La Gallina - Villa Sparina Resort

This relais has now become an international destination, highly sought after by VIPs to celebrate weddings and conventions. Villa Sparina was opened in the grounds of one of the best wine companies; it offers accommodation and, in what was once the barn, this successful restaurant that has found its own dimension with the young Massimo Mentasti. In summer, you dine on the terrace overlooking the vineyards or in the two beautiful and romantic dining rooms on two floors. It is one of the most beautiful places in Italy and Massimo has become well-known for his dishes inspired by local produce. You can choose between three tasting menus: a “A mano libera” tasting of 7 courses (€70), “La Gallina e il suo tempo” (€60) or “La tradizione piemontese” (€50). There is also an a la carte menu divided by suggestions more than by courses (starters€17, first courses €19, main courses €23 and desserts €14). Here, the risotto al Gavi and Roccaverano or the agnolotto with three meats and the braised beef cheek al Gavi stand out. Tasting here and there, there is duck ravioli, foie gras and orange, veal brain, cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, the fantastic tripe, sauce and meatballs, but also tomato and bread, caper and onion soup, or coppa of suckling pig, mushrooms, apricots and yogurt sauce. And what can be said of the reinterpretation of the legendary chicken “alla Marenco” which just has to be ordered. The lightly breaded veal rump is well made. Of other visits, we recall hen tuna with vegetables in vinegar and horseradish sauce, the rabaton of sheep milk ricotta, butter and spinach, the charcoal-grilled Fassone striploin, egg and tarragon cream. The dessert (€14): sublime hazelnut ball with cocoa coating and the gianduia flavoured cremino, or the classic bonet. You have just treated yourself to pure emotion!