PIEMONTISSIMO READING
Our Piemonte Gems
Restaurants You Must Visit During Your Piemonte Stay
When you picture Piemonte, your mind probably wanders to rolling vineyard hills, Barolo sunsets, and rustic stone villages tucked into the countryside. But just as iconic as its wines and landscapes is its culinary scene. The region is home to Michelin starred fine dining, century old trattorias, and vibrant modern kitchens that are quietly rewriting the rules of Italian cuisine.
During our own adventures here, we’ve uncovered a handful of restaurants that truly capture the essence of Piemonte. These are not the overly polished, tourist-crowded spots you’ll find on every travel guide list. Instead, they are the hidden gems; the places that surprise you, delight you, and make you want to book a table again before you’ve even paid the bill.
If you’re planning your trip to Piemonte, here are seven unforgettable restaurants you simply must visit.
📍 Alba
Alba may be famous for its truffles and bustling wine bars, but tucked away from the busy piazzas is a modern culinary treasure: Petricore. This restaurant is beloved by locals and in-the-know travelers for its inspired take on Piedmontese cuisine. Think traditional flavors reimagined with a lighter, fresher touch. A welcome change if you’ve been indulging in heavy tajarin and brasato every day.
The real magic here, however, is the wine list. Petricore has curated one of the most exciting selections in the region, focusing on natural and biodynamic wines. Whether you’re already a natural wine lover or curious to learn, this is the perfect place to explore.
Vegetarians will be especially happy: unlike many traditional spots in Piemonte, Petricore offers a wide selection of creative, vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. Combined with attentive service and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s a place you’ll remember long after your stay in Alba.
📍 Vignale Monferrato
In the charming hilltop village of Vignale Monferrato, Trattoria Serenella Le Tre Lasagne is a restaurant that perfectly balances tradition and elegance. Run by a pair of local siblings, this trattoria has all the hallmarks of home-style Piedmontese cooking; but elevated with a sense of refinement that makes every meal feel special.
Beyond the food, Serenella is also an enoteca, boasting a wine list that’s practically a book in itself (at least five centimeters thick!). It’s a true treasure trove for wine lovers who want to dive deep into the best of Monferrato and beyond.
In summer, the outdoor tables in the piazza are the ideal setting for a leisurely lunch under the sun. In the cooler months, the cozy dining room comes alive with the glow of candlelight, making it the perfect place to linger over dinner and a bottle of bold red wine.
📍 Canelli
Walk through the doors of Osteria Meravigliati in Canelli, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a French film set. Each dining room has its own distinct character, creating a sense of discovery as you move through the space. In summer, the courtyard transforms into pure magic, the kind of setting where long dinners stretch well past midnight under fairy lights.
But atmosphere is only part of the story. The food at Osteria Meravigliati is unfailingly delicious; rustic Piedmontese flavors elevated with just the right amount of creativity. It’s no wonder this restaurant has become a favorite among frequent Piemonte visitors who return year after year.
📍 Castagnole delle Lanze
No Italian travel guide would be complete without pizza, and in Piemonte, Asso di Quadri is where you’ll find the very best. This is a traditional pizzeria with a warm, lively atmosphere, making it the ideal spot for big family dinners or a casual takeaway.
The dough is perfectly blistered, the toppings are always fresh, and there’s a comforting authenticity that makes every bite memorable. Two of our go-tos are the Pizza Italia and the pizza bianca layered with grilled zucchini and stracciatella, a simple yet divine combination.
Whether you’re traveling as a group, with kids, or simply craving pizza after days of multi course meals, Asso di Quadri is the place you’ll want on your list.
📍 Neive
In the wine village of Neive, Umano delivers high-end cuisine with a warm, cozy twist. The restaurant radiates the aura of a Michelin-star experience, but without the intimidating formality. Instead, it’s intimate and welcoming, a space where creativity is celebrated but the focus remains firmly on pleasure.
The menu is refined, experimental, and beautifully presented. Expect unexpected flavor pairings and elegant plating that reflects modern Italian gastronomy. For food lovers in general and meat lovers in particular who want to experience a different side of Piemonte dining, Umano is a must.
J’amis di Piola: Local Flavor, Local Crowd
📍 Neviglie
If you want to eat where the locals eat, head to Neviglie and grab a table at J’amis di Piola. This family-run spot is always buzzing, especially on weekends when Piemontese families gather for long lunches. The atmosphere is lively and down-to-earth, the kind of place where conversation flows as easily as the house wine.
The menu focuses on authentic Piedmontese dishes at excellent value for money. Expect tajarin pasta, vitello tonnato, and hearty meat courses, alongside a surprisingly wide selection of vegetarian options. It’s the perfect introduction to local cuisine if you’re visiting Piemonte for the first time.
📍 Agliano Terme
Finally, we come to one of our absolute favorites: Al Gatto Verde. This restaurant blends modern Italian cuisine with Piedmontese traditions in a way that feels both playful and sophisticated.
Step inside and you’ll immediately be struck by the breathtaking interior design – chic yet cozy, with details that invite you to linger. In the warmer months, the courtyard is pure magic, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night or dinner with friends.
The food is consistently excellent, the staff are among the friendliest in Piemonte, and to top it all off, Al Gatto Verde produces its own wine in collaboration with local wineries. Dining here feels like celebrating everything Piemonte stands for: beauty, flavor, and community.
📍 Castagnole delle Lanze
For those seeking the most authentic Piedmontese experience, look no further than Locanda Roma. This restaurant is the beating heart of Castagnole delle Lanze, run by Lory, a true local legend.
Here, there are no menus to study or complicated choices to make. Instead, you put your trust in Lory and let her guide you through the meal. She will only serve you the very best of what’s in season, and you can be sure you’ll leave both full and happy.
Locanda Roma is where the community gathers: for long lunches, festive dinners, birthdays, and village celebrations. If you want to experience Piemonte the way the locals do, an evening here is absolutely essential.
Final Thoughts; Eating Your Way Through Piemonte
From hidden gems in Alba to lively trattorias in Neviglie, from refined fine dining in Neive to rustic pizza in Castagnole delle Lanze, Piemonte’s restaurants are as diverse as its landscapes. What unites them all is a deep respect for tradition paired with a willingness to surprise and delight.
These eight spots: Petricore, Trattoria Serenella Le Tre Lasagne, Osteria Meravigliati, Asso di Quadri, Umano, J’amis di Piola, Al Gatto Verde and Locanda Roma are our personal gems, and we hope they’ll become highlights of your own Piemonte journey.
Whether you’re here for wine, history, or simply to eat your way through the region, make space in your itinerary (and your stomach) for these unforgettable experiences. Buon appetito!
