If you are looking for a small, romantic trattoria run with an extraordinarily personal touch, this is your place. Nestled deep in the winding streets of Genoa's "old quarter," you are greeted with the warm and welcoming smiles of Luca, the chef, and Samy, his wife and co-chef. How do we know them by name? We spent three weeks in Genoa on our sailboat in Marina Port Antico, and returned several times to Da Franca. Why? Because of the freshly-prepared classic Italian cuisine prepared each night. We recommend the fixed price menu for excellent value. You begin with a buffet table of fresh pasta and antipasto, accompanied by pizza that Luca carries in himself, hot and fresh out of the oven. You then have your choice of "main course" and for me, my favorite was the pasta pesto, a Genoese classic, fixed to perfection. The table wine was Nebbiolo, and excellent. But a confession is due -- I could not stay away from the desert table, populated with delights like fresh strawberries and cream, tiramisu, panna cotta, and an after dinner liquor. All the while, Luca and Samy are constantly attending to you and your table with a warm and personal touch. We will be returning to Italy this spring, and while our sailboat is now in Sicily, we will fly first into Genoa. Why? To see Luca and Samy, of course! read more