I am a Director of an upscale travel agency, I have traveled extensively since the age of 12, and I…read moreconsider myself a demanding consumer. And yet I don't think I can add to the countless 5-star reviews that the extraordinary Denise and her exceptional staff have earned at this renovated castle. The renovation retained all the ambience of a 900-year-old castle while adding the amenities essential to a luxurious stay. However, it is the services that make the difference here. The daily itinerary is carefully planned by people who know the wineries, restaurants, and experiences like cooking classes intimately. And everyone is courteous, happy, and well trained, carefully attending to every detail of the property and services. Yet most mind-blowing is the dinner. For whatever reason, the restaurant doesn't get the one or likely two Michelin stars that I know it deserves. The menu is based on regional ingredients but uses Denise's expertise and creativity that I couldn't find at any of the many other tradition-bound restaurants we tried while in Barolo and its neighbors. I have read several reviews that rate a dinner at the Costello the best of their entire trip to Italy. So stop reading. Make your reservations!

We found this gem online while looking for a place to stay during a 4-day visit to Piemonte for…read morewine tasting. Located in the tiny residential village of Sinio its a little island by itself up on a breezy hilltop. Since this is a restored castle dating from the 12th century the stone walls are thick and windows are tiny to keep out medieval marauders and the rooms are all unique. We stayed in room 7 on the 1st (2nd the way we count) floor at the end of the hall featuring a large bedroom and sitting area that was a few steps below the hallway. It also had two small twin beds in a loft above so this room would be a good choice for family groups. The staff opened the wrought iron gate and greeted us at the top of the drive along with the owner. While the owner, Denise (who is American) checked us in and provided an extensive orientation while we sipped prosecco, the luggage was taken off to our room. One of the features of the property is an immaculately landscaped courtyard bespectacled with colorful blooms-an oasis of tranquility and beauty in an otherwise unremarkable village. The hotel also has an amazing restaurant open only to guests and we opted to try it our first night-oh my God! It turns out Denise is also the executive chef-perhaps her primary love-and we enjoyed a memorable 2-hour meal seated in the open-air Terrace tasting exquisite delights. We started by sharing the "into the garden pasta"-handmade ravioli artfully displayed with bits of shaved garden vegetables and herbs followed by a most delicious sole perfectly crispy on the edges and succulent with al dente vegetables and a beautiful sauce of lemon and passion fruit. Words just cannot describe how good this restaurant's food was. In fact, the dining is reason enough alone to stay here for anyone who enjoys the culinary experience of a master chef. We followed the meal with a decadent chocolate and cherry mouse cake that was the perfect finale to a beautiful evening. All in all a nice place to stay Positives: -great staff -unique, comfortable and quiet rooms with great AC -great restaurant - fantastic dinner Challenges: -tiny shower in our room (loft suite)-size of old time phone booth -breakfast NOT included and at 14€ per person per day it adds up -onerous cancellation policy (perhaps they've had an issue once people arrive to this small isolated town) -location a bit off the beaten path and very few other places to eat in tiny village-one pizzeria nearby that was nice

Some of the best plin and tajarin in the area - and this is area is the home of plin and tajarin…read more The cook/proprietor is delightful and the staff perfect. Excellent choices of very good local wines - and, again, there are no better wine regions anywhere.

From the owner: Cucina tipica tradizionale di Langa La nostra carta dei…read morevini rispecchia il territorio

The most incredible meal of my life. Flavors that cannot be described, only can be enjoyed…read more Tremendous value as well. Service was also amazing.

Nice restaurant with a beautiful view on the vineyards, local cuisine served in one multiple…read morecourses menu, abundant choice of wines, very friendly staff... It was tough to get through the plenty of dishes they served, but we were especially delighted by the anchovies in walnut sauce and the raviolis with rosemary...

Cesare Giaccone will welcome you with open arms and his open pit BBQ where he roasts the most…read morefabulous food. Small intimate place for a lunch in the Barolo area

Moda Venue strikes the perfect chord between style and soul in the heart of Monforte d'Alba. It's a…read morespace where contemporary design meets the rich textures of Langhe hospitality. Whether you're here for a curated tasting, a private event, or a casual glass of wine, the experience feels intentional--never rushed, never routine. The wine selection leans smart and local, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide without overwhelming. Small plates are fresh, creative, and just the right amount of indulgent. The vibe? Effortlessly chic, yet comfortably relaxed. Moda is where tradition gets dressed up for a night out--and knows how to enjoy it.

Another in the list of fine dining options in Piemonte, this one located in Monforte d'Alba…read more The thing making this one unique is the venue-they've got a large beautiful patio that overlooks the old city so it is really scenic eating outside under umbrellas with soft lights as the sun goes down. Like other ristorante in the area we have visited, you can count on top notch service, beautifully presented, hand-made food and an extensive list of local wines at astonishingly reasonable prices. We have learned to share courses in order to avoid getting too much food (even though portion sizes here were "normal" and not the typical over sized ones of USA). We started with a fresh tomato baked with burratta cheese inside followed by a beautiful sage and ricotta filled pasta then a filet of breaded veal that was cooked perfectly. To finish, we chose a chocolate hazelnut dessert and also enjoyed a nice Barbera wine with the meal. Total was only 92€. Caution: it is a MUST to book ahead-they only have about 15 tables on the patio and turned away many diners trying to walk-in.

Filippo is a tiny restaurant in the tiny village of Albaretto della Torre - The unique thing about…read morethis restaurant is the spit-roasted rabbit over an open fire. Husband Chef Fillipo and his wife Silvia host take great care of us. The restaurant made up of three small rooms, feels like I am dining at a friend's home. We had a long journey from California and were so tired and some of our friends were sick so we wanted to cancel the reservation and move it to another night, however our friend Clay insisted that we must go since the rabbit is being roasted. We were so glad that we didn't miss this experience. As we enter in to Fillipo's restaurant, Filippo's wife Sylvia in the lobby greeted us. She took us to the next room which was where the kitchen with a fireplace with three rabbits tuning on a spit over the wood fire. Filippo quickly came to greet us and took us in the second room where he sat us; this is when we realized that he and his opened the restaurant on this night only for the 5 of us. Filippo and Syvia have been waiting for over one hour to serve us dinner. We truly felt so special and guilty for coming being late. What a unique and rare experience. Loved the Russian salad with Filippo secret dressing, it was full of textures and great flavor. Our menu consisted of the following: the famed Russian salad, L'Insalatina di Filippo, the Polentina d'Autunno, the coniglio allo spiedo e Palate (rabbit roasted on a spit over an open fire) and Panna Cotta The rabbit with it's crispy, flavorful. This was a very Memorable evenings for the food, atmosphere and friendship. Thank you Clay for another great recommendation.

Certainly different than most restaurants in this area with a very modern feel. The atmosphere was…read moregood but not great as was the food. Prices are also a bit higher than most in the area.