L'Osteria del Vignaiolo

Frommer's Review

Halfway up the road to hilltop La Morra in the village of Santa Maria (which is part of the town of La Morra), this stylish countryside restaurant draws a clientele from many of the surrounding villages as well as from Alba, about 13km (8 miles) away. Pale gold walls, richly hued tiled floors, and handsome furnishings achieve a sophisticated rustic ambience, and the kitchen adds flair to local favorites. Duck breast appears in a salad of fresh-picked greens; wild mushrooms are served in many variations, perhaps lightly fried or grilled (porcini) and served with polenta. The tortelli di zucca (pumpkin-stuffed pasta pillows in a sauce of toasted hazelnuts) is flavorful and light. Veal appears thinly sliced in tagliatelle or, more traditionally, infused with herbs and simply grilled. Wines, of course, are local, many from Barolo, the lights of which you can see twinkling across the valley (especially if you snag one of the wrought-iron tables out on the flagstone terrace next to a hillside of grapevines).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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