Asti

On our trip to Asti, we stayed in an apartment steps away from Piazza San Secondo. While we don't recommend the place that we stayed, we do recommend the location. Centrally located and walking distance to everything, this area made it easy to walk everywhere that we needed to in town for our short stay.

So nice we ate there twice! Vicolo Battisti has not one but two menus—one fully dedicated to pizza and the other showcasing classic Piemonte specialties. We couldn’t resist going back to experience both. With perfect weather, we enjoyed dining alfresco on a pedestrian-only street where the restaurant and nearby bars fill the road with outdoor tables. The vibe is lively, the staff is young, hip, and welcoming, and the food is excellent. Reservations recommended.

A creative take on traditional dishes, Volli is a romantic venue with low-vaulted ceilings and has a great ambiance. Dishes were beautifully plated and executed. Favorites include the spaghettoni with red shrimp and both desserts -- a hazelnut cake with a creamy inside and a dessert called "coffee, please!" which is housed in a "to-go" coffee cup. The dessert consisted of a creamy dark chocolate mousse topped with hazelnuts served over coffee granita and was delicious. Reservations recommended.

We were delighted to find this Enoteca and wine bar for aperitivo. When you enter the shop, make your way upstairs to the bar for a spritz or glass of wine served with light snacks. The husband and wife duo that run it are very friendly and helpful.

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.

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!

Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine known for its sweet and fruity flavor profile, making it a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions. Asti Spumante is made from the Moscato Bianco grapes and undergoes a fermentation process that results in its characteristic bubbles. It is typically enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with desserts.

Barbera d'Asti is a red wine made from the Barbera grape, which is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in Italy. Barbera d'Asti wines are known for their deep ruby color, high acidity, and flavors of ripe red fruits, cherries, and spices. They can range from light and fruity to more robust and complex, depending on the winemaking techniques and aging processes used. Barbera d'Asti is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

A sweet, sparkling white wine made from the Moscato Bianco grape. Moscato d'Asti is known for its light, effervescent nature, low alcohol content, and sweet flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, and floral notes. It is typically enjoyed as a dessert wine or a refreshing aperitif. Moscato d'Asti is best served chilled and pairs well with fruit-based desserts, pastries, and light cheeses.