The story
In the hilltop village of Santa Vittoria d’Alba, within the Langhe wine region, Ristorante Castello di Santa Vittoria offers a refined take on modern cuisine rooted in Piemontese tradition. The restaurant occupies a historic building with sweeping views over the UNESCO-protected hills, and its setting is as deliberate as its cooking.
Chef Paolo Decio trained at the Stresa hotel school, then worked in London, Rome, Paris and Milan before finding his footing in Piemonte. A formative period alongside Ugo Alciati at Ristorante Guido deepened his respect for the region’s ingredients and their honest expression. At Castello, Decio crafts a menu that is both balanced and seasonal, drawing on his travels and memories without losing sight of the land. The result is contemporary Piemontese cuisine that feels personal and grounded.
The restaurant is divided into distinct spaces. The main dining room is warm and intimate; a terrace looks out over the Langhe panorama; a historic cellar room preserves walls from the late 1400s; and a dedicated event room can seat up to eighty guests. This variety makes Castello suitable for romantic dinners, gourmet lunches, and private celebrations alike. The restaurant also organises weddings and banquets, working directly with the chef to tailor menus and wine pairings, and can arrange floral décor and musical entertainment on request.
Castello’s recognition as a Michelin Recommended restaurant for 2026 reflects the consistency and ambition of Decio’s kitchen. His cooking respects the rhythm of the seasons and the character of Piemontese produce, while allowing a personal, contemporary touch to emerge. It is a place where a meal becomes a memory, shaped by the landscape and the chef’s quiet authority.
Recognition
Ambience
Location