Truffle Hunting, Eateries & Hotels: Explore Piemonte
If you’re a food lover with a taste for adventure, Northern Italy’s truffle-hunting region is the perfect destination. Nestled in the rolling hills and historic villages of Piedmont, this region, with Alba as its crown jewel, offers a rich landscape for finding the coveted white truffle. Join local truffle hunters and their dogs as they uncover these culinary treasures, and cap off the journey with a visit to exceptional, Michelin-recommended restaurants serving fresh truffle-infused dishes. Here’s your guide to the best truffle hunting locations, insider contacts, and must-try eateries in Northern Italy.
Alba, Italy
Alba – The Capital of White Truffles
Alba, often referred to as the “White Truffle Capital of the World,” is the beating heart of truffle culture in Northern Italy. This picturesque town, located in the lush Langhe region of Piedmont, is world-renowned for its autumn White Truffle Fair, a grand celebration that attracts truffle aficionados and chefs from all over the globe. Alba’s unique combination of rich, truffle-friendly soil, gentle climate, and commitment to preserving ancient hunting traditions makes it the ideal starting point for anyone eager to experience the mystique of truffle hunting. Beyond the hunt, Alba’s winding streets, Roman ruins, and charming medieval towers create a romantic and historic setting to explore.
Best Season: Late September to early December
Experience: Alba is world-renowned for its White Truffle Fair held every autumn, drawing truffle lovers and hunters globally. The forests surrounding Alba are rich in truffles, especially white truffles, due to the ideal soil and climate conditions.
Monforte d’Alba
Monforte d'Alba – Truffle Trails Amidst Vineyards
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and prestigious vineyards of the Langhe, Monforte d’Alba is a gem that brings together truffle hunting and wine culture in a single stunning setting. Known for its scenic landscapes and renowned Barolo wines, Monforte’s truffle-rich forests add a layer of culinary richness to the area’s already impressive offerings. Visitors here can enjoy guided truffle hunts that often end in wine cellars, tasting exceptional vintages that perfectly accompany truffle-based dishes. With its intimate, small-town charm and an impressive variety of artisanal markets and gourmet spots, Monforte d’Alba is a dream for food and wine lovers alike.
Best Season: October to December
Experience: Known for its scenic beauty and vineyard landscapes, Monforte d'Alba offers an idyllic backdrop for truffle hunting. This area is famous for both wine and truffles, and it’s common to combine truffle hunts with wine-tasting tours.
Roddi, Piemonte
Roddi – A Village Devoted to Truffle Hunting
Just a stone’s throw from Alba, the quaint village of Roddi is revered as a hub for truffle training and tradition. Here, truffle culture is more than just an attraction—it’s a way of life, passed down through generations of truffle hunters, or “trifulau.” Known for its unique University of Truffles, where truffle-hunting dogs are expertly trained, Roddi is a place where visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of the truffle world. The surrounding forests are teeming with truffles, and guided hunts are often led by experienced locals eager to share stories and insights into their craft. The historic atmosphere, coupled with its devotion to preserving truffle heritage, makes Roddi an unforgettable destination for an immersive truffle experience.
Best Season: October to December
Experience: Known for its “University of Truffles” (Università dei Cani da Tartufo), Roddi offers a unique blend of education and hands-on hunting experience. The school trains dogs specifically for truffle hunting, making it a memorable place for tourists who want to learn about the entire truffle-hunting process.
Must-Visit Restaurants to Enjoy Local Cuisine
Trattoria La Libera, Alba
Specialty: Known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and commitment to showcasing Piedmontese cuisine, La Libera serves rich, truffle-laden dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and local produce.
Signature Dishes: Their truffle-infused tajarin pasta, a traditional Piedmontese pasta, is a favorite during truffle season, paired beautifully with Barolo or Barbaresco wines.
Michelin Guide Recommendation: While not starred, La Libera has been mentioned in the Michelin Guide as a go-to spot for authentic and delicious food in Alba.
Osteria del Vignaiolo, La Morra
Specialty: This rustic and charming osteria serves classic dishes inspired by the Langhe region, particularly well-loved for their risotto with shaved white truffle. The restaurant’s beautiful setting offers a scenic view of the surrounding vineyards.
Signature Dishes: The truffle risotto and slow-cooked veal are highly recommended, along with a robust selection of local wines.
Michelin Guide Recommendation: Recognized for its refined simplicity and use of high-quality ingredients, Osteria del Vignaiolo is a hidden gem for those exploring the culinary side of Piedmont.
Piazza Duomo, Alba
Chef: Enrico Crippa
Michelin Stars: 3 stars
Piazza Duomo, located right in the heart of Alba, is a world-famous, three-star Michelin restaurant led by Chef Enrico Crippa. Known for his innovative approach and masterful use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—including Alba’s prized white truffles—Crippa crafts dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful. The restaurant’s vegetable garden supplies much of its produce, bringing an ultra-local approach to every dish. During truffle season, Piazza Duomo’s tasting menus highlight truffles in creative, contemporary preparations, making it an unforgettable culinary journey for food connoisseurs.
Where to Stay
Relais San Maurizio, Cuneo
Nestled in a restored 17th-century monastery, Relais San Maurizio offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury. This stunning property features an award-winning spa, including salt caves and a thermal pool with views of the rolling hills. Rooms are elegantly designed with warm tones and luxury amenities, creating an intimate and serene atmosphere.
Highlights:
Gourmet Dining: Onsite restaurant Guido da Costigliole, a Michelin-starred establishment, showcases seasonal truffles in its dishes.
Proximity to Truffle Hunts: Located close to Alba and the Langhe area, it’s ideally situated for truffle-hunting excursions.
Palazzo Righini
Casa di Langa, Alba
Casa di Langa is a stunning eco-friendly resort situated in the heart of Piedmont's wine and truffle country. This property combines sustainable design with contemporary luxury, drawing inspiration from traditional Italian aesthetics while incorporating green architecture and eco-conscious practices. Rooms feature local materials and artisan touches, offering a blend of modern comforts and regional authenticity.
Highlights:
Sustainability: Built with a focus on sustainability, the hotel uses solar panels, water-saving systems, and natural, local materials.
Amenities: Includes a luxury spa, outdoor infinity pool, and experiences like truffle hunting and vineyard tours.
Casa di Langa
Villa d’Amelia, Alba
Perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Langhe countryside, Villa d’Amelia is an elegant retreat that combines rustic charm with refined luxury. The hotel’s beautiful setting offers easy access to truffle hunting areas and local wineries.
Highlights:
Gastronomy: Michelin-starred DaMà restaurant presents dishes inspired by the seasons, with a focus on truffle specialties.
Amenities: Features an outdoor pool, spa, and scenic walking trails on the grounds.
Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Location: Serralunga d’Alba, Cuneo
Description: Set on a scenic hillside in the heart of the Langhe, Il Boscareto offers panoramic views of vineyards and truffle-rich forests. The resort has a chic and modern design, with spacious rooms that provide every luxury, including private terraces overlooking the vineyards.
Highlights:
Spa & Wellness: Featuring an extensive spa with an infinity pool, saunas, and personalized wellness treatments, it’s perfect for relaxation after a day of truffle hunting.
Dining: The resort’s gourmet restaurant, La Rei, celebrates seasonal truffles with refined dishes crafted by talented chefs.
Travel VIP with The Betesh Group
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