Restaurants in Aosta
I originally selected three restaurants to recommend in the city of Aosta. They are all centrally located, representing the best that La Cucina Valdostana (the regional cuisine of Aosta) has to offer! One has, unfortunately, closed. This is a shame as I believe it was the most ‘unique’ of the three. I leave an image for the memory and a link to an article about the closure at the bottom of this post.
Osteria da Nando
Address- Via Sant’Anselmo, 99
Phone- +39 016544455
Hours- Sunday through Thursday open for lunch and dinner; Closed on Tuesday and open only for dinner on Wednesday
Price- Middle-High Range
Reservations by phone and now online
This osteria is included in the Michelin Guide and although it is still commended for featuring “simple yet skillful cooking for under £28 or €40”, the restaurant feels like the most elegant I recommend in Aosta. An intimate and romantic feel pervades, with colors of deep reds and browns on the walls and floors. The restaurant was opened in 1957, and the Scarpa family is still proud of what they created, sharing excellent local food with natives and visitors. The menu is not too large, yet it is curated with thoughtful descriptions of featured dishes. They also have fixed menu options with which you can add wine pairings. I indulged in the fonduta here; it is made with DOP fontina cheese and served with crisp dark bread and whole wheat polenta—some of the best I have ever had.
Recommended Dishes
Antipasto- Skip
Primo- Spaghetti alla chitarra Nabuisson, if you are craving a delicious pasta.
Secondo- Bourguignonne or fonduta
Dolci- They have delectable cheese selections and desserts on offer, if your stomach can handle it! Finish with one of many dessert wines.
Trattoria Praetoria
Address- Via Sant’Anselmo, 9
Phone- +39 331 937 8356
Hours- Open for lunch and dinner but closed Wednesday
Price- Middle Range
Reservations through the website
This trattoria feels like it is ready to cater to tourists more readily than Pam Pam, but it is by no means a ‘trap’. The food, wine and service were excellent. The service, in particular, was very attentive. You will find the restaurant in close proximity to the Roman theatre. The decoration is tasteful, restrained yet refined with wood floors and stone walls. The restaurant has a vast menu to choose from with a focus on regional cheeses and cured meats in the antipasti and primi sections. The “Chevrette Chaude” con songino, uvetta, noci e miele (warm goat cheese salad with raisins, walnuts and honey) was divine. Here, however, you will also find an ample selection of pastas if you are craving a stuffed ravioli or agnolotti in addition to penne, gnocchi and spaghetti. The secondi (main courses) display more of the explicit French influence with lumache (snails) and a Chateaubriand di manzo for two.
Recommended Dishes
Antipasto- Selection of local cheeses or goat cheese salad
Primo- Crespelle alla Valdostana (Italian crepes, also from the Valdostana tradition)
Secondo- Polenta or any of the meat dishes that are beckoning to you
Dolci- The restaurant features many desserts including Crema di Cogne con tegole, a regional cream-based dessert served with local crispy wafers, made with almond and hazelnuts. If you are keen to try a dessert from the region, order this one!
A traditional house antipasto plate representing some classics of La Cucina Valdostana
Pam Pam Trattoria degli Artisti- CLOSED DEFINITIVELY (Sadly!)
Here is a local article (in Italian) about the closure.