Nolinski Venezia, part of the Evok Collection, introduces Zeffirino, the Genoese restaurant brand founded in 1939.

With this opening, the Ligurian institution returns to its Italian roots while continuing its international expansion, bringing nearly a century of culinary heritage to Venice. Founded in Genoa in 1939 by Zeffirino Belloni, the restaurant quickly became one of the most recognised ambassadors of its local cuisine. Now in its fifth generation led by Marco Belloni, the house has preserved its philosophy over the decades: elevating Italian culinary tradition through purity of flavour and uncompromising ingredient quality.

At the heart of the brand’s identity lies its most celebrated creation: Genoese pesto. Prepared according to the original recipe, it combines basilico di Pra from Liguria, Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino, pine nuts, garlic and extra virgin olive oil, traditionally crushed in a marble mortar. At Zeffirino Venezia, guests experience this iconic preparation served in a theatrical manner, often finished tableside from the signature pesto trolley.

The menu at Zeffirino Venezia showcases the richness of Italian gastronomy through emblematic dishes of the Genoese tradition. Guests discover a cuisine rooted in Ligurian heritage, where handmade pasta prepared daily in the restaurant, such as trofie al pesto, celebrates the authenticity of Italian cooking.

Highlights include trofie al pesto, the quintessential Ligurian pasta, paffutelli alla Frank, the ravioli created in honour of previous guest Frank Sinatra, focaccia di Recco, the iconic Ligurian speciality, branzino al sale, sea bass baked in a salt crust, and gelato al pistacchio come alle giostre, the house signature dessert of pistachio gelato prepared à la minute and served with caramelised pistachios for two.

On the third floor, Zeffirino Ristorante expresses the house in its most authentic form. Open for dinner only, it offers an elegant, immersive dining experience where the richness of Ligurian tradition is presented in a refined setting, true to the spirit of the original Genoese institution. Meanwhile in the ground floor, Il Caffè Zeffirino introduces a more relaxed interpretation. Centred around a lively patio, it offers a lighter menu conceived as a natural extension of the restaurant.