When it comes to enjoying the culinary delights of Langhe, a region in Italy renowned for its vineyards, there are a myriad of dining options that truly embody the rich culinary heritage of the area. From the heart of Alba The Wolds Truffle Capital, with celebrated eateries like Piazza Duomo and Gusto Madre, to the enchanting hillside with locales such as Belvedere Roero in San Grato, every restaurant provides a unique gastronomic experience. Whether you’re indulging in the luxurious Tartufo Bianco d’Alba, savoring the traditional Bagna Cauda, or enjoying a simple but delicious pasta dish, the cuisine of Langhe is sure to captivate your palate.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a summary of the gastronomic journey you can expect in Langhe and Alba:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Premium Dining Experiences in Langhe | La Piola (Alba), Osteria dell’Arco (Alba), Belvedere Roero (San Grato), Albergo Garibaldi (Cisterna d’Asti), La Terrazza da Renza (Castiglione Falletto) |
| Value-for-Money Eateries in Langhe | Ristorante Battaglino (Bra), Petricore Enoteca con Cucina (Alba), Osteria Boccabuona (Bra), Hostaria dai Musi (Alba) |
| Signature Dishes and Products in Alba and Langhe | Tartufo Bianco d’Alba (Alba’s white truffle), Bagna Cauda, Vitello Tonnato, Robiola di Roccaverano (cheese), Tajarin (thin egg pasta), Agnolotti del Plin (small pinched ravioli), Salsiccia di Bra (Bra sausage), Carne Cruda di Fassone Piemontese (raw beef dish) |
Probably The BEST Restaurant in Italy – Piazza Duomo (Enrico Crippa)
Certainly, no culinary exploration of Alba and the Langhe region would be complete without mentioning Piazza Duomo, helmed by the esteemed chef Enrico Crippa. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is frequently hailed as one of the finest in Italy, and indeed the world, making it an absolute must-visit for gastronomes. At Piazza Duomo, Chef Crippa showcases a mastery of contemporary Italian cuisine, marrying innovation with tradition. His menus are reflective of the seasons, incorporating the freshest local produce with a creative flair that has come to define his style. Dishes are not only delicious but are visually stunning, mirroring the artistry involved in their creation.
Highly esteemed by critics, this prestigious restaurant often requires reservations well in advance due to its popularity. The dining experience at Piazza Duomo is more than a meal; it’s a culinary journey, filled with unexpected surprises, gastronomic delights, and impeccable service. It’s a testament to the brilliance of Italian cuisine, offering an unforgettable dining experience for any food lover.
Truly, the acclaim for Piazza Duomo is well-deserved, and it stands as a shining example of the excellence to be found in Alba and the Langhe region’s gastronomic scene. As such, Piazza Duomo’s esteemed reputation only enhances Alba’s status as a foodie paradise.
The best restaurants in Alba, Italy
If you’re seeking the pinnacle of culinary experiences in Italy, the Langhe region, known for its sprawling vineyards and gastronomical delights, is where you’ll find it. This region is home to some of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Piazza Duomo helmed by the revered chef Enrico Crippa. This three-Michelin-starred gem is often lauded as the best restaurant in Italy and is a must-visit for any gourmet traveller.
Located in the heart of Langhe, the city of Alba offers other notable dining spots such as La Piola, Osteria dell’Arco, and Gusto Madre. For those seeking quality food without stretching their budget, establishments like Ristorante Battaglino in Bra, Petricore Enoteca con Cucina in Alba, Osteria Boccabuona in Bra, and Hostaria dai Musi in Alba offer exceptional value-for-money options. Outlying Alba, other commendable establishments include Belvedere Roero in San Grato, Albergo Garibaldi in Cisterna d’Asti, and La Terrazza da Renza in Castiglione Falletto. Each location captures the essence of Langhe’s gastronomy, offering unique culinary journeys.
Central to the cuisine of Langhe, particularly in Alba, are several traditional dishes and products. The luxurious Tartufo Bianco d’Alba (Alba’s white truffle) elevates many a dish in the region. Other specialties to seek out include Bagna Cauda, a warm vegetable dip, Vitello Tonnato, a veal dish with a creamy tuna sauce, and a variety of locally produced cheeses like Robiola di Roccaverano.
For the pasta enthusiasts, don’t miss out on Tajarin, a type of thin egg pasta, and Agnolotti del Plin, small pinched ravioli typically filled with a mix of meats. And for the meat lovers, there’s Salsiccia di Bra, a special sausage from Bra, and Carne Cruda di Fassone Piemontese, a delicately prepared raw beef dish that’s a regional favourite.
1. Premium Dining Experiences in Langhe
Discover the heart of Langhe’s gastronomy in its numerous eateries recommended by renowned chefs. Delve into the culinary delights at these establishments:
- La Piola – Alba
- Osteria dell’Arco – Alba
- Belvedere Roero – San Grato
- Albergo Garibaldi – Cisterna d’Asti
- La Terrazza da Renza – Castiglione Falletto
Each location offers a unique gastronomic journey that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Langhe.
2. Value-for-Money Eateries in Langhe
Looking for a balance between price and quality? These dining spots in Langhe provide excellent cuisine at affordable prices:
- Ristorante Battaglino – Bra
- Petricore Enoteca con Cucina – Alba
- Osteria Boccabuona – Bra
- Hostaria dai Musi – Alba
3. Signature Dishes and Products in Alba and Langhe
Langhe, especially Alba, boasts several traditional dishes and products. Here’s what not to miss:
- Tartufo Bianco d’Alba (Alba’s white truffle)
- Bagna Cauda
- Vitello Tonnato
- Robiola di Roccaverano (cheese)
- Tajarin (thin egg pasta)
- Agnolotti del Plin (small pinched ravioli)
- Salsiccia di Bra (Bra sausage)
- Carne Cruda di Fassone Piemontese (raw beef dish)
Indulge in these local specialties to truly appreciate Langhe’s and Alba’s rich culinary landscape.
La Piola restaurant in Alba reviews
La Piola in Alba is a highly-rated restaurant that attracts both locals and tourists. Based on reviews from Google and TripAdvisor, it has a commendable rating. On Google, the restaurant has garnered a score of 4.3 based on 967 reviews, while on TripAdvisor, it holds a rating of 4 out of 5, from 1,682 reviews. The restaurant’s price range is moderate, indicated by the €€ – €€€ scale, suggesting it offers good value for the quality of food and service provided. These high ratings speak to the quality of the food, atmosphere, and service that La Piola delivers. If you find yourself in Alba, a visit to La Piola is a must for any food enthusiast.
La Piola restaurant menu
At La Piola, the menu for July features a delightful selection of appetizers, first courses, and main dishes, each crafted with local, seasonal ingredients that pay homage to the traditional cuisine of Langhe.
To start, there is a selection of antipasti, ranging from a mixed appetizer platter to individual dishes. The Tajarin, homemade pasta with butter and black truffle emulsion, is a standout choice, adding a luxurious touch to this traditional dish. Other options include a refreshing salad of grains and legumes with sweet pepper sauce and Seirass cheese, roasted veal tip with sauteed vegetables, anchovies in green sauce, and raw veal tartare with trombetta courgettes, tuma cheese from Alba, and hazelnuts. Additionally, guests can enjoy Vitello Tonnato, or veal slices with tuna mayonnaise, Russian salad, or a summery salad with rabbit, olives, cherry tomatoes, pesto, Seirass cheese, and crunchy bread. The selection of cured salami, recommended to be paired with mixed pickled vegetables, is also a popular choice.
The main course offers an array of choices, from traditional dishes like homemade ravioli with roasted veal sauce and veal steak with tomatoes from the garden and cucumbers with yogurt, to more unique options like zucchini flowers stuffed with vegetables and ricotta cheese with tomato and basil. The cheese trolley features cheese from Langa and Cuneo valleys, with the option to select three, six, or nine pieces.
The dessert menu promises to end the meal on a sweet note with several delectable choices. The “Bönet” hazelnut cream, a traditional Piedmontese dessert, is a must-try, as are the yogurt and barley malt dessert with apricot compote and the Cavour ice cream. The “Relanghe” nougat parfait with raspberries sauce and almonds biscuit is another tantalizing option, and the fresh fruit of the day with summer syrup offers a lighter, refreshing choice.
To complement your meal, La Piola provides an impressive selection of wines from prominent producers in the region. These include Ceretto’s Langhe Arneis BlangĂ©, Pio Cesare’s Langhe Chardonnay Piodilei, Gillardi’s Dogliani Maestra, and Marcalberto’s SansannĂ©e Brut among others. There are also dessert wines such as Cascina Castlet’s Moscato Passito AviĂ© and Vignaioli di Santo Stefano’s Moscato d’Asti.
La Piola is prepared to accommodate guests with food allergies or intolerances and offers helpful advice to choose the best dishes based on individual needs. This attention to customer needs, along with their high-quality cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, contributes to La Piola’s well-deserved reputation as a top dining destination in Alba. Official website: https://www.lapiola-alba.it/#prenotazioneForm
English (United States) 
Italian