(piedmont/piemonte)

cuneo

Cuneo, meaning wedge in Italian, is appropriately named as it’s at the confluence of Stura and Gesso rivers. Located near subdivisions of the Alps, including the Maritime Alps and Ligurian Alps, the change in elevations from the mountains to the rivers means there’s stunning vistas in almost every direction you look. Cuneo is in Piedmont, south and west from Turin - meaning it’s not far away from the French border. The French influence is everywhere; in the architecture, the food, and the language.

This city acts bigger than its population. The main piazza is massive and the shopping options are surprisingly impressive. And of course, we highly recommend the food. Due to its location, the elevation, you’re not going to get a bunch of tourists looking to check a box on their whirlwind tours. If you're visiting Turin, Alba, Asti, or Genoa, we recommend putting Cuneo on your itinerary. It's worth the short drive and the stunning mountain views.

where to eat

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

Meaning “The Five Senses” in English, this family-run restaurant is a streamlined experience from the time you walk through their doors. Starting with some delicious small treats from the chef, you'll move onto fresh baked bread served with a bowl of the best whipped butter you'll ever try. For starters, we opted for the Crispy Egg, which was perfectly cooked and one of the best we’ve ever had. The pastas are classics, with a modern twist. For the mains, you'll have options you haven’t seen elsewhere (go for the Caramelized Pork Cup, Oysters and Leek - you won’t be disappointed!). Finally, the desserts are heavenly, and you’ll see the French influence with macarons being served. Whether you go for the a la carte menu like we did, or the tasting menu, you don't be disappointed. Reservations highly recommended.

where to stay

where to stay

Located in the main piazza of Cuneo, this hotel is perfectly located to explore all this stunning city has to offer. The historic hotel is stately, the rooms were large and comfortable, and the breakfast buffet was fantastic! If you are driving to Cuneo, we highly recommend making a parking reservation at the hotel (located on-site behind a large gate that they will open for you to park)! It makes arriving and departing so much easier. You could also opt to find street parking, but it is metered parking, and can be quite inconvenient since the piazza is usually quite busy.

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phi hotel principe

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