Where to eat in Bra, the 12 best restaurants in the heart of Roero

Ancient churches, historic palaces, museums, the Zizzola (Bra's symbolic monument), the Pollenzo Castle, a Unesco heritage site. There is certainly no boredom in Bra, not even at the table, thanks to a culinary tradition rich in recipes and products, first and foremost the legendary fresh sausage, a true local delicacy.

Here are the 12 best addresses, including restaurants, varied gourmet breaks and shops

Battaglino dal 1919

Restaurant. Well over a century in business, always in the hands of the Battaglino family, constantly updating the offer without betraying the territorial tradition, flanked in recent times by a specific desire of the patronne Alessia: natural, vegetarian and vegan cuisine. So, in addition to classics such as raw meat and Bra sausage, Raschera gnocchi, finanziera and bunet, there are the turning point dishes. Spacious and elegant rooms, a courtyard for the summer, and a wine cellar full of quality references, both regional and from other regions.

Battaglino dal 1919 – piazza Roma, 18 – 0172 412509 – ristorantebattaglino.it

La Bocca Buona

Trattoria. Central signpost, in which the historic walls are combined with contemporary furnishing solutions. Bright spaces, furnished with sobriety and good taste; when the weather is mild, one sits in the garden. The cuisine moves between philological interpretations of tradition and more imaginative proposals, both of which are sure to satisfy. Don't miss the Bra egg, soft-cooked, coated in Bra sausage and then fried. The wine list offers a focus on the productions of Roero and Langa, but ranges over the rest of the Peninsula and beyond.

La Bocca Buona – via Audisio, 22 – 0172 426031 – laboccabuona.it

Osteria del Boccondivino

Trattoria. Right in the centre, in the pedestrian area, for 40 years it has been a symbol of conviviality, a relaxed pace and above all authentic cuisine, based on Piedmontese tradition, recipes in which almost all Slow Food Presidia ingredients are used. The menu does not, however, lack some seasonal digressions. The ambience is divided into several small rooms with well-kept furnishings, tall display cases full of bottles and tables with essential equipment. The internal courtyard is pleasant, and it is best to book.

Osteria del Boccondivino – via della Mendicità Istruita, 14 – 0172 425674 – boccondivinoslow.it

Osteria Murivecchi

Trattoria. A stone's throw from the railway station, set in the fascinating context of the Ascheri cellars and the design hotel of the same name but with its own life and street entrance, it offers traditional dishes and a few more imaginative proposals. Tongue of veal with green bagnetto, homemade tajarin with chestnut and bacon Jerusalem artichoke sauce, veal morsels with Barolo, pears in red wine. All in a simple, cosy ambience with exposed beams. Nice choice of wines, with options by the glass. Very honest prices.

Osteria Murivecchi – via G. Piumati, 19 – 0172 431008 

Osteria La Pimpinella

Restaurant. In the heart of the old town, overlooking a narrow street but with convenient parking, the restaurant, played out in shades of white, is pleasant and bright. It is run by Silvia in the dining room and Manuel in the kitchen, a couple in their profession and in life. The cuisine is of a territorial matrix, well interpreted. The menu also includes the catch of the day, to offer customers new tastes and wink at the young generation. The wine cellar offers a selection that is not vast but articulate, respectful of the territory and other vocated areas.

Osteria La Pimpinella – via San Rocco, 70 – 333 5259801 – osterialapimpinella.it

(Cover photo courtesy of Osteria La Pimpinella)

Enoteca Sardo

Wine Bar. Wine enthusiasts should definitely take note of this address in the centre, opened in summer 2022 and immediately becoming a meeting place and a reference point for connoisseurs but also for neophytes. The selection of labels is incredible: obviously the lion's share is from Piedmont, but with not obvious and little-known wineries, the result of the painstaking work of owners Renato and Sebastiano. To accompany your glasses, there are quality platters of both cold meats and cheeses paired with the classic giardiniera, appetisers, but also sandwiches with sausage.

Enoteca Sardo – via Vittorio Emanuele II, 179 – 0172 750197 – Facebook

Sedici Piadina

Street Food. Behind this sign is a team of young people who are passionate about piadina, the most popular street food on the Romagna Riviera. So, after learning the trade by training on site, they opened in the city centre, offering piadina, made with the choicest ingredients, prepared express and stuffed with every delicacy. The options are as inviting as each other, from classic to 'healthy' and those with Slow Food Presidia products. There are also various menu combinations, with drinks included.

Sedici Piadina – via Pollenzo, 5 – 0172 1801840 – sedicipiadinabra.com

Senduis

Paninoteca. This charming shop dispenses strolling delicacies: generous and tasty sandwiches, starting with the excellent bread that always embraces new and, above all, quality fillings. The names pay homage to the surrounding villages, the specialities change according to market and season. There is no shortage of vegan options, fish and chips, mouth-watering desserts and take-away preparations, with the menu constantly changing according to market. You can eat while perched on one of the available stools or strolling through the streets of the town. Drinks include soft drinks and special craft beers.

Senduis – via Vittorio Emanuele II, 57/A – 333 2388304 – senduis.it

Converso

Café & Bar. Crossing the threshold of this place, opened in 1902 by Felice Converso, of a famous dynasty of pastry chefs, one has the feeling that time has stood still. The ambience is particularly charming, Art Nouveau style, with wooden furniture and marble tables. You come here for a classy breakfast, for lunch sandwiches, toast, savoury croissants; for the afternoon break exquisite hot chocolate and bicerin to go with biscuits and various pastries. For aperitifs, Piedmontese wines and bubbles or vermouth, to be enjoyed with tasty snacks.

Converso – via Vittorio Emanuele II, 199 – 0172 413626 – converso.it

Fagnola dal 1923

Patisserie. One hundred years in business in 2023 for Fagnola, an excellent bakery and pastry shop. There is a wide choice of cakes, with a focus on wellness and sugar reduction (as in the tarts) and lactose free (the Sacher is excellent). Try the mousses, which vary according to season. Another boast is the biscuits, which flanks typical Piedmontese sweets with creams, fruit ganaches and more unusual goodies. The leavened products, offered all year round, are of a high standard. On the bread side, try the Bra and Langa breads.

Fagnola dal 1923 – viale Madonna dei Fiori, 42 – 0172 412566 – panetteriafagnola.myadj.it

Giolito Formaggi

Cheeses. This is where mainly local and regional dairy products are selected, refined and sold, in particular Bettelmatt, Castelmagno, Raschera d'alpeggio, Bra, plus some Slow Food Presidia (such as Montebore, for example). And then Gorgonzola, robiola and goat's cheese creams, 'primintii' pecorino and caciocavalli from Ragusa, Sardinian 'gavoi' and much more. Cheese tasting is organised, with a visit to the adjoining small museum displaying some ancient cheese-making tools. Online sales.

Giolito Formaggi – via Monte Grappa, 6 – 0172 412920 – giolitocheese.it

Tibaldi Dino

Meats & Cold Cuts. An activity born in 1926 and now managed by Dino Tebaldi and his son Marco. From their own herds (located in Sanfrè) come fine cuts of Piedmontese breed on display in the fridges and at the refrigerated counter, but this is also the right place to buy and take home the famous Bra sausage, which, as tradition dictates, is made from selected beef and lean pork belly, and eaten fresh. Selected food specialities and wines are also on sale.

Tibaldi Dino – via Vittorio Emanuele II, 22/79 – 0172 412224 – macelleriatibaldidino.it