Toe Drûe

The story

Toe Drûe, Genoa – Ligurian Tradition and Modern Cuisine in Sestri Ponente

A place born from the shipyards

Toe Drûe began life in the early 1900s as a trattoria for the workers of the nearby Ansaldo shipyards in Sestri Ponente, Genoa. Legend has it that the famous transatlantic liner Rex was built just across the street. The name itself comes from the thick tables – “Toe Drûe” in the local dialect – that still anchor the dining room, restored over the years yet retaining their grandeur and quiet elegance.

In October 2010, a devastating flood struck the city, damaging the restaurant severely. The following year, the owners completely renovated the space, reopening in April 2011 with a renewed spirit. They kept the warm, familiar atmosphere that had always distinguished the place, while adding a subtle contemporary touch. The result is a perfect mix of tradition and avant-garde.

The kitchen: Ligurian and modern

The team’s philosophy is simple: source excellent raw materials, then work them with skill and imagination. The result is a cuisine especially marinara, built on fresh fish and classic Genoese dishes. Look for cappon magro (the elaborate seafood salad), homemade pesto, breaded anchovies, and the typical fried panissa – a chickpea flour polenta, crisp and golden. Bread, pasta, and desserts are all made in-house by expert hands. Service is attentive but never invasive.

This is Ligurian cooking at its most honest, with a modern touch that respects the past while looking forward. The Michelin guide has recognised this balance, awarding the restaurant a Recommended status for 2026 – a mark of consistent quality and thoughtful execution.

An author’s cellar

The wine list is a careful selection of labels from famous cellars and small, excellent producers. If you order a bottle and cannot finish it, the restaurant invites you to take it home, like a book of poems. “Wine is the poetry of the Earth,” they say, quoting Mario Soldati.

For a quick lunch, there is a business menu written on the blackboard, starting at €28 for two courses, including cover and water. Takeaway is also available – just call or email at least two hours ahead.