Restaurants in Asti - The Cascinalenuovo

Tel: +39 0141 958166 Fax: +39 0141 958828

The Cascinalenuovo is perhaps my favorite of the many good restaurants in Asti. It is just a little way outside Asti on the way to Alba. The restaurant has been a labor of love since the family that still runs it opened its doors back in 1968.

Initially, it was run by Armando and his wife, Silvana. However, the restaurant is now in the hands of their two more than capable sons, Walter and Roberto. Walter is a great chef and runs things in the kitchen (see picture above), while Roberto is in charge of the impressive wine cellar.

The cuisine at Cascinalenuovo is Italian, but most of the great Piedmont classics are still on the menu. The new generation, Walter and Roberto, has built upon the traditions of the old, adding a modern twist to great classics while still using the ingredients and recipes of the past as their foundation.

The menu begins with antipasti—try the zucchini flowers with a tomato filling for a real-taste extravaganza, if it is on the menu. The menu changes according to the seasons and what is available, so you never know what treats you are in for.

Next up are the starters. My favorite is the classic agnolotti del plin, which is one of Piedmont’s most famous dishes.

Main courses are always great; my tip is to try the duck.

Desserts; well, everything I have ever tried here has been good, though the panna cotta stands out, no thick and stodgy nonsense here – just melt in your mouth delicious.

In season they have a great six or seven course meal consisting of dishes made using truffles – this area being at the heart of Piedmont's truffle country. The set menu may not be exactly affordable, but it is worth splurging on this, particularly if you have never really had a chance to eat truffles. The Piedmont black truffle is considered the best in the world, and it is hard to beat the experience of eating truffles in the heart of the world’s most famous truffle area. Even better is eating them in the dishes that they have been used in for centuries, the way they were traditionally served.

Follow their advice with wine too, they no exactly what pairs with each one of their dishes.

They open for dinner at 7.30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. They only serve lunch on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Whichever day you prefer, I recommend you book as locals love this place and people come from as far as Turin to eat here.

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