Piazza Duomo — Restaurant in Alba

We were 4 adults and 2 children.

We were really hyped about eating in a 3 star Michelin restaurant in Alba. Alba is a place which we associate with amazing cuisine and the general reason why we come back each year is primarily to eat.

We had the "Journey menu" , which was comprised of 8 different servings.

In addition we were recommended to order the "21,31,41" Salad which was described as "the most iconic dish" of the venue.

And the experience started:

The salad was just a mix of lots of greens and flowers with no seasoning (there was some broth at the bottom which we were advised to drink after eating the 101 unique ingredients). The 101 unique ingredients represent a small bouquet.

I'd rate that salad 3/10 and it kind of created an overhyped, underdelivered feeling as first impression, even before the main "Journey" menu started.

Then we ordered the caviar plate. It was a lot more impressive than the salad.

Caviar plate was 7/10.

And from there on we started with the 8 course menu.

Overall the appetizers and amuse buche that came as the first serving from the Journey menu were probably the best part of the menu. I'd rate it 8/10.

From there things went downhill.

Most of the other servings were disappointing.

The sea urchins gelatine carpacio were terrible. No one on the table would finish them. It felt like eating jelly fish. There was also a dark fish-tasted concentrated liquid in one cup which was overwhelmingly bad.

Id rate the sea urchins 0/10. It's a bold attempt which was too risky in my opinion.

There was also one course with squid, which was presented like a painting. 2 out of 4 adults managed to finish it. It's taste was salty liquid, truffle and cheese was felt, and as texture was like between eating a soup and a main course.

The lamb was 5/10. Really salty and a bit too rare for our taste. Risotto was 7/10 and was the best part of the main dishes.

The Veal soup, was just liquid and broth.

Most of the servings had a really gooey, foamy texture. It felt like eating sauces and/or drinking through foam. The tastes were intense and most of the time provoked silent nodding on the table.

The kids had an amazing custom dish prepared with pasta which they loved.

We sat at 7:39pm and got the lamb main course at 11pm.

After the first half hour the excitement was all gone and we just experience waiting long pauses between unorthodox textured food.

Aestetichall the food was beautiful and colorful. I also want to acknowledge the craftsmanship in the visual preparation. However as taste it didn't really cause any awes.

The whole experience makes me want to rethink the Michelin rating. In fact we have a booking tonight in another 3 star venue in Lake Orta, which we are considering to cancel... Out of concern that it may again result into a similar experience.

I rate the experience 2 out of 5 because the attentive and friendly staff and how happy the kids were with their food. Also because of the appetizers...

Not much to add regarding food, this is really a beautiful experience. The insalata 51 is absolutely necessary (and NOT to be split!) -- it's a journey in itself. We also added the beef tartare with black truffle shavings; skip this, I didn't think it was worth the 50€ (and not as clearly about the truffle compared to other dishes we've had elsewhere). As with any tasting, there were standouts and less mindblowing dishes in the "seasonal things" menu, but Enrico Crippa's vision comes through clearly in all of them, representing the pinnacle of representing each flavor and ingredient (especially vegetables from the garden!). It's expensive and one has to go in knowing that this kind of meal is an expression of the chef's philosophy, not just a way to satisfyingly fill your stomach.

On the service side, really wonderful and attentive from all -- the (young!) sommelier even provided a sort of faux pairing of a handful of very nice and local wines, which added about 120€ to the check (very reasonable compared to the "grand tasting"). My wife also appreciated the nonalcoholic options (a really delicious and surprisingly subtle kombucha as well as a "hyperlow" gin and tonic). The only minor note regarding service is that breadcrumbs were only swept once (rather late as well) and the water pouring was aggressive (splashes on to the table). Things that don't matter anywhere except a three-star restaurant!

Pacing of the food -- perhaps a little on the slow side (our meal lasted about 4 hours), but at the very least our hosts visited in between quite naturally, somewhat alleviating the lull between dishes.

The room we were in (three tables upstairs) felt a little sterile despite some wonderful tapestries by an American-Ukrainian artist. No music here, which was certainly a little awkward at first, but as the meals started and the choreography of the service time kicked in, the feeling dissipated. Just enjoy the food and talk to the team!

We appreciated very much the opportunity to meet the chef and take a photo, and also a surprise gift (subtly presented without fanfare at the end, we think for our special occasion). Our total was about 1000€, in fact lower than I expected since I let the sommelier choose the wines. Worth it if you find these kinds of experiences meaningful in the same way other hobbyists do. Perhaps not for the...

I recently had the privilege of dining at Piazza Duomo in Alba, and it was nothing short of a gastronomic revelation. From the moment I stepped through the charming entrance, I knew I was in for an extraordinary dining experience.

The ambiance of Piazza Duomo is simply enchanting. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of Alba, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that effortlessly combines modern elegance with traditional charm. The attentive staff made us feel like old friends, and their knowledge of the menu and wine pairings was impeccable.

Now, let's talk about the food. Chef Enrico Crippa is a true genius in the kitchen, and every dish that graced our table was a work of art. The tasting menu was a journey through the flavors and ingredients of the region, presented in a way that was both innovative and respectful of tradition. Each plate was a testament to the chef's dedication to sourcing the finest local ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. I can't emphasize enough how each course was a surprise, delighting and tantalizing my taste buds in ways I never thought possible.

One standout was the white truffle dish – a true Alba specialty. It was a divine experience, and the aroma alone was worth the visit. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, showcasing some of the finest local and Italian selections to complement the meal.

The service was impeccable throughout the evening. The staff's passion for the food and their attention to detail in explaining each course and wine pairing elevated the experience even further. They were always ready to answer questions and share their insights, which added a personal touch to the evening.

Piazza Duomo offers a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and leaves an indelible mark on your memory. It's not just a meal; it's an exploration of the Piedmont region's rich culinary heritage, executed with finesse and creativity. Dining here is not just a meal; it's a sensory adventure.

In conclusion, Piazza Duomo in Alba is an exceptional restaurant where art, culture, and gastronomy converge. It's a true destination for food lovers and anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. I can't recommend it enough, and I'm already counting the days until my next visit. Bravo,...