"Sit on the wooden porch in the small piazza Caffe degli Specchi has a wonderfully warm feeling inside, so it's easy to feel comfortable sliding up to the bar and standing with the locals while you drink your morning cappuccino. Or, take your time enjoying your drink on the wooden porch out front while overlooking the crowds moving towards work in the small piazza below. Either way, the coffee here is rich and dark, so make sure you ask for 'zucchero' if you like yours slightly sweeter!"

"Coffee with the literary elites Founded in 1867, Cafe Mangini is a gorgeous homage to the literary and artistic 'salons' of Genoa 's past: stucco ceilings, art-nouveau mirrors, and a checkerboard floor that has lasted for nearly 150 years. Located at the end of the beautiful shopping street, Via Roma, Cafe Mangini offers a beautiful setting for a delicious post-shopping cappuccino, especially when paired with a slice of crostata pinoli (a pine nut and almond paste tart)."

"Especially lovely on the rainy days For some reason, cappuccino just tastes better on those cool, wet, drizzly mornings. Fortunately, we have quite a lot of those mornings here in Genoa , especially in the winter and early spring. At A Vedova Romanengo, find a corner table tucked behind the gorgeous glass chocolate and candy counter, and sip a cappuccino while watching the city hustle around hidden under massive colorful umbrellas."

"Fresh fish While it may go without mentioning, the fish along the Ligurian coast is some of the freshest in the world (as most restaurants source from small local fishermen, they get their supplies within minutes of the catch). Most of the fish here is of the flaky, white variety, although during certain months you can find the massive tuna swimming just meters off the coast. Italians love their fish simply prepared, but if you come in spring, make sure you order yours with the delicious seasonal 'carciofi' (artichokes)."

"Try the cafe correcto Since 1880, Amaretti di Voltaggio has been serving coffee, pastries, and liquor in this gorgeous shop a few blocks from Porto Antico. The shop/bar opens at 8am, so come early for a table outside (the people watching along this street is superb), and order a cafe correcto if you are feeling adventurous (they will put a shot of liquor into your coffee, so be ready), or just stick with the tried-and-true cappuccino for the most authentic Genovese morning."

"Cappuccino Alfresco Take your morning coffee in the sunshine, shaded by the the Palazzo Ducale. With quite a few tables, Douce does a busy morning cappuccino/focaccia business, so you can also come later in the afternoon (when it's slightly warmer) to make sure you get an alfresco seat. Just make sure you don't order a cappuccino after 10am—the Genovese are likely to laugh at you. It's espresso or nothing at that point!"

"Cappuccino with Verdi Founded by four Swiss brothers mistakenly abandoned in Genoa in 1826, Fratelli Klainguti celebrates their love of all things pastry, and to this day the place serves some of the most delicious breakfast treats in town, alongside cups of steamy cappuccino. Verdi himself loved Klainguti—with his opera Falstaff named in honor of the delicious treat he enjoyed there!"

"Coffee among the Palaces Pop by the Strada Nuova in the early morning for a cappuccino in the sunshine between the beautiful palaces. With a few coffee bars to choose from, you can always find a small table outside to enjoy the passersby as they head to open their shops and catch their buses. (Personally, I love the M cafe and bar inside the Palazzo Rosso, but there are plenty to choose from!)"

"Busy university-area lunch crowd This tiny hidden Osteria is super popular with the university faculty at the bordering University Degli Studi di Genova. With a handwritten menu, your choices are somewhat limited, but the food quality is super high—I love their take on minestone alla genovese (including the pasta they sneak into it!). It is said in Italian that true minestrone should be so thick your spoon will stand straight up in it, and this one does not disappoint! The cover charge here includes water, bread, and coffee, so you can get a super filling meal for less than 10 euros. With a friendly owner and a quick kitchen turn-around, this new spot is a great choice if you find yourself hungry in this section of town."