A holiday in Piedmont is about more than beautiful landscapes and world-class wines — it’s also about extraordinary food. Staying in one of the Viva! Villas in Vineyards, surrounded by rolling hills and local markets, you are perfectly placed to experience authentic Piedmontese cuisine. From elegant antipasti to comforting slow-cooked classics, these five traditional dishes are a must during your stay in Piedmont, Italy
1. Vitello Tonnato
This elegant classic is a perfect example of Piedmont’s refined simplicity. Thin slices of tender veal are served cold with a creamy tuna sauce, lightly tangy and incredibly moreish. It’s often enjoyed as an antipasto and is especially popular in the warmer months — ideal for a relaxed summer lunch.
2. Tajarin al Tartufo
Tajarin are delicate, hand-cut egg pasta ribbons, richer than tagliatelle thanks to their high egg-yolk content. When truffle season arrives, they are traditionally served with butter and freshly shaved white truffle. Simple, luxurious, unforgettable — and a true symbol of Piedmont.
3. Agnolotti del Plin
These small, hand-pinched stuffed pastas are a labour of love. Filled with roasted meat or vegetables and often served with butter and sage or a light meat jus, agnolotti del plin showcase the comforting, home-style side of Piedmontese cooking.
4. Brasato al Barolo
Slow-cooked beef braised in Barolo wine, herbs and vegetables — this dish is rich, deep and intensely flavourful. Brasato al Barolo is the kind of meal best enjoyed slowly, perhaps after a day of wine tasting, paired with a good glass of the same noble wine.
5. Bonet
No Piedmontese meal is complete without dessert, and bonet is a local favourite. This silky chocolate and amaretti pudding is subtly flavoured with rum and caramel. It’s comforting, not too sweet, and the perfect ending to a long Italian dinner.
Piedmontese cuisine is all about taking your time — shopping at local markets, cooking with seasonal ingredients and enjoying meals together. During your stay, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to taste these dishes in nearby trattorias or recreate them yourself in the comfort of your holiday villa.We can also arrange your diner at your villa, for this we work together with chef Rocco. Wines are paired by one of our favourite wineries like Cantina Sant’ Evasio.
