Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
Part of the Arborina Relais hotel, this very smart dining room offers gastronomic menus that either rework Piedmontese standards in surprising ways or go…
Must-see restaurants in Northwestern Italy
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
There's a stunning view across vineyards to a wall of snow-capped mountains from the rustic farmhouse tables that grace the light open space at Brandini,…
Genoa
Brace yourself for lunchtime mayhem. This is a totally authentic, if well touristed, workers' trattoria and there's much squeezing into tiny tables,…
Monterosso
With tables overlooking the beach, this unpretentious seafood restaurant is a good place to try the local bounty. Start with penne con scampi (pasta tubes…
Genoa
Admire the exquisite 17th-century frescoes of Bernardo Strozzi while dining on exquisitely prepared cuisine inside this spectacular dining room encased in…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
On the Barbaresco hills overlooking the village, the name Donna Selvatica honours the local grappa producer Romano Levi for whom the 'wild woman' was a…
La Spezia
Go early to score a table at this sprawling subterranean osteria, a famed destination for la cucina spezzina (La Spezia cooking). True to its name, this…
Turin
Davide Scabin's tasting menus are theatrical, visual, visceral and mischievous, but despite such experimentation they are still deeply rooted in…
Camogli
If you're not on a mission to taste-test every town's focacceria, Revello is a suitably respectable choice if you had to choose just one. Pick up slices…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
Rabayà, on the southern fringe of the village, has the ambience of dining at a private home. The signature veal shoulder in Barbaresco works better in its…
Camogli
Up a back lane from the waterfront, stylish Da Paolo has the town's best fish and seafood, all fresh off the boats and done in a variety of simple local…
Vernazza
With outdoor tables on the main drag and a lively soundtrack, Blue Marlin draws a steady stream of locals and visitors throughout the day. Stop in for…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
A sweet surprise in meat-centric Piedmont, Osteria del Borgo Vecchio does parallel vegetarian and meat menus, with all organic ingredients and all pasta…
Alba
Menu? What menu? You get whatever's in the pot at this dimly lit place. Munch on the theatrically large breadsticks while you wait for an array of…
Turin
Half a dozen tables and a legion of enamoured followers mean this inviting restaurant is hard to get into. Book ahead or arrive at the stroke of 7.30pm…
Aosta
A hip but friendly spot on the main drag, L'Osteria serves heart-warming Aostian comfort fare: wild boar in pinot noir with rosemary over polenta, creamy…
Vernazza
Tucked along a hillside pathway just outside of the centre, La Torre serves Genovese-style trofie al pesto (a pasta with pesto), seafood spaghetti,…
Levanto
In a vaulted-ceiling dining room a few blocks from the beach, Moresco is a chef-driven restaurant that has a loyal local following for its superb seafood…
Corniglia
A Corniglia mainstay since 1999, Alberto Melandri serves some of the best gelato for miles around. Try the basilico, made from basil grown in his garden…
Aosta
Croix de Ville's smart, bustling dining room serves up contemporary Italian favourites such as beef tagliata (rare slices) with rocket and Parmesan, and…
La Spezia
Founded in 1887, La Pia is a much-loved icon in La Spezia. Piping hot slices of farinata (chickpea flour flat bread) is the big draw, though there's also…
Asti
This enticing brasserie with vaulted brick ceilings and a knowledgeable garrulous host is a great spot for thoughtfully prepared Piemontese dishes. You…
Turin
Gofri, thin waffles snap cooked in hot irons, are a traditional dish from the mountainous regions of northern Piedmont and have been reinvented here by a…
Turin
Crimson velvet, glittering chandeliers, baroque mirrors and a timeless air greet you at this grande dame of the Turin dining scene, regularly patronised…
Corniglia
Near the top of the stairs leading up from the train station, La Posada is one of Corniglia's most memorable settings for an al fresco meal. On a terrace…
Turin
One of Turin's first vegan restaurants, Mezzaluna serves traditional Piemontese dishes with organic, vegan ingredients. Try bagna caoda (a traditional…
Langhe, Roero & Monferrato
The acclaimed fairy-tale-like space that is the Guido Ristorante is a place that people have been known to cross borders to visit, especially for the veal…
Riomaggiore
A surprising find in seafood-centric Cinque Terre, La Cantina del Macellaio fires up melt-in-your-mouth braised beef, pasta with wild boar and a few other…
Genoa
Genovese fast food done in the most authentic and enticing of ways can be had at this backstreet hole in the wall. Come for a quick and easy plate of…
Turin
Cult Slow Food baker Andrea Perino turns out dense, fragrant torta langarola (hazelnut cake), naturally yeasted panettone and focaccia that draws sighs…
Cuneo
This dark corner bar may seem like a Brooklyn transplant with its tiles and high stools, but it's the real deal, serving up high quality Piedmontese cruda…
Turin
Northern Italians are fond of a 'concept' and Bolognese chef Cesare Marretti's concept here is sorpresa (surprise). Beyond the choice of meat, fish or…
Riomaggiore
Perched on a ridge south of Riomaggiore, where the old telegraph line used to be strung, the views from the Colle del Telegrafo are spectacular. But they…
Genoa
Genoa is a long way from Manhattan or Berlin, but that urban aesthetic is in full force at Officina 34. It's a beautifully fitted-out space in a pretty…
Genoa
Gourmet pizza in Italy seems a little, well, ironic, with the rest of the world so keen to do authentic Italian pizza. While the pizzas here are…
Turin
Near Piazza Carlo Alberto, this eye-catching gelateria doles out creamy perfection in generous servings of nocciola (hazelnut), arancia rossa (blood…
Santa Margherita Ligure
A seafood place right on the docks, yes, but this grey-and-white streamlined vaulted space is a maritime kitsch-free zone. Romantic and cosy on colder…
Corniglia
One of the only places where you’ll find refreshment on the Sentiero Azzuro, this cafe sits alongside the trail (on the Mediterranean side) in Prevo. Il…
Genoa
Hectic times rule at this poetically named bakery: everyone wants what they're selling. Drop by any time for one of their several varieties of focaccia or…
Riomaggiore
One of Riomaggiore's top dining destinations, Rio Bistrot earns rave reviews for its beautifully prepared seafood dishes – with selections changing daily…
