Trattoria Archivolto Mongiardino, Genoa

To find this restaurant amongst the alleyways of the Genoan historic centre, just ask for the place where they make the spiny lobster. This is a small, spartan place where meat can be prepared on request. Customers used to able to choose their own lobster here, and there is still a bar at the entrance, and the lobster is still the undisputed queen of the place. There is a restricted, yet satisfying menu which is great for those who like Ligurian cooking with some personal touches.