Ancient villages, evocative castles, expanses of vineyards as far as the eye can see: these are just some of the beauties of Roero, which together with the Langhe and Monferrato is a Unesco heritage site. At the table it is a triumph of great wines and products of excellence, unobtainable elsewhere, which are transformed into dishes with unforgettable aromas and flavours. Here is a selection of the best addresses.
Where to eat in Roero. The best restaurants
Where to eat in Bra
Osteria del Boccondivino
Trattoria. Right in the centre, in the pedestrian area, for 40 years a symbol of conviviality, a relaxed pace and above all authentic cuisine, based on Piedmontese tradition, recipes in which almost all Slow Food Presidia ingredients are used. The menu does not, however, lack some seasonal digressions. The ambience is divided into several small rooms with well-kept furnishings, tall display cases full of bottles and tables with essential equipment. The inner courtyard is pleasant, and it is best to book.
Osteria del Boccondivino – via della Mendicità Istruita, 14 – 0172 425674 – boccondivinoslow.it
Where to eat in Canale
All’Enoteca
Restaurant. One of the best addresses in the region, with a stately ambience and a small summer garden. At the stoves, Davide Palluda creates small masterpieces of taste that remain long in our memory, dishes that are only apparently simple but with remarkable balance and great cleanliness of flavour. Don't miss the “Fassone from head to toe”, the “plìn al sugo di arrosto” and the glazed sweetbreads. There are two wine lists, one of which is dedicated entirely to Roero. For a less demanding stop, you can stop at the Osteria dell'Enoteca.
All’Enoteca – via Roma, 57 – 0173 95857 – davidepalluda.it
Villa Tiboldi
Restaurant. A few minutes from the centre, an elegant residence surrounded by vineyards, with a garden, swimming pool and atmospheric dining rooms. In the kitchen, Luca Piccinelli knows how to combine territorial requirements with the contribution of fresh ideas and techniques, some borrowed from his Brescia origins and experience, others spawned from an innate ability to find unexpected (and unpredictable) declinations from simple and genuine local ingredients. Cellar well stocked with 'house' references and many other labels.
Villa Tiboldi – località Case Sparse Tiboldi, 127 – 0173 970388 – villatiboldi.com
Where to eat in a Castagnito
Trattoria Bric
Trattoria. This is a solidly family-run establishment, a valid landing place for those in search of a warm welcome and authentic food. Here, in a rustic and warm ambience, you can sip the typical wines of the area accompanied by express dishes of local cuisine that focus on enhancing the ingredients and recipes of the territory. The fresh, handmade pastas (tajarin, plin and maltagliati) with seasonal sauces, succulent braised meats, Roero sausage, and delicious homemade desserts are a must.
Trattoria Bric – frazione San Giuseppe via A. Manzoni, 5 – 0173 211167
Where to eat in Govone
Le Scuderie al Castello di Govone
Restaurant. Inside the Castle, a Unesco heritage site, a quiet and refined ambience with widely spaced tables and a modern open kitchen in which chefs Davide Sproviero and Fabio Poppa work, provides the backdrop for a high-level gastronomic experience. The menu, which changes very often, emphasises mainly local products, but there is no shortage of fish dishes. Maison breads and breadsticks. A wine list of around 800 labels completes the picture.
Le Scuderie al Castello di Govone – piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 17 – 0173 328096 – castellodigovone.it
Where to eat in Guarene
La Madernassa
Restaurant. An elegant resort in the countryside with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a large vegetable and herb garden used in the kitchen, where young Campania-native brothers Giuseppe and Francesco D'Errico work. On the occasion of the Alba Truffle Fair, they offer a dedicated five-course menu called "Oro Bianco" in two variants: with a predetermined truffle grating for each course or with a free grating at the table, starting from 180 euro per person. Accompanied by a selection of great wines.
La Madernassa – località Lora, 2 – 0173 611716 – lamadernassa.it
Where to eat in Magliano Alfieri
Stefano Paganini
Restaurant. Chef Stefano Paganini 'officiates' inside the castle, former summer residence of the Alfieri family. Various small and large halls and a large salon welcome the guests. The large spaces, the high vaulted ceilings, the elegance of the dining rooms as well as the settings and mise en place give the sensation of taking part in a royal lunch at court. The cuisine interprets classic Piedmontese cuisine with measured flashes of innovation, using mostly local products. The egg in a cup, celeriac and white truffle fondue is a dish created specifically to enhance the noble mushroom. Wine cellar up to the mark.
Stefano Paganini – piazza G. Raimondo, 2 – 0173 66244 – stefanopaganini.it
Where to eat in Monteu Roero
Cantina dei Cacciatori
Trattoria. This historic address was once a destination for passing hunters who came here for refreshments. The Forno family has been running this establishment for almost thirty years, offering a menu that relies on local and seasonal recipes depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients. Some examples: anchovies with green and red bagnet (sauce), tajarin with Bra sausage ragout, hazelnut cake with warm zabaglione. Added to this is a cosy environment with outdoor seating and an extensive wine cellar (which can be visited) ranging from Piedmont to abroad.
Cantina dei Cacciatori – strada prov.le 29 località Villa Superiore, 59 – 0173 90815 - cantinadeicacciatori.com
Where to eat in Piobesi d’Alba
21.9
Restaurant. Ligurian-born chef Flavio Costa and his 21.9 - the date of his daughters' birth - are located at Tenuta Carretta. Costa operates in an alchemy where flavours, textures, shapes and colours take on precise roles in a perfect sensory balance. Excellent measured ingredients and perfect technique become dishes of harmony and personality. The wines are chosen from a well-stocked cellar. Elegant and comfortable ambience, beautiful outdoor area with a view, plus charming rooms to extend your stay.
21.9 – località Carretta, 4 – 0173 387200 – ristorante21punto9.it
Where to eat in Priocca
Il Centro
Restaurant. On the town's main square, the restaurant is very popular with gourmets. Thanks to Enrico Cordero, who with his son Giampiero and Elide Mollo, wife and chef, runs it with love. At the table, tradition is respected, but there is room for innovative dishes: among the highlights are rabbit in carpione and finanziera while, from January to March, it is possible to enjoy the iconic fritto misto (reservation required). The wine list is impressive. You can sleep at the Dimora Cordero, on the same estate.
Il Centro – via Umberto I, 5 – 0173 616112 – ristoranteilcentro.com
by Clara Barra
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