It all began with Manuelina, an enterprising 19th-century woman who, from her humble tavern on the outskirts of Recco, gradually managed to win over the local "gentlemen," the wealthy Genoese, and the celebrities who frequented the Riviera di Levante during the Belle Epoque. Over the years, frequented by greats such as Montale, D'Annunzio, and Einstein, the Focaccia di Recco revolution began. She wins over her customers with her availability: her customers have the curious habit of waking her up at any hour of the day or night to have her focaccia served to them, and she never refuses.

Manuelina was able to pass on her passion and knowledge to her daughter Vittoria and her granddaughters Emanuela and Maria Rosa. Together they will run the inn for many years.

Gianni Carbone joined the family when he married Maria Rosa and took over the reins of the business, beginning the evolution of the tavern into a restaurant that won the Mortaio di Argento award at the Nervi Gastronomic Festival in 1961 for its Pansoti alla Salsa di Noci (Walnut Sauce Pancakes).

In 1960 Manuelina moved to its current location, larger and more suitable to accommodate a greater number of customers, and became the typical restaurant loved by many gourmets and mentioned by Umberto Eco in Foucault's Pendulum.

Focacceria Manuelina is born, the first fast food restaurant serving typical Genoese cuisine, centered around focaccia with cheese, just a few steps from the restaurant.

Focacceria Manuelina arrives in Milan's Piazza Duomo: the first Manuelina location opens outside of its main location in Recco. Further experiences will follow, touching the cities of Florence, Rome, Bergamo, Genoa and Santa Margherita Ligure