Unspoiled landscapes, villages, castles, green meadows that turn into ski slopes in winter: Aosta is a true paradise for mountain, history, and nature enthusiasts. Nestled amidst the highest mountains in Europe, the capital of Vallée is a vibrant center waiting to be discovered, with museums, monuments, and Roman remains like the imposing Arch of Augustus. It's also a city rich in quality establishments where one can stop in the morning for a coffee and a krapfen, enjoy a refreshing snack with a steaming hot chocolate and a slice of cake, indulge in a classy tea time, an exquisite fondue bourguignonne, or a sophisticated aperitif, perhaps enhanced by alpine cheeses and local cured meats. Here are the 4 must-visit bars in Aosta.
Mafrica, Aosta
An artisanal pastry shop and bar located in the heart of the city, the Mafrica family's establishment has been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists for many years. The venue is elegant and welcoming, perfect for a break starting from breakfast, offering carefully brewed and robust espressos (100% Arabica) and a great variety of pastries, from butter croissants to krapfen, kipferl, pain au chocolat, and cinnamon rolls. At lunchtime, they serve quality dishes such as toast, sandwiches, filled brioches, and daily specials. They also offer an enticing array of small pastries, single portions, and tartlets for takeaway or a snack, accompanied by infusions, freshly squeezed juices, or hot chocolates with whipped cream. For an evening aperitif, they serve Spritz, sparkling wines, craft beers, snacks, and canapés. Don't miss the charming upstairs room with a mountain view through the windows. Also, right across the street at number 31, there's another branch featuring a chocolate shop and gelateria.
Mafrica – Via Jean Baptiste de Tillier, 38 - facebook.com/mafricapasticceria
Paolo Griffa at Caffè Nazionale, Aosta
A true excellence and a reference for the entire Vallée, this historic sign has been taken over by chef Paolo Griffa in collaboration with his wife and pastry chef Titti Traina. It has recently received several awards, including Bar of the Year for the Bar d'Italia 2024 guide for its focus on sustainability and Pastry Chef of the Year for the Ristoranti 2024 guide. The establishment offers a minimalist and refined space that combines different elements of a bar, pastry shop, tea room, and gourmet restaurant. Here, you can enjoy excellent specialty coffees, expertly brewed teas, and fresh infusions with local flowers or herbs. Accompaniments include fragrant brioches, famous Angel cakes, and sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. They also offer the exclusive Royal Tea Time, including sweet and savory treats (and Champagne), as well as a chic aperitif featuring classic and unconventional cocktails. Highlighting their partnership with the Institut Agricole Régional and the Fondazione Sistema Ollignan di Quart, they offer exquisite yogurt with honey or seasonal fruits. The outdoor space is also delightful, allowing a pause in the city's "good sitting room" in all seasons.
Paolo Griffa at Caffè Nazionale - Piazza Émile Chanoux, 9 – paologriffa.com
La Pâtisserie Bovio, Aosta
Established in Aosta since 1927, the Bovio family is a true reference in the area for baking, focusing on fresh and genuine ingredients while honoring tradition. They offer a delightful selection of bread (with cereals, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains, figs, and walnuts), hand-pulled breadsticks, pizzas, focaccias, and typical sweets like honey torcetti and Valdostan tegole. The city boasts three sales points (others located at Via Sant’Anselmo, 33, and Via Croix de Ville, 3), along with the central bar and pastry shop in Piazza Chanoux. The sweet side takes the stage thanks to Alberto Norbiato and his team, presenting a line balancing between classic and modern: croissants, small cakes, and single portions, beautifully presented. Excellent choices include the Mont Blanc, a reinterpretation of Black Forest cherry cake, tarte tropezienne, and sweet and savory rolls. Recommended is the Boviotto, a marocchino with whipped cream and a chocolate breadstick, along with artistically decorated espressos and cappuccinos, also available with plant-based milk. Their chocolate and ice cream are exceptional. You can also stop by for a classic aperitif.
La Pâtisserie Bovio – Piazza Émile Chanoux, 34 - lapatisseriebovio.com
Saint Vout, Aosta
Versatile and multifaceted, Saint Vout offers a variety of experiences, functioning as a café, cheese shop, wine bar, wine cellar, and bistro. Situated at the beginning of the city's pedestrian street, it faces the square where the ancient Arch of Augustus stands. From morning till evening, they provide a good selection of fresh pastries and excellent coffee for breakfast. During lunchtime or for a snack, indulge in local specialties such as raclette, fondue bourguignonne, tartare, and boards featuring Jambon de Bosses and local cheeses. For aperitivo, try their homemade sparkling wines paired with fried delicacies (including fish) and mini boards. They offer a rich selection of local products for sale, including alpine Fontina cheese, lardo di Arnad, craft beers, cider, and over 300 regional wine labels. In the summer, there's even a small car offering tasty bites like Cantabrian anchovies or fried dumplings with Bologna mortadella.
Saint Vout – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 10 – www.saint-vout.com
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