There are places in every city that locals go to without thinking twice — not because they're trendy or talked about online, but because they've always been there and they've always been good. Sà Pesta is that place in Genoa. Tucked into a narrow alley in the old town, this small, no-frills spot has been serving traditional Ligurian street food since 1860, and the menu hasn't changed much since then. That's not a criticism. That's the whole point.

The star of the show is farinata — a thin, golden pancake made from chickpea flour, olive oil, and salt, baked in a wood-fired oven at an impossibly high temperature until the edges are crispy and the center is still just slightly soft. It sounds simple. It is simple. And it's one of the best things you'll eat in Liguria. They also serve torta di verdure — savory vegetable pies that change with the season — and panissa, a fried chickpea polenta that's deeply underrated.

The dining room is small, the tables are close together, the vibe is loud and communal in that very Italian way. Don't expect a long menu, don't expect English translations, and don't expect to linger for hours. Order at the counter, find a spot, eat well, and go back the next day for more.