The story
In the heart of Alba, Ventuno.1 Ristorante e Bottega brings together two friends with a shared passion and deep respect for Italian culinary tradition. Chef Alfonso Russo, who runs the kitchen, and Francesco Ferrara, who oversees the dining room and wine cellar, have created a space where the flavors of Northern and Southern Italy meet.
Their idea was straightforward: a clean, elegant, and modern environment where guests can enjoy pleasant moments. Both men trained early in their careers with some of the most celebrated names in Italian cooking, including Gualtiero Marchesi and Antonino Cannavacciuolo. That experience is evident in a menu built on unexpected pairings and precise technique. The cuisine is firmly rooted in the Mediterranean and Piedmontese traditions, yet the dishes are original—full of imagination and character.
The dining room reflects that same balance. The atmosphere is elegant and minimal, but the warmth comes from the food itself: recipes made with the right measure of flair and precision. This approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended distinction, a fitting recognition for a place that respects its ingredients while daring to be inventive.
Francesco’s wine list is a journey through hundreds of labels, with a focus on the great Piedmontese producers who made the Langhe and Roero famous worldwide. It also includes a strong selection of wines from Southern Italy and important French bottles. The list is updated continuously.
Ventuno.1 also includes a Bottega, where guests can purchase some of the key ingredients that define the kitchen’s cooking—a curated selection of artisanal products from across Italy. It is a small window into the restaurant’s philosophy, allowing guests to take a piece of the experience home.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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