The story
In the centre of Capriata d'Orba, a small town in the Alessandria province, Il Moro occupies a 17th-century palazzo directly opposite the town's 12th-century church. The dining rooms are vaulted, the atmosphere is at once familiar and refined, and the kitchen respects the great classics of the region. It is this combination of setting, value and consistency that earned Il Moro a Michelin Bib Gourmand, the guide's recognition for good quality cooking at a reasonable price.
Simona Botteri and Claudio Rebora have owned the historic restaurant and its adjoining enoteca since 1999. Simona leads the kitchen, while Claudio manages the dining room and oversees an extensive wine list that draws from both Piedmont and beyond. Their approach is grounded in the local tradition: the menu focuses on the Grandi Classici Piemontesi, with a subtle Ligurian influence that reflects the region's proximity to the coast.
The restaurant's history runs deeper than their tenure. Il Moro has been a gathering place for the town and the surrounding area since 1930. The current owners have preserved that sense of continuity while adding their own touches, including the recent opening of a three-room locanda and a complete renovation of the internal garden, where guests can dine outdoors in the summer.
Dishes mentioned in guest reviews include a braised guancia (cheek) with peppers, and a hazelnut semifreddo with Novi fondente chocolate. The cooking is described as squarely Piedmontese, and the service as attentive and courteous. A small enoteca is attached to the restaurant, offering wines by the bottle or glass.
Il Moro also holds the prestigious Chiocciola from the Osterie d'Italia guide, marking it as an excellence in Italian hospitality. For anyone seeking genuine Piedmontese cuisine in a setting that feels both historic and lived-in, this is a destination worth seeking out.
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