Friends recommended Ristorante Monferrato, just across the Po river but they couldn't accommodate us when we arrived on our first evening without reservations. The lovely hostess there told us to try Ceccarelli just around the corner and made our night. We were greeted warmly and although we were early, they seemed to hesitate seating us as they told us they were full that evening, but they eventually did, and we were so happy. Starting with the Zucca Flan, Crostini with butter and FRESH anchovy filets, and the best version of Vitello Tonnato we ever tasted, we continued with the Spaghetti Al Vongole, Tagliatelli with a huge amount of Fresh Porcini mushrooms, and linguine with Duck Ragu, which were all unbelievably good. The bread basket was also a standout with the best whole grain wheat grissini I ever saw, and we shared an excellent bottle of Dolcetto. This dinner set the bar very high on our first night in Italy and it proved hard to surpass. The service was stellar, and we were even checked on by the chef, an Italian "silver-fox" in an immaculate chef's coat, to make sure we were happy. We were too full for anything else, but we were seated next to the dessert table and as each was brought out we couldn't help but ooooh and aaaah. By the time we left the place was packed with what seemed to be regulars, all being greeted by name by the cordial staff. What a find! read more