Antica Osteria della Peppina (Alseno)
Contemporary Piacenza cuisine with great attention to the wine cellar. Revisited classics (tortelli, kidney, suckling pig) in a refined setting.
Founded in the late 1800s by the original Peppina — the owner's great-grandmother — this restaurant on the Via Emilia in Alseno has evolved far beyond its humble origins. Today it is a contemporary restaurant with deep traditional roots, run by patron Giuseppe Arbusti with chef Jacopo Malpeli (trained at the ALMA culinary school in Colorno) and maître Andrea Forti, who also curates the wine pairings.
The interior is modern and minimal, with a black-and-white palette, few well-spaced tables and a luminous veranda for warmer months. Notwithstanding the name, this is not a rustic trattoria: the cooking is refined, with carefully sourced local ingredients and seasonal menus that change frequently. The classics remain — bollito served from a trolley, anolini in brodo, tortelli di erbetta, hand-made pasta, gnocco fritto with cured meats — but sit alongside more creative dishes that look beyond the region.
Two tasting menus are available alongside the à la carte: a traditional Emilian menu and a longer creative menu. The wine list favours natural and artisanal producers, and the maître can suggest pairings including sake, craft beer and cocktails. Gluten-free options are available.
Indicative prices: traditional menu around €45, creative tasting menu around €90, à la carte starters €16–25, mains €20–26. Closed on Mondays. Reservation recommended.
Closed on Mondays