In the very central Via XX Settembre, the heart of the city of Genoa, slightly secluded and at the top of a suggestive staircase, you’ll find the Zeffirino restaurant. A historic venue, renowned for its tradition, which has reached its fifth generation, yet a restaurant that is also fashionable throughout Italy and beyond!
Inside, you breathe a special atmosphere, the result of a skillful blend of the new and the classic. Wood-paneled walls, precious artisanal furnishings, an open kitchen, and above all, the photos that testify to the presence of many international figures from the world of entertainment, sports, and politics, who have become loyal customers, demonstrating that a piece of history has passed through here. And of course, the passage of VIPs continues, including a recent visit from the multi-starred chef Bruno Barbieri, who, while in Genoa for his television show, did not hesitate to visit Zeffirino to savor its delicacies.
And even we at Fashion Wow had the pleasure of being guests at this restaurant, which we can define as glamorous! We were welcomed by Luciano Belloni Zeffirino, son of the family’s progenitor, who with his friendliness, cordiality, and affability escorted us to our table. We met Marco Belloni, Luciano’s son, who serves as the manager and told us how the brand has now expanded to include catering services for private jets. A luxury catering service, meticulously curated with dishes prepared by their chefs, using only the highest quality ingredients. The same care and quality are used in executing the recipes at the restaurant, where seasonal ingredients are also respected.
Our menu, recommended by Luciano, starts with a typical Genoese dish, because it is part of the historical traditions: a taste of cheese focaccia with the inevitable pesto. Zeffirino is an ambassador in the world of Genoese sauce par excellence. Frank Sinatra had it sent to all his events, and it is from Zeffirino that everyone comes to eat pesto. The secret of this success? Using high-quality ingredients and respecting tradition.
Next, we tasted the “hand-pulled” Paffutelli in basil velouté, so beloved by “The Voice”, and the homemade “Mandilli de saea” with Zeffirino’s Genoese pesto. The second course of the day’s catch (we’re in Genoa) is followed by a plate of their delicious dessert amuse-bouches.
The dishes evoke the tradition of Zeffirino’s Emilian origins in fresh pasta and fillings, and the influence of Genoa with pesto and fish. They are a perfect combination of tradition and innovation. Dishes that have never stopped being fashionable!
Luciano Belloni delighted us with unpublished anecdotes from his career alongside international figures, from Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas to Monte Carlo at the Hotel de Paris, where he was awarded the Golden Keys. He told us how he met Donald Trump at Frank Sinatra’s house and when he was offered a 250-square-meter suite in Beijing. This happened while following Pavarotti to Beijing because he didn’t want to eat Chinese food, so he requested a container of Zeffirino-made products.
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- Ligurian-style sea bass
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- Trenette with pesto
Zeffirino is also present on Costa ships with its famous pesto served in the private restaurants.
It was also chosen in Riyadh for the Riyadh Season.
While the opening in some of the most iconic, famous, and charming locations in the world such as Monte Carlo and Paris is imminent.
Today, the historic brand has locations in Santorini where it is waiting to move to a new location. While there is a project to land in Dubai.
What can we say: a truly fashionable establishment! Which perfectly blends and matches the dress code evident among the patrons and clients of Zeffirino; casual or elegant, sporty or meticulous, relaxed or elaborate, but always classy and a sign of personality, never banal.
In the image: Chef Bruno Barbieri at the renowned Zeffirino Restaurant in Genoa.
By Marina Di Tolla