What & Where to Eat in Piemonte Italy: 10 Best Foods
The Piemonte region of Italy is one of the most beautiful, interesting, and delicious places in the world. This region is known for its stunning landscapes, its rolling hills, and its famous wines. From its rich culinary traditions to its breathtaking views, Piemonte is a place that should be experienced by everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the region’s history, culture, and of course, taste, and discover why it has become a beloved destination for travelers and foodies alike.
Piemonte is one of the most gastronomically diverse regions in Italy, boasting a wide range of dishes that have been influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. From fresh truffles to creamy risotto, Piemonte offers a unique and tasty culinary experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this blog post, we will explore some of the region’s most popular dishes and drinks and its rich culinary history and culture. So, let’s get started!
Piemonte Cuisine
Top 10 Best Piemonte Dishes
Here are some of the most notable dishes to try out when you visit Piemonte:
1. Tajarin al sugo d’arrosto – a classic Italian dish from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made with freshly made tajarin egg pasta, which is a thin, flat pasta similar to tagliatelle. It is then tossed in a rich and flavorful sauce made with slow-roasted beef, tomatoes, and herbs. This dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a chilly night.
2. Bagna cauda – a warm dip made with anchovies, garlic, olive oil, and butter. It is traditionally served with fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, radishes, bell peppers, and broccoli. It can also be served with boiled potatoes, crusty bread, or boiled eggs. The name “Bagna Cauda” literally translates to “hot bath” in Italian.
3. Brasato al Barolo – a dish made with beef braised in Barolo wine. It is a slow-cooked dish, usually served with mashed potatoes or polenta. The beef is marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices prior to cooking, giving the dish its unique flavor. The Barolo wine gives the dish a deep, rich taste, and the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
4. Pizzoccheri – a traditional Italian dish from the Lombardy region that consists of a hearty and flavorful mix of buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cabbage, and cheese. The pasta is cooked in a creamy sauce made from butter, garlic, and sage, then topped with a generous layer of grated cheese.
5. Fonduta – a traditional Italian dish made by combining melted cheese, eggs, and butter. It is typically served as a fondue-style dish, with a variety of accompaniments such as croutons, meats and vegetables. The melted cheese is typically made from a combination of fontina, Parmesan and/or other Italian cheeses. The egg is usually beaten and mixed in with the cheese. The butter is melted and then added to the cheese mixture. Fonduta can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It is an excellent dish for entertaining and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
6. Agnolotti – an Italian dish made from fresh pasta dough that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, meat, or seafood and then boiled or baked. These little ravioli-like dumplings are then served with a variety of sauces such as marinara, pesto, or butter. Agnolotti can be a great appetizer or a main dish for a delightful Italian meal.
7. Bollito Misto – a classic Italian dish that consists of an assortment of boiled meats, including beef, veal, pork, and chicken, served with a variety of sauces. The meats are boiled together in a large pot with aromatics like rosemary, bay leaf, and garlic to infuse flavor. The sauces served with the dish vary depending on the region, but usually include salsa verde, mostarda, and a simple butter sauce.
8. Fritto Misto – a traditional Italian dish consisting of an assortment of lightly-battered and fried vegetables and seafood. It often includes a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and peppers, as well as seafood like calamari, shrimp, and whitefish. The ingredients are lightly-battered in a mixture of flour, eggs, and sometimes beer or sparkling wine, then fried until golden brown and crispy. Fritto Misto is best served immediately and is often accompanied by a tangy sauce or aioli.
9. Tajarin al burro – a classic Italian dish made with a thin, flat pasta called tajarin. The tajarin is typically cooked in boiling salted water until it is al dente, and then tossed with a generous amount of butter and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. It is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side.
10. Capunet – Capunet is a traditional Italian dish from the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is a casserole-style dish made from cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of seasoned ground beef, onions, carrots, and celery. The rolls are then cooked in a tomato-based sauce and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This hearty dish is often served as a main course with a side of polenta or mashed potatoes.
The Piemonte region of Italy is known for its hearty, robust cuisine. From comforting risotto to delicious meat-filled ravioli, the cuisine of this region is meant to keep you warm and nourished during the cold winter months. From the farms of the lowlands to the mountain peaks, the Piemonte region is home to some of Italy’s most unique and flavorful dishes. Many of the ingredients used in Piemonte cuisine are grown in the region, such as rice, polenta, and hazelnuts. These ingredients are often combined to create delicious and comforting dishes. Risotto is a classic Piemonte dish, made with rice cooked in a rich broth and often paired with vegetables, meat, and cheese. This dish is a great way to stay warm during the colder months, as it is rich and flavorful. Piemonte is also known for its various types of ravioli, filled with meats and cheese. These ravioli dishes are often served with a variety of sauces, making them a comforting and satisfying meal.
Where to Eat in Piemonte, Italy
Migliori Ristoranti (Best Restaurants)
1. Antica Torre Restaurant (Asti) – Located in a beautiful and historic building, the restaurant serves up traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. The cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality of the staff make for a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends and family, Antica Torre Restaurant is the perfect destination.
2. Guido Restaurant (Turin) – traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu features a variety of delicious dishes, made with the freshest local ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with warm colors and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines from the region and a wide range of beer and spirits. For a unique and unforgettable dining experience, Guido Restaurant in Turin is the perfect place to savor the flavors of Italy.
3. Del Cambio (Turin) – serving classic Italian dishes for over two centuries, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. The menu features traditional Italian specialties such as risotto, veal and pork dishes with herbs and spices. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of Italian wines. The décor is elegant, with antique furnishings and a traditional Italian atmosphere. Del Cambio is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening out or a special occasion with family and friends.
4. La Ciau del Tornavento (Treiso) – a rustic Italian restaurant located in the rural Piemonte region of Italy. Its menu features traditional Italian dishes, made with local and seasonal ingredients. La Ciau del Tornavento is renowned for its homemade pasta, handmade pizzas, and slow-cooked stews. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff create an inviting ambiance for guests. Patrons can enjoy a variety of regional wines, paired perfectly with the delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends, La Ciau del Tornavento is the perfect place to experience the flavors of Piemonte.
5. Piazza Duomo (Alba) – Specializing in the classic dishes of the region, Piazza Duomo offers an array of traditional flavors and ingredients prepared with modern techniques. The talented chefs source the freshest local ingredients from the surrounding area and create dishes that are full of flavor and bursting with the essence of the Piemonte region. The cozy atmosphere, complete with rustic wood furniture, exposed brick walls, and warm lighting, provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy a unique and delicious dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a family-style meal, Piazza Duomo is sure to impress.
From the Farm
L’azienda Agricola
Piemonte is one of the most beautiful and vibrant regions in Italy. It is a region renowned for its stunning landscapes, delicious food, and world-class wines. But what many people don’t know is that Piemonte is also abundant in local produce. From the freshest fruits and vegetables to the most delicious artisanal cheeses and salamis, Piemonte has something to offer every food lover.
One of the most famous local produce items in Piemonte is the famous “tartufo”, or truffle. This highly sought-after mushroom grows in the soil around certain types of trees, and is prized for its rich, earthy flavor. Tartufi can be found in many dishes in Piemonte, from pasta to risotto, and they can also be used to make delicious truffle oil.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, Piemonte has an abundance of them. From sweet apples to juicy pears, from zucchini to tomatoes, you can find it all here. The region’s climate is perfect for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Wine of the Region
Vino Della Regione
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious wine experience, then you should consider exploring the wines of the Piemonte region of Italy. This region is known for its incredible variety of wines, ranging from light, fruity whites to bold, robust reds. The Piemonte region is home to some of the world’s greatest wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Gavi, and Dolcetto.
Barolo is the king of Piemonte wines. This bold red is made from the Nebbiolo grape, and it typically has high tannin and acidity levels. Barolo wines can be aged for up to five years, and they’re known for their deep, complex flavors.
Barbaresco is another Piemonte classic. This red wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape and is usually lighter and more delicate than Barolo. Barbaresco wines can be enjoyed young or aged, and they typically have spicy, floral aromas and flavors.
Gavi is an elegant white wine that’s made from the Cortese grape. These wines are typically light and fruity, with crisp acidity and a hint of almond or citrus.
Dolcetto wines are a type of Italian red wine that are produced in the Piemonte region of Italy. This full-bodied wine is known for its deep ruby color, intense aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, plums and berries, as well as undertones of herbs and spices. Dolcetto wines are typically low in tannins and have a medium-bodied body. They are versatile food wines that pair well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, veal, and pizza. Dolcetto wines are best enjoyed when served slightly chilled and can be enjoyed on their own or with food.
In conclusion, the Piemonte region of Italy is one of the most unique and flavorful places to visit for those interested in the best Italian cuisine. From the classic dishes of the Piedmontese, such as tajarin and agnolotti, to the decadent truffles, to the world-renowned wines, the Piemonte region offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a large family gathering, the Piemonte region of Italy is the perfect destination to indulge in some of the best cuisine in the world.
