Locanda Sensi

The story

Locanda Sensi: Michelin-Recommended Italian Contemporary Dining in Rivergaro

A Dream Realised in the Hills of Rivergaro

Locanda Sensi began as a dream. Simone Barani, a chemist who had travelled the world, wanted to create the kind of place he had always hoped to find on his own journeys. In May 2018, he opened a restored farmhouse in the rolling hills of Rivergaro, in the Val Trebbia region near Piacenza. The result is a refined countryside retreat where food, wine and relaxation come together. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended award, a recognition of its thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking.

The Restaurant: Minimalist, Warm, and Intimate

The dining room is spread over two levels. The ground floor seats 18 in an intimate setting; the upper floor can accommodate up to 20 guests for larger gatherings. The design follows a philosophy of minimalism, with natural materials taking centre stage. Wood is a key element, used not only for structure but also to bring warmth and a sense of primal connection. The building itself is built with clay walls, cork insulation, Indian stone, and compact elastic sand floors — all chosen by Simone and his wife Cinzia, an architect and designer, drawing on their travels.

The Kitchen: Tradition as a Starting Point

The menu is overseen by Chef Carlo Toscani. The kitchen’s approach is one of research and experimentation, with seasonal ingredients and a strong connection to the local territory as the foundation. Tradition is the starting point, but the cooking evolves into new interpretations that surprise without losing their roots. The team describes it as “an equilibrium between memory and innovation.” The cuisine is Italian Contemporary, with a focus on the grill, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage. A new menu is in development, promising to further articulate this vision.

Beyond the Table

Locanda Sensi is more than a restaurant. Guests can stay in one of two spacious suites — Suite Legno, built from Slavonian oak in a Nordic chalet style, or Suite Fieno, with walls of straw and clay. There is also a wellness centre, “La Pace dei Sensi,” made from 2,500 pink salt bricks, offering massages and holistic treatments. The entire experience is designed for total well-being, from the garden seating in summer to the carefully curated wine list.

A Michelin Recommended Destination

The Michelin inspectors have recognised Locanda Sensi for its quality and consistency. It is a place where the care taken in every detail — from the ingredients to the architecture — translates into a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. For those seeking Italian contemporary cuisine in a serene, characterful setting, this locanda in the Piacentine hills delivers.