Il Bagatto

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On the square where the game of “tamburello” is played stands the restaurant “Il Bagatto,” which for over forty years has been serving authentic traditional dishes in a large dining room with exposed walls and a fireplace. The meal begins with traditional antipasti: insalata russa, vitello tonnato, battuta di Fassona, the fujot of bagna cauda or a tris of flan with fonduta (€13–20). Among the primi: classic agnolotti del plin and tajarin with rabbit ragù, a chickpea soup, or gnocchi with Gressoney fonduta (€12–15). Typical Piedmontese meats include bolliti misti, veal tagliata, trippa stew, lamb chops, and roast rabbit with Arneis (€15–22). All desserts are homemade: bonet, torta di nocciole, pears cooked in wine, and tiramisù. In season, excellent truffles. Two menù degustazione: the first at €35 with mixed antipasti, tasting of two primi, one secondo of choice with side dish, dessert and coffee; the second at €20, also in a vegetarian version, with one primo and one secondo of the day, dessert and coffee. Wide selection of local wines, and if you don’t finish the bottle you can take it home.

Yeti Ristorante

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Just steps from the Pila cable car, this restaurant has become a must for food lovers. Katia, together with Maurizio and Corrado, passionately carries on the family tradition started in 1990. A majestic stove at the center of the dining room sets a warm, charming atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a meal with friends. The cuisine is a tribute to Valle d’Aosta: Fontina in tempura, chestnut mousse with lardo di Arnad, seupa alla valpellinentze and scaloppa alla valdostana. To finish, homemade panna, traditional tegole and chestnuts, paired with a fine selection of local wines. The menù changes every ten days but always features Yeti classics such as crespelle alla valdostana, polenta concia, tagliata di cervo and scaloppa alla valdostana. The menù degustazione costs €45, or €65 with wine pairing. À la carte, expect to spend between €40 and €60.

Locanda Roma

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In the historic center of the village, this restaurant offers welcoming dining rooms with large windows overlooking the surrounding hills. The Salis family has managed it for many years, led by mamma Lina, an expert cook, and her three children: Massimo, the chef, and Lorenzo and Loredana, who manage the dining room. The menù includes the great dishes of Piedmontese tradition, perfectly prepared, such as antipasti misti, both hot and cold. The primi are unmissable: tajarin with meat ragù and agnolotti del plin with sugo d’arrosto or, if preferred, with butter and lavender, served in a distinctive glass Burnia. Among the secondi, another specialty: fritto misto alla piemontese, both savory and sweet, not to be missed. Otherwise, pork or veal roasts, and bollito, always tasty and inviting thanks to the high quality of local meats. Desserts are equally irresistible: beyond the classics bonet, torta di nocciole, and meringata, small glasses of semifreddi in flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, strawberry, and cream are served to sweetly end the meal. The menù degustazione at €40 includes 6 antipasti, 2 primi, 3 secondi, with water, coffee, house wine, and amaro

Ristorante Vallerana

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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.

Osteria Antiche Sere

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In the Piedmontese capital, the tradition of piole has always existed: osterie where wine was poured and a few traditional dishes were served. This historic spot on via Cenischia (open only in the evening) is one of the few true “piole” left in the city, with wooden furnishings inside and a beautiful “topia” (pergola) for summer outdoor dining. The meal begins with antipasti misti: peperone with acciuga, tomino elettrico, lingua, and frittatina d’erbe (€16). Also worth tasting: insalata russa (€8) and acciughe al verde (€12). Among the primi: agnolotti with sugo d’arrosto (€14), gnocchi with Castelmagno, and tajarin with ragù bianco (both €12). For secondi: albese with celery and parmigiano, duck terrine with summer truffle (both €16), plus the more traditional coniglio in white wine and guancette di vitello with potatoes (all €15). For dessert, don’t miss the classic bonet, budino with torrone and honey, and zabaione with meringues and cream (all €6). The honest markups on wines in carta stand out. Here you can still dine for €35/37. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

Ristorante Sant’Orso

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In true mountain style, wide windows overlook the Sant’Orso meadows and the Gran Paradiso, with staff in traditional attire. Each day the choice ranges from local classics to refined seasonal dishes with fresh pasta and regional produce; a children’s menù is also available. The chef offers a creative take on Valle d’Aosta cuisine: among the antipasti, battuta of pezzata rossa valdostana with honey mustard and wholemeal chips, trilogy of mocetta (beef, venison, wild boar), and Fontina in three maturations. For primi, beetroot risotto with pea cream and Bleu d’Aoste foam; for secondi, carbonada of pezzata rossa valdostana with polenta, or the classic fonduta valdostana. Also notable is the fish selection, from local freshwater trout to traditional catch prepared with skill. Desserts include the famous crema di Cogne with tegole della Vallée or crème brûlée with Genepy. A splendid summer terrace invites guests to sip local wines or sparkling labels. À la carte 30–55 €.

Le Teste di Rapa

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In the historic center, a restaurant with an unusual name, bright and welcoming, decorated in shabby style. The cuisine is sincere and creative, with dishes prepared with care and served with grace and kindness. The team is entirely female. The menù changes monthly according to the seasons. Between tradition and creativity, the antipasti include, alongside Piedmontese classics such as vitello tonnato, insalata russa, and battuta di Fassone, a porcini flan with pepper sauce and an egg pochè with teriyaki sauce (€10–17). Among the primi: passatello romagnolo with squid, pumpkin risotto with gorgonzola cream and hazelnuts, and the ever-present traditional agnolotti del plin with sugo d’arrosto (€12–14). For the secondi: tasty rack of lamb, tagliata with house sauce (a surprise!), and roasted octopus with purple cauliflower cream. Worth trying is the “Tutti d’accordo” Piedmontese sushi selection, made in Asti, with 24 mixed maki rolls paired with carne cruda di Fassone and local flavors (€30). Desserts include torta soffice with chocolate and hazelnut, panna cotta with caramel, and the timeless bonet (€6–7). The wine list is carefully curated, with local selections.

Geppy’s Bistrot

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In the heart of Ventimiglia, just steps from the station, Geppy’s Bistrot is an intimate and stylish spot with modern, elegant décor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine is rooted in local tradition but enriched with creative flair, with a focus on ultra-fresh fish and original preparations. Popular at lunchtime for its quick, simple dishes, in the evening the menu becomes more refined, often paired with live music. Starters (13-16 €) include Brandacujun di stocco, seared octopus with potato cream, and stuffed anchovies. Among the primi (14-18 €), homemade meat ravioli and candele spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino with bottarga. In the secondi (14-20 €), seafood shines with fried calamari and shrimp, grilled fish with vegetables, and oven-baked sea bream fillet. Meat lovers can enjoy vitello tonnato alla piemontese or sliced beef with roasted potatoes. Desserts are a highlight: from delizia di cachi e pistacchio to Sacher cake. Excellent value for money, attentive service, and a well-stocked wine list, featuring both local and national labels. Reservation recommended.

La locanda dell’Angelo

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Thanks to the passion of Tommy Agnoli and Sabrina Vezzolla, this historic restaurant reopened in November 2022. The ambience is elegant and well-kept, with widely spaced tables and artwork on the walls. The kitchen is in the hands of chef Davide Verdirosa, who serves dishes based on the freshest fish and local produce, respecting food safety regulations. Customers can appreciate the unique flavour of caught fish, avoiding frozen or farmed fish. Two tasting menus, the land course at EUR 60 and the sea course at EUR 65, offer a 6-course experience. Dishes change every 40 to 50 days according to seasonality. Don’t miss the agnolotti del plin and the lamb loin, as well as desserts such as the Tarte Tatin. The service is attentive, with Tommy recommending wines from a cellar full of Ligurian and Piedmontese labels. It has a very up-to-date website where you can find all the proposals of the day from the kitchen and the wines from the cellar.

Trattoria Salvetti

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The Salvetti family has been running this historic trattoria since 1920, and Clelia represents the third generation by offering authentic cuisine that respects tradition and is of great quality. In the two small rooms well furnished with wooden furniture, comfortable and at the same time elegant, the welcome is always with kind and courteous. The tasting menu (33€ excluding drinks) includes an aperitif with tuma gonfiotti di Paroldo and local cured meats, a choice of appetizers such as veal tonnato all’antica maniera, classic Russian salad, seasonal vegetable flan, and finally a real treat, cod mantecato with potatoes, chickpea cream and small chestnut crepe. Among the first courses: ravioli del plin and tasty tajarin with alpine butter and hazelnuts. Among the main courses are several meat dishes from local breeders with vegetables. Alternatively, there is always the trolley with extraordinary cheeses. Traditional desserts, including cold macaroon zabaglione. Tasting just the first courses (8 €) or just the second courses or cheeses (also 8€) is also possible. From Monday to Friday it is possible to have lunch for 12€, excluding drinks and dessert. Extensive wine list mainly from local wineries.