Locanda del Pilone

The story

Locanda del Pilone in Alba: Michelin-Starred Modern Piedmontese Cuisine

Locanda del Pilone, Alba

In the rolling hills of the Langhe, just outside Alba, Locanda del Pilone combines a luxury resort with a Michelin-starred restaurant. The kitchen, led by chef Federico Gallo, focuses on modern Piedmontese cuisine that draws deeply from the region’s larder.

The restaurant’s Michelin star reflects a kitchen that treats local ingredients with both respect and invention. Truffles, a cornerstone of Langhe gastronomy, receive particular attention, appearing in dishes like the “Capunet” — a composition of veal, savoy cabbage, foie gras, and black truffle. The menu is structured around themes — “Piemonte,” “Acqua Dolce” (freshwater fish), “Orto” (garden), and “Dolci” — allowing diners to follow a path from land to water to dessert. Standouts include a risotto with parsley, garlic, and fried frog legs from the Piemonte section, and a chawanmushi of peas with parmesan water and cardamom from the garden menu. The wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator, is a natural extension of the territory.

The restaurant also serves as an embassy for Krug Champagne, a partnership that speaks to the careful pairing philosophy at work here. For a more casual experience, the property’s outdoor bistro, Il Giardino, offers seasonal menus in warmer months. Locanda del Pilone is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.