Da Fausto

The story

Da Fausto, Acqui Terme – Piedmontese Cuisine with a Bib Gourmand

From Trattoria to Relais

The story of Da Fausto begins in 1986, when Fausto married Rosella and the couple took over the old Trattoria Diana in the glens of Ponzone. There, winemaker Giacomo Bologna gave Fausto a simple, lasting piece of advice: “Offer only quality, always.” In 2000, Fausto and Rosella bought a nineteenth-century farmhouse in Cavatore – a former peasant house and cattleshed – and brought it back to life. They restored the spaces with respect for the original structure, blending contemporary design with elements of the past. The little Borgo now sits at 500 metres on the Monferrato hills, with views that stretch from Monviso to Monte Rosa.

The Kitchen and the Family

Rosella is the chef, and her cooking follows the natural cycle of the seasons. The restaurant’s own words describe it as “respecting the flavours of tradition with refined simplicity.” In the dining room, Fausto and their daughter Gaia guide guests through the dishes and the cellar’s rich wine list. In warmer months, the outdoor terrace – surrounded by green – offers unforgettable views of the Alpine chain at sunset. The restaurant is also part of the Relais Borgo del Gallo, where guests can stay in suites with wide windows that frame the same panorama.

Recognition and the Menu

Da Fausto has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that recognises good quality, good value cooking – a natural fit for a family that has always prioritised substance over show. The weekly menu changes according to product availability, but typical examples include agnolotti with roast-meat reduction, potato gnocchi with basil, tagliatelle with three-meat ragù, roast beef with bread crust and black truffle, and a semifreddo with torrone and chocolate fondant. The cuisine is firmly Piedmontese, drawing on the region’s rich tradition of meats, cheeses, and wines. Gaia’s homemade ice cream is a regular dessert feature. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, the experience is one of honest, seasonal cooking in a setting that feels both elegant and welcoming.