Ristorante Il Carrettino

Strategically located between Milan, Turin and Genoa, close to large shopping centres and tourist attractions, this restaurant is housed in a tastefully renovated farmhouse, part of a large complex
that includes a hotel and meeting and conference rooms. Surrounded by greenery, with parking and children’s play areas, it is ideal for ceremonies and for those seeking authentic, locally sourced cuisine. At lunchtime, it offers a business menu starting at €19, with various dishes of the day and an extensive à la carte menu featuring stuffed pasta, risottos and buffalo and Angus beef, all born
and reared on the farm. Buffalo meat, lean and easily digestible, is the star of specialities such as bresaola, ham and grilled salami. The kitchen uses meat from the Fabbrica farm
or selected Italian farms, with full respect for nature and animal welfare. The farm’s products, from meat to cured meats, are also available in the shop at the entrance to the restaurant. The tasting menu is offered at €38, and the cellar has a good selection of local wines. In season, don’t miss the Tortona strawberries, a Slow Food presidium, which enrich the offering of a place that combines authentic flavours, hospitality and a connection with the local area.

Ristorante Vallerana

Excellent local cuisine combined with the experience of truffle hunting with dogs, walking in the woods alongside the trifolau, the friendly Franco Novelli, patron of the restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy, with a large fireplace and a corner dedicated to the cantina featuring the best local wines. Like classic village trattorie, it offers good food at honest prices. The dishes are typical of Monferrato. Hot antipasti include crespelle, flan and tortini with fonduta; cold ones feature vitello tonnato and veal carpaccio (€15 for the antipasto misto). Among primi, don’t miss the ravioli, classic or plin, and the ever-present tajarin (€5-8). For secondi, bollito is often served, presented with precision and speed from the historic trolley that keeps the meat piping hot in its broth. Also arrosti, brasato, pan-cooked rabbit, and game (€10-15). Mushrooms are available in season. To finish, homemade desserts such as bonet and tiramisù. From Monday to Friday, pranzo di lavoro at €15 includes antipasti, primo, and homemade dessert. For groups and comitive, pranzo completo starts from €25. Naturally, the “grattata di tartufo” is recommended and priced separately according to market rates.

Castello di Razzano

Set among rolling hills and vineyards, the Castle is a charming relais with welcoming rooms, a historic cellar and a wine museum. The atmosphere is timeless, with elegant dining rooms overlooking the Italian-style garden. Chef Emanuele Monzeglio pays tribute to the region using high-quality local produce, along with estate-grown wines and olive oil. The seasonal menù blends tradition and creativity: Piedmontese antipasti, homemade fresh pasta, plin in different versions and meat dishes highlighting Fassona beef and local game. The 4-course menù degustazione is offered at €65. À la carte: primi such as agnolotti al sugo di arrosto, tagliolini and tagliatelle (€18-24); secondi like rabbit, fillets and roasts (€26). House desserts range from €8 to €11. A highlight is the wine list, showcasing the castle’s own labels with options for tastings and pairings. An ideal destination for those seeking a blend of fine dining and wine culture. Professional service, excellent cuisine and a captivating setting make it a top choice for a romantic dinner, a special event or a relaxing escape in the heart of Monferrato.

Ristorante Malò

We are in the Alto Monferrato, among hills that offer fascinating views of the Alps and many traditional and typical dishes, including a fantastic salami, the filetto baciato. The owner, Cinzia runs  the kitchen with care and competence, while the dining room is managed with warmth by her husband Enrico. In love with the place and its local traditions, they have reopened a restaurant with a long tradition. Customers are welcomed in a large dining room with a black and white marble floor and large windows overlooking the woods and mountains. On the walls photos and family  documents testify to the long history of the place. In plain sight, many bottles of local wines (included in the menu) served with a fair refilling. The kitchen offers interesting appetizers such as the mixed boiled meat terrine, the beef beat to a knife with black truffle and the vegetable flan with the mountain toma cheese; fresh homemade pasta, such as tagliatelle and the classic plin with meat filling and Roasted Gravy, among the second courses boiled meat, Piedmontese mixed fry and game; there is a large choice of cold cuts and cheeses from local suppliers and creative desserts. The chef creates the menu in line with the rhythm of the seasons and prepares traditional seasonal recipes with inventiveness. The portions are generous, with excellent value for money. For a meal, the cost varies between 40 and 60€.