Foodie Friday: Le Rune

Situated on the bottom floor of the Genoa City Best Western in Genoa, Italy, Le Rune is kind of hidden from the masses—it can be accessed from a door in the walkway between two buildings, or through an unmarked white door in the lobby of the hotel. But this little restaurant, tucked away from the tourists is Italian perfection.

After a long day (delayed flights, running to make my connection, lost luggage, credit card not working at the airport), I was seriously jonesing for some authentic Italian food—all the pasta my belly could handle.

When I finally made my way to the restaurant at 9pm, I was starving after not having eaten all day, and I was ready to consume anything the wait staff mentioned. And I did just that.

After overindulging in the breadbasket, I was ready for the first course—a delectable array of fried seafood and veggies—shrimp, calamari, zucchini, and eggplant, with a small side salad. Everything was perfectly seasoned, crispy, and warm.

Next up—the thing I was most looking forward to: seafood pasta! When I was being seated, I spotted a man dining alone eating this dish and it looked too beautiful and delicious to pass up. I wasn’t wrong—it was so simple: olive oil, pasta, some herbs, and a handful of different seafood. I think the simplicity is what made it so good—there wasn’t anything in it trying to masque any flavors. It honestly may have been the best seafood pasta I’ve ever had.

Last came dessert. I almost didn’t even want to eat it because it looked so beautiful when it came out, but I caved and ate every. last. bite. It was a bitter chocolate cake, still sort of gooey on the inside placed overtop of caramel bitter orange drizzle, served with a side of strawberry sorbet.

This meal was the best way to begin a culinary tour through Italy, and was one of the best meals I had in my almost-two weeks there.

Before I headed back to my room, the waiter stopped me and asked if I’d like some Limoncello. Can’t pass that up! He poured a shot for me, toasted “salute”, and then it was time for me to retire to bed.

My meal at Le Rune was courtesy of Genoa City Best Western. As always, all opinions are my own.