Bibendum strikes again with his excellent Michelin recommendations of local spots that are exceptionally well done, but without some of the fuss of a star. After reading about Al Parco and its sister, the Hotel Del Parco, we knew this could be a solid overnight visit for us and it more than delivered the delicious food at an excellent value as promised.

Approaching the restaurant already feels very Italian storybook with a series of stone buildings covered in viny leaves.

A partially covered courtyard is the perfect setting for a June dinner, though there was also the option to dine inside if we so desired. I promise this terrace filled up very, very quickly.

After a glass of gorgeous Meroi prosecco at the hotel, we opted for another.

The artwork on the bottle was just as darling as the taste was delicious. Spoiler alert, we took home two cases of it! At 7 EUR a bottle (14 EUR at the restaurant) it was an absolute steal. Tack on another six of red, and you have a 20 bottle of wine dinner, a real first for me, but was very fun. They delivered the three cases within an hour so we were free to load up the car first thing in the morning and hit the road- well after a workout and leisurely breakfast if that can be considered first thing.

My starter was the grilled octopus and shrimp over a bit of burrata and purple potato for a pop of color.

The Husband opted for a squid ink ravioli and after a preliminary bite of each others’ we opted to trade plates- a first for us!

Since northern Italy is renowned for it’s local rice and risottos, I had to oblige and enjoyed the shrimp risotto, brightly flavored with lemon and raspberry. It was rich and lovely with sunny cuts of citrus to make it feel summery and not overly indulgent.

The meal was absolutely gorgeous and we failed any other photos or even the chance to order dessert! However, I would return in a heartbeat and work my way through the delicious menu and house produced wine. If you go, be sure to keep an empty vehicle at hand for impromtu wine purchases.