La Cantinetta — Restaurant in Barolo

To be honest, normally I don’t go to Barolo as it has somehow been ruined by tourism. However, a friend (whom I trust recommended this place), so we decided to go and try it. It’s a small place tucked away in a corner from the main pedestrian street. Looking very authentic in the right way if you know what I mean. The second you step inside you know that you made the right decision. The smell of food, the sound of laughter and a beautiful down to earth kind of feeling hits you. The friendly staff (all mature and no smartness) kindly escorts you to the table. We were seated in the back close to the open fireplace. How cozy is that? The menu is simple, but my god the flavours are some of the best I have ever had in the area. The risotto (takes at least 20 min😀) was cooked to perfection, the quails were deboned & cooked in Nebbiolo wine with potato mash and haricot vert on the side. We had a truly fantastic 2019 Barolo from Bartolo Mascarello & the food/wine pairing was made in heaven. Just a note on the wine list - prices are extremely fair. Considering you are in the middle of Barolo. We paid € 150,00 for our Barolo and that’s a bargain. We also had desserts and again I must say: “complimenti”. Best panna cotta ever😀. We were 3 people, had 3 dishes each, water, wine & coffee and the bill came to € 270,00. We all agreed that it was a bargain and we can’t wait to come back. Thank you for an amazing...

Lunch at La Cantinella in Barolo was a delightful experience, framed by the restaurant's rustic charm and a welcoming, refined atmosphere. Nestled in Italy’s renowned wine country, it offers an authentic taste of Piedmontese cuisine with a modern touch.

The service was outstanding—attentive, yet unobtrusive, adding a special note to our visit.

The menu featured a standout dish, the fresh pasta with ragù, which was possibly the best I've ever tasted. Expertly prepared, the pasta perfectly complemented the rich, flavourful sauce, making each bite a culinary delight. The quail was another highlight, succulent and well-seasoned, though the accompanying mashed potatoes were slightly heavy for a lunch serving.

One shortcoming was the lack of vegetarian options, which could have enhanced the inclusivity of the menu. Despite this, the quality and execution of the dishes presented were impressive.

Since we were driving, we skipped wine, but this didn’t lessen our enjoyment of the meal. Our lunch at La Cantinella was memorable enough to ensure a return visit, hoping next time to possibly explore their wine...

If rustic quality is what you are after, and a deviation from pasta etc, this restaurant meets the requirements. We were first there on a Monday night (when many restaurants are closed) and promptly seated, thinking we would be the lone diners for the evening. We were wrong. Within half an hour the place was full. And the food, service (thanks Giancarlo) and prices did not disappoint. We shared the risotto special, which was made with Bra sausage, and it was superb- great taste and very filling despite being shared. For the main meal we ordered the lamb cutlets with lentils and the wild boar. Seriously, the flavours were incredible, both served with mash and peas. Great comfort food which was much needed after 6 weeks away from home! Wine options were also solid, including half bottles for some varieties.

If you are craving home style cooking in Barolo, this...