La Collina - MONFORTE D'ALBA

We had a short stop for a lunch after visiting winemaker Roddolo and had a nice pasta with black truffles together as well with a wine from Roddolo. Alright service and good food. A waiter having no knowledge about wine surprised me. She was honest after being asked about her wine knowledge telling us she did not like wine but beer :

You're spoilt for choice in this small village with some outstanding eating places. All six of us liked La Collina in the piazza although others we met didn't rate it so highly. Delicious food was well explained by our enthusiastic owner in attractive surroundings at quite reasonable prices. After very expensive France thjis was a nice change.

I've eaten here twice. Not sure why the Italian reviewer gave 1 star (that seems rather odd given the culinary history of this restaurant's chef). Both of my experiences have been an over-the-top delight. I'll never forget the roast quail in Barolo reduction set on a bed of the most perfectly cooked risotto. The food was so perfectly and artfully prepared here that I took some photos, and I'll try to include them in this review later (if allowed). If this place isn't deserving of 5-stars, I have no idea what is. The deserts were in the same class as the main courses. Excellent local wine selection. and they serve lunch out in the town square, where I ate one meal. Classic Italian experience. Bravo!