A short distance from Milan and other northern cities, Oltrepò is an area south of the Po River and in the province of Pavia that is still little-known but boasts no small amount of excellence, in the first place wine and sparkling wine. Local cured meats are also known beyond national borders, as are typical products and recipes, one of which is the Voghera pepper. The conformation of the hills, makes it furthermore ideal for motorcycling, biking or mountain biking, and for trips or weekends to discover villages, towns and ancient castles. Here are 11 restaurants to eat well in Oltrepò Pavese.
Where to eat in Oltrepò Pavese
Da Barbaniello
Trattoria. Home of the Confraternity of Cotechino, it is a solid bulwark of typical cuisine. The proposal is genuine and generous in taste, lavish with many homemade specialties. Simple, relaxed ambience, well-calibrated choice of wine.
Da Roberto - via Barbiano, 21 – 0385 57396 – ristorantedaroberto.it
Quaglini – Borgo Priolo
Trattoria. Family-run, this is a reliable outpost of traditional cuisine, with a set menu that changes according to the season. At the right time of year, don't miss mushrooms, truffles and game. Cosy rooms and summer dehors. Same management but more modern offer at the bistro in Mairano di Casteggio (via Teresio Bernini 89/91).
Quaglini – loc. Schizzola Alta, 21 – 0383 892840 – trattoriaquaglini.it
Enoteca Regionale della Lombardia – Broni
Wine Bar. Here you can taste Oltrepò both by the glass and to the palate, with well-crafted preparations based on carefully selected ingredients. Comfortable spaces with high wood-beamed ceilings and tables with essential equipment. Shopping available.
Enoteca Regionale della Lombardia – via Cassino Po, 2 – 0385 833820 – enotecaregionaledellalombardia.it
Bazzini – Canneto Pavese
Restaurant. Simplicity, concreteness and consistency in the atmosphere. A happy setting in green surroundings, with wide spaces and a terrace whose panorama makes you feel at peace with the world, and a menu with the entire local repertoire executed with the best products. Wine cellar aligned to the offer.
Bazzini – via Roma, 11 – 0385 88018 – ristorantebazzini.it
Hosteria La Cave Cantù – Casteggio
Restaurant. A former Carthusian monastery dating back to the 18th century, it is an elegant space, an ideal backdrop for enjoying original and entertaining dishes, a successful encounter of Pavia and Ecuadorian tradition. The wine cellar also offers a satisfying overview of local labels.
Hosteria La Cave Cantù – via Circonvallazione Cantù, 62 – 0383 1912171 – lacavecantu.it
Prato Gaio – Montecalvo Versiggia
Restaurant. A warm, family atmosphere and cuisine that has been at a high level for years and is a true hymn to local traditions, although with some clever reinterpretations. The owner Giorgio Liberti takes care of the service in the dining room without sparing on accurate and passionate explanations of the dishes and wines.
Prato Gaio – fraz. Versa, 15 – 0385 99726 – ristorantepratogaio.it
La Verde Sosta – Montecalvo Versiggia
Trattoria. Homemade bread, fresh pasta and desserts, passionately selected raw materials, years in the business under the sign of quality. These are just some of the secrets to the success that has been coming for years to this family-run restaurant of the countryside. More than adequate choice of labels.
La Verde Sosta – fraz. Crocetta, 2 – 0385 99734 – laverdesosta.it
Locanda dei Beccaria – Montù Beccaria
Restaurant. Here, a warm welcome and good food go hand in hand, thanks to Franco and Luisa Casella, tireless hosts. The ambience is charming, with wooden ceilings, rustic furnishings and a large fireplace. On the menu there is first of all room for local flavours but also for “alternative” proposals. The wine cellar is also good.
Locanda dei Beccaria – v.le G. Marconi, 10 – 0385 262310 – lalocandadeibeccaria.it
Selvatico - Rivanazzano
Restaurant. The Selvatico family has been practising the art of hospitality since 1912. The restaurant has everything it takes to make you love it: hotel, wellness center and table with a menu with a strong identity, lovingly crafted by the cooks, mother and daughter. The wine list centered on the proposal.
Selvatico – via S. Pellico, 19 – 0383 944720 – albergoselvatico.com
Villa Naj – Stradella
Restaurant. In the former cellars of a mid-19th century aristocratic villa surrounded by greenery, here is the kitchen of Dario Fisichella, who has an important professional background. His proposal, creative and seductive, is not strictly related to tradition and fully satisfies sight and palate. Best to book.
Villa Naj – via Martiri Partigiani, 5 – 0385 42126 – najstradella.com
Buscone – Varzi
Trattoria. Established in the early 1960s and still on the map today thanks to the focused and enlightened management of the Boscone family, which also produces cured meats, including the famous Varzi Dop salami. On the menu seasonal and local dishes, and not bad wines.
Buscone - loc. Bosmenso Superiore, 41 – 0383 52224 – ristorantebuscone.it
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