Hotel Ristorante La Bettola

A culinary landmark in the Novara province, this restaurant has been run for decades by the enthusiastic Naggi sisters, whose family have owned the premises since 1934. The secret to their success lies in the warm welcome and the delicious traditional cuisine, which includes fresh homemade pasta, an extraordinary paniscia (a type of risotto), and stuffed boiled chicken served with various sauces and chutneys displayed on a trolley. All the dishes are full of flavour and made from seasonal ingredients. You’ll have no problem finding a good wine to accompany your meal from the impressive wine li

A short walk from the fairytale village and its postcard-perfect view of the lake and the island of San Giulio, the setting of this three-star restaurant is no less dazzling: a late nineteenth-century villa in Moorish style, an aristocratic dwelling where the Crespi family life unfolded, as imposing in its exterior appearance as it is fascinating in its interior rooms. Here the veranda offers glimpses and plays of natural light, while the other three rooms are embellished with elaborate ceilings and marvelous parquet floors. Today the star of the villa is Antonino Cannavacciuolo, a brilliant c

This restaurant is a true shrine to Italian cuisine, which continues to tell the story of the passion and dedication of two great professionals who have marked a turning point in the industry. Luisa Marelli, who has a degree in literature and is self-taught in the kitchen for love, creates dishes that have become true classics, rich in references to tradition and with a special focus on the seasonality of ingredients. Her husband, Angelo Valazza, is the master of the dining room par excellence, a true “maître” that all those aspiring to this profession should work alongside for a while. His el

Situated in the historic centre of one of the most romantic lakeside villages in Italy, and offering a picture-postcard view of bygone days, this small building houses a contemporary-style restaurant with a small private dining room and three romantic outdoor terraces (book well in advance). The cuisine here is creative and precise, with a menu that features fish and seafood alongside top-quality meat from the Piedmont. Each recipe is personalised, often focusing on contrasting flavours and textures (don’t miss the unstructured elderberry crêpe with pollen and pan brioche). The wine list is ov

Nestled amid the picturesque hills of the Monferrato region, this restaurant overseen by multi-Michelin-starred Enrico Bartolini sees Gabriele Boffa at the helm in the kitchen, a chef who is young in years but already a real connoisseur of Piedmontese cuisine. With experience in some of the world’s best restaurants behind him, Boffa has accumulated expert knowledge and remarkable technical skills. His cuisine ranges from classic regional dishes interpreted in their purest form – such as his extraordinary agnolotti del plin – to more creative options, which demonstrate a connection with the reg

A timeless atmosphere lingers in this hamlet, a former rural abbey that speaks to the region’s deep ties with agriculture and its enduring traditions. Those same roots are reflected in the menu of this humble, almost austere osteria: agnolotti with roast meat sauce, local cured meats and cheeses, panissa, and bunet. Prices are very fair, especially with the Menù dell’Oste (under €40).

Situated within the elegant Laqua by the Lake boutique hotel (part of the Cannavacciuolo “galaxy”), this restaurant boasts fine lake views to accompany the imaginative Mediterranean cuisine served by resident chef Giovanni Bertone. There are three tasting menus (the lake-inspired “Brezza”; the Neapolitan-influenced “Acquolina”, and a totally vegetarian menu), plus an à la carte option for anyone who wishes to choose their own individual dishes. Our inspector particularly recommends the amberjack, fennel and roe dish, as well as Antonino’s mouthwatering babà dessert.