Da Marchesi

The story

Da Marchesi, Novafeltria: Bib Gourmand Country Cooking in Italy's Valmarecchia

Da Marchesi: A Family Affair in the Heart of Valmarecchia

In the small town of Novafeltria, nestled between the regions of Marche and Romagna, Da Marchesi has been a family affair since 1973. The restaurant, run by sisters Carlotta and Lorenza Marchesi, continues the legacy of their father, who taught them the art of serving truffles—always grated directly onto the plate. Today, the family has grown to include the next generation: Vittorio, Mafalda, Amedeo, and Giovanni, who already offer advice to nonna Marta on ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with a stone fireplace that welcomes guests in cooler months.

The kitchen focuses on country cooking, rooted in tradition but open to innovation. The menu changes with the seasons and highlights local products: mushrooms and truffles, Fossa di Perticara cheese, and meats from Montefeltro producers. Pasta is a point of pride—hand-rolled daily by the restaurant's sfogline. Standout dishes include the green tortelloni with melted butter and truffle, a perennial favorite, and the cappelletti in brodo. For mains, the faraona farcita (stuffed guinea fowl) and cinghiale in salmì (marinated wild boar) are classic expressions of the territory. Desserts stay simple and satisfying, with a crema catalana that has earned its own following.

Da Marchesi has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand award since 2019, an accolade that highlights good quality, good value cooking. The guide calls it "a refuge for those who recognize good cuisine, attentive to what tradition has handed down." This recognition is earned through a commitment to accessible excellence: the restaurant offers a selection of tasting menus, from the compact Menu Mignon to the more generous Menu del Buongustaio, all showcasing the kitchen's best. Wine lovers will appreciate a carefully curated list of Italian labels, and the restaurant welcomes BYOB with a modest corkage fee.

Da Marchesi is more than a restaurant—it also operates a small hotel with six rooms, offering package deals for those who want to linger in this quiet corner of Italy. Whether for a truffle-focused dinner or a weekend stay, the Marchesi family extends a genuine welcome.