Alba

Centrally located and walking distance to everything, this spot makes the perfect accommodation for a short stay in Alba. It also has a great little breakfast area, along with a nice ship with a bunch of trip essentials. This place definitely books up fast, so be sure to book in advance.

If you are looking for more space, we highly recommend booking Casa da Giò. We stayed at this modern 2-bedroom apartment for 3 weeks during a stay in Alba. It had all of the amenities you need for a short or long stay, including a private parking spot, and is a short walk to everything. Giorgio, the owner, is so thoughtful and will make sure that your stay is perfect.

La Piola has a great location on Piazza Duomo - highly recommend getting a table outside before sunset! It is the sister restaurant to 3-Star Michelin restaurant Piazza Duomo (and often in the World's 50 Best Restaurants!), which is located right above. La Piola prides itself on using the best and freshest ingredients and you'll be able to see that come through in their dishes. Because of their focus on fresh ingredients, their menu changes quite often. You will probably find something on the menu with hazelnut and there will more than likely be an agnolotti pasta on the menu. You might be lucky and be able to order the Gran Torino for dolce - a chocolate, coffee, and hazelnut concoction - absolutely delicious! The service was attentive and the ambiance sitting outside on the piazza overlooking the duomo was beautiful. Reservations recommended.

When you walk into Osteria dell'Arco, you're surrounded by wine on all sides and warm furnishings. You can't go wrong with the pasta here - our favorites were the traditional plin and the gnocchi with formaggio blu and hazelnuts. The roasted veal tongue with salsa verde was also cooked to perfection. The absolute highlight, however, was the dessert. The semifreddo alla nocciola (which basically looks like a giant Reese's Peanut Butter cup) is made with gianduia. This isn't hyperbole: this is my favorite dessert I've ever had! All of their desserts are incredible.

When you enter the restaurant, be prepared to walk down some stairs to a charming underground space. The brick arches and walls make for an intimate, cozy dining experience. The menu offers classic dishes that Piemonte is known for, but also some creative piatti you won't find often on other menus. For pasta, we recommend trying the gnocchi or the pappardelle. The lamb chops and rabbit are definite hits for mains. Their wine list (and their staff’s knowledge) is extensive - they will ensure you have a great wine to go with your meal. Book ahead!

In small towns, finding variety can sometimes be difficult - especially if you’re looking for an exceptional meal. Bove’s is an example of both. They have great food (and all the traditional classics Piemonte is known for), and provide a bit of variety that is rare in Alba. Bove’s is known for its meat, specifically the Fassona breed of cattle. Local to the region, Fassona is lean and extremely flavorful. Whether it be a steak, or dare we say burger, they have it. And coming from native Texans, they are both fantastic. Bove's has an extensive wine menu, both by the bottles and by the glass, and they also have a location in Cuneo if you happen to be going there!

Located on Piazza Duomo in the middle of town, Ape Wine Bar makes the perfect location for aperitivo or dinner. When you walk inside, there’s an informal seating area and bar where you can get a drink or a snack. For dinner, then there’s a more romantic, moody dining area in the back. They also have patio space that looks out on the piazza that is fantastic. We really enjoy aperitivo here. They make a fantastic Americano cocktail (with locally made Contratto!) and serve some elevated small bites that are absolutely delicious. Come here to start the night or stay for a nice dinner. You can't go wrong either way!

Pasticceria Giampaolo is our go-to for an Italian breakfast. It's the place to get a great cappuccino and a pastry. It’s also a very popular place for the locals, but don’t fret- Pasticceria Giampaolo has a ton of staff and are very efficient at getting to everyone. This is a place to get a full, immersive experience. Do as the Italians do; go up to the bar, order your favorite coffee, get a cornetto or a brioche, eat, enjoy, listen to the conversations, then pay and go on with your day! If you happen to be in Alba for the fall or winter session, they make some of the best panettone in town!

Monviso Coffee Factory has an extensive coffee menu for you to try, along with 2 pages in their menu devoted just to pancakes! In the land of hazelnuts, you have a wide selection of choices that have them front and center. The pistachio are also to die for! Pair these pancakes with a cappuccino and you will be in heaven.

On Piazza Michele Ferrero, Gusto Madre is a modern pizzeria that has a ton of menu options. There are 5 different types of pizza to choose from - different flours, shapes, and cooking methodologies. We went for the La Croccante (50cm) with Pomodoro and Crudo. This style is their reinterpretation of traditional Roman focaccia. And while the traditional way to order pizza is for each person to order their own, this one explicitly states on the menu that it is recommended for 2 people because it is quite large! Gusto Madre is also a bakery and sells delicious pastries and chocolates and are open for breakfast, lunch, & dinner! Be sure to book ahead for dinner - it gets packed!

Located just behind the Duomo di San Lorenzo and Piazza Duomo, FuocoFarina specializes in making great breads, pastries, and pizza. Their tag line is lievitazione i cucina (leavening in the kitchen) so you know they make some seriously good stuff. From typical Italian breakfast pastries to aperitivo to delicious pizza, they take special care with everything they prepare here. This place is very popular, so expect a line if you go mid-morning for a pastry or a coffee! We recommend making a reservation for lunch and dinner.

La Duchessa is in the internal heart of the city, on the northwest side. When you walk in, it feels like you’ve walked into your best friend’s house - they are so welcoming and authentically glad that you’ve come! This place gets busy, as it’s a favorite with the locals and their families (so make sure you plan ahead and get a reservation if at all possible). It’s a great place for a casual meal - and make sure to check out the wine list. It’s surprisingly large for being a pizzeria!

This ristorante (and hotel) is off the beaten path. Located near Canale, a comune with a population of 6,000, Villa Tiboldi sits in the middle of the Malvira’ winery. When you get to Villa Tiboldi, it’s a hike up a very narrow and winding road! But when you arrive at the top, the first thing you’ll notice is the view. Every direction you look is towards rolling hills, vineyards, and mountains in the background. It’s beautiful and breathtaking. Once you sit down, you’ll enjoy a meal with innovative dishes that have inspired some of the top chefs of the world. We recommend complementing your meal with some wine made right there on the estate from the Malvira’ winery. Our only regret was not knowing about this place sooner because we would have booked a night at the hotel!

Osteria La Torre is located in Cherasco, a comune that is famous for its snails. Don’t believe us? The International Institute of Heliciculture is located here! Here at Osteria La Torre, you’ll find a cozy restaurant where snails and other alternative meats give you options you won’t find on other Piedmont traditional menus. Try the pasta dishes or mains with snails, or go for the deer served three ways - a meatball, a mini, one bite burger, and a steak cut. We also suggest saving room for their Mattone della Langhe for dessert - a very light chocolate based dessert we think you’ll love.

In nearby Barbaresco, there’s a ristorante worth the drive if you happen to have a car. Campamac is an incredible ristorante that combines classic Piemonte dishes with dry-aged steaks cooked over a charcoal grill (you can see the cooking station from the street or as you walk in!). With 2 wine books, one exclusively for Barbaresco & Barolo wines, and the other for everything else, you’ll want to come hungry and thirsty. When you’re here, you’d be remiss to not order a steak, but don’t miss out on their primi selection as well. Save room for dessert too - they have a great gianduiotto that will finish off the perfect meal!

Il Centro, a 1-star Michelin, family-run restaurant, is located in the town of Priocca - a small comune southeast of Turin, southwest of Asti, and northeast of Alba. The comune has a population of less than 2,000, and while there's a bus station, it's not very convenient to get to unless you rent a car (or hire a driver!). But if you have time, we suggest you take the detour if you’re looking for a special meal. They have very attentive staff, an incredible selection of wine, and a menu that you won’t soon forget. One of our memories is how they put the grissini right on the white table cloth. Although just a small thing, this being the first, set us up for the attention to detail and slightly whimsical presentation throughout. Expect gorgeously plated food that is matched by its taste!

This ristorante is located in Bra, home to the Slow Food International HQ. As you can probably tell by the date in the restaurant name, Ristorante Battaglino dal 1919 has been around for quite some time. Ristorante Battaglino is famous for its Bollito Misto (boiled meats). Their Bollito Misto is served with a variety of traditional dipping sauces, all made in house. Although the meat is flavorful enough by itself, the sauces are all delicious and worth trying! In addition, many of their pasta dishes are finished table side, creating a fun, enjoyable experience for your meal. We love coming here. Be sure to reserve ahead of time!

Sister restaurant to Osteria dell'Arco, Osteria del Boccondivino is located in the nearby town of Bra. In fact, we ate at both restaurants on the same day not realizing this…and saw the same staff member at lunch and dinner and he recognized us! How embarrassing! If you have time, it's worth the visit to Bra to check out Osteria del Boccondivino and walk around the quaint town. You are seated in a beautiful courtyard and have your choice of delicious local cuisine. We made sure to try two of the local specialities - the selection of raw meats and the tajarin pasta. Both excellent!

Located in the town of Pollenzo, a Unesco heritage site, this ristorante is a hidden gem. Scuderie Sabaude is known for its meat. You can order by the cut, from traditional options like boiled meats, or dry-aged options cooked over coals. If you come in the warmer months, al Fresco (outside) seating options are available. While we don’t often recommend sides of vegetables, here they prepare them over the coals and are the perfect compliment to the substantial meat plates. They were phenomenal. This is a place you should save room for dessert. Their “Coulant au Chocolat" is a delicious chocolate cake with a gianduia center. It is served with a side of gelato with a crunchy topping. So good!

Out in the middle of the barolo wine country, this restaurant is in Annunziata, a hilltop village with spectacular views. If you’re visiting at a time where you can eat on their patio, be sure to. Osteria Veglio has a well-earned following and books up, so make sure you plan ahead and make a reservation. We suggest ordering from each section of the menu; the pastas are amazing (agnolotti di plin is our favorite), the mains are wonderful, and the desserts were insanely good! Definitely order the gelato and also the panna cotta. If in season, the strawberries with the panna cotta are divine!

Located in the town of Barolo, Barolando offers traditional Piemontese food, served with a sophisticated flair. Just a quick note on Barolo itself - the comune is quite small, with a population of under 1,000. Barolo, the wine known around the world, comes from a very quaint town! When you’re at Barolando, we suggest you try the risotto al barolo. Made with Barolo wine, it gives the risotto that beautiful purple color! We also enjoyed their other pastas, like the spaghetti with guanciale. A delight when you’re cruising your way through the Piedmont countryside!

If you’re in town mid-October to early December, you have to attend the White Truffle Fair. Hosted in Alba centro, walking into the tented area is something you’ll remember forever. You'll know you've arrived when the fragrance of truffle hits your nose. Once inside, you’ll have vendors selling everything truffle you can think of - meats, cheeses, chips, dessert, etc. For the locals (or if you’re so brave to cook and serve your own), you can buy the raw truffle from truffle hunters here. There are scheduled cooking classes, wine tastings, and more. Come in with an empty stomach and an open imagination - you’ll leave full of wonderful tastings and an awe of a truly unique experience.

If you are in the area between October through January (maybe!), you might luck out and be able to try the Piedmont White Truffle. Only available in this area of the world, and only found in the wild, it’s a rare delicacy. The best way to eat it is over a dish with not overpowering flavors, and to have the truffle grated directly over the dish in front of you. A true gem!

A specialty pasta that is made with a higher ratio of egg yolks than normal. It is traditionally made with butter, salt, and pepper. It pairs very well with Piedmont White Truffle!

Agnolotti di Plin is a small, delicate pasta that has filling, typically a combination of meats. ‘Plin’ translates to pinch, and is evident in the way the pasta is shaped. Much like tajarin, it can be served in a variety of ways. Oftentimes we’ll order two different styles to share in the same meal. Our favorite preparation is with butter and sage, but we’re always willing to try the house specialty.

This one may not take too much convincing. If the winds are right, and the factory is up and going, you’ll catch occasional smells of chocolate as you walk through the town. It’ll get your subconscious thinking chocolate seems like a wonderful thing to have. What better place to try Ferrero Rocher than as close to the source as you can possibly get?

The first time we tried Bollito Misto (Boiled Meats), it was not in the Piedmont region. It wasn’t our favorite, and you won’t find it recommended in unsaid other region’s recommendations to try. Left with that prior underwhelming experience, it took us a while to get the nerve to try it in Piedmont. Turns out, we should have tried it a lot sooner! Bollito Misto is traditionally served in winter time as it is a flavorful, savory, warm dish that is a perfect offset to a cold, dreary day. Don’t be afraid of the selection of meats, as it won’t be a traditional cut. It’s worth a try - you’ll thank us for it after.

The world’s best breadstick. Yes, you can buy these elsewhere. However, there is something magical about getting them directly from a baker in town or as part of your opening bread at dinner. When they’re made fresh, they are delectable and addicting. It’ll be hard not to eat all of them they bring you - try your best to hold back and not spoil your meal.

Local to the region, Fassona cattle are raised both for their beef and their milk - which is used for a variety of regional cheeses like Castelmagno. The cattle have special genetics that make their meat very lean and full of great nutrients. We find the taste to be very mild, which is a fantastic quality in dry-aged steaks and in tartare preparations. You’ll find plenty of restaurants that have a selection of dry-aged cuts or a carpaccio on their selection of starters. If you are a meat eater, try out this unique beef you can’t find elsewhere!

Nebbiolo is grown throughout the Piedmont region, in all directions from Alba, and is used to make incredible wines. Perhaps the most well-known (and pricey) are the Barolo and Barbaresco, which we adore. Each micro region has their own take on how they use the versatile Nebbiolo grapes. Branch out and explore - find one that matches your palette!