected wine-making tradition. The hills surrounding the inland villages produce elegant white wines such as Vermentino and Pigato, both fresh, aromatic and perfect for pairing with fish dishes and garden vegetables. Those who prefer red wine can enjoy a glass of Rossese, delicate and fruity, or discover Ormeasco, more structured and with a strong character.

Many local wineries open their doors to visitors, offering tastings and guided tours of vineyards, olive groves and traditions. Savouring a glass of Ligurian wine overlooking the sea or immersed in the silence of the hinterland is an experience that will remain in your heart.

Discovering Imperia through its food and wine means getting in touch with the most authentic soul of Liguria: simple flavours, genuine products and a passion for hospitality that can be found in every dish and every glass.