Trattoria della Posta - 87

Very friendly service, excellent food, anytime again

Fantastic Trattoria, from the quality of the food to the educated sommelier, the wine cellar, atmosphere and prices. 5/5

It’s like you travel to other planet. I would like to eat here every day.

I’m sure I could hear, from our table, the distinctive voice of Michael Caine; or was that Rob Brydon or Steve Coogan? Oh, who knows, let’s focus our heart and mind instead on the food and wine and service which were all ..... very good. Located a short drive from Monforte D’alba T. Della Posta nestles amongst some of Italy’s great vineyards. The wine card is naturally very good. As is the food. And the service! It all makes for a very enjoyable meal and evening. And the tiramisu .... well that is exceptional.

Let's start with the positives: the food is great, the COVID protocols flawless, the staff friendly and the sommelier quirky. That would normally make for a great evening, however there are quite a number of other considerations that, very regrettably, affected negatively the overall experience. I could start with the booking process: only by landline or fax (I mean, seriously?), the website is devoid of any menu so one has to go by the pictures of previous guests on Google. Turns out that, absolutely understandably, the menu offers some variation (seasonal or otherwise), but one can only find out after sitting down. As my partner does not eat meat, we discovered that she could only really choose one of the starters, and one of two gnocchi-based primi. The truffle harvest must have been meager if one truffle shave is 70 (seventy) euros per person and the truffle tasting menu 220 (two-hundred-and-twenty) euros. Good thing we don't like truffle. We had to ask to be moved to a better illuminated (read less bright) room, as the first one we were placed at was illuminated like a school canteen. Another sore point is the absolute lack of transparency on the price of wine. As mentioned, the sommelier is not a dusty old man, which is refreshing, but he will ask what you like (and rather not what you are eating), and at no point mention the prices. The whole setting is very formal and pricey, with several suited up waiters waltzing around to cater to your needs and make you generally uncomfortable... until you observe with horror people with young children (!), babies (!!) and dogs (!!!) being escorted in close to you. The cacophony of loud iPads, cries and barking is quite frankly unacceptable, no matter how wealthy and familiar to the staff these people might be. Finally the price tag: the truffle-less food is excellent but anything but extravagant. We were served a starter each, a primo each, two glasses of wine each, two coffees and a shared dessert for nearly 70 euros per person, prices that we would generally expect here in Copenhagen and not off-season in the middle of nowhere (keep in mind that between Christmas and New Year there is very little to choose from in the area). I think Trattoria della Posta needs to decide if they are a family restaurant or a high-flying Michelin restaurant, they can't be both (and I would wholeheartedly recommend to go for the former). Last note: it is unconscionable and irresponsible to keep asking someone who stressed multiple times they're driving if they want more wine. It is of course a personal choice, but in other countries staff can lose their job (and rightfully so) for such behavior. An experience we will not repeat.

Very friendly staff that makes you feel special.. great location, very Italian. Food was fantastic

A not-to-be-missed experience while visiting the Langhe is having lunch or dinner at this remarkable restaurant. Everything was superb from the attentive, courteous service to the the elegant old-style wood furniture, the immaculate table clothing, the bone china plates and the warm ambience. Their €55 5-course tasting menu, including stalwarts of the Piemontese cuisine like the barolo braised beef and the 30-yolk tajarin pasta, is of exceptional value and quality as is their €180 Alba white truffle menu (or €50 per truffle grating on a dish). The hefty wine book has several local gems like Nebbiolo and Dolcetto and the knowledgeable sommelier will recommend one suited to your tastes and food. Booking is essential.

It's always amazing to me how fine dining dune well can feel so incredibly comfortable while still delivering a top-level experience. The staff was professional to utmost degree, yet helpful warm and inviting. The food was 2nd to none. The wine list was deep and well priced. I look forward to returning on my next trip to Piedmont.