Eat Like a Local in this Hidden Alba Neighbourhood
Head to these local hangouts for an authentic experience.
Alba is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end trattorie, but there are still places where locals eat at local prices…if you know where to find them.
After attending a recent book presentation in Alba, my local companions suggested grabbing dinner, so I followed them to the residential neighbourhood of Moretta.
It’s the kind of place tourists rarely make it to, despite being just a short drive or 20-minute walk from Piazza Michele Ferrero (Savona) in the old town—making it the perfect place to eat like a local in Alba.
Heading to Alba this autumn? This 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.
Victoria Peel-Yates
Moretta Neighbourhood: What You Need to Know
Situated just outside Alba's historic centre, the neighbourhood of Moretta is clustered around Corso Langhe. Its biggest attraction is the Santuario della Madonna della Moretta, a Neo-Byzantine church dating from the early twentieth century that gives it its name.
The neighbourhood is a quiet, residential area surrounded by hills that feels worlds apart from the historic centre, which increasingly caters to tourists. Because of this, its bars and restaurants are populated by locals—people who come here for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo, and dinner, not Instagram photos. The streets are lined with apartment buildings rather than souvenir shops, and you'll hear more Italian and Piedmontese being spoken.
Its authenticity is what makes Moretta worth the short walk from Alba's centro. So if you want to eat like a local in Alba, head to one (or all!) of the places listed below.
Where to Eat in Moretta, Alba
1. Osteria Sociale Montebellina
Hidden among Moretta's houses, this is the kind of place you have to know exists—you wouldn't just stumble across it. The long, low wooden building reminds me of an English village hall, but don't let the simple exterior fool you. This place serves typical Piedmontese dishes that locals highly rate, at prices that are hard to find in Alba.
The “social” aspect of the restaurant is that it employs vulnerable young people, so by eating here, you’re actually giving back to the local community.
We visited on a Tuesday evening, and the restaurant was quiet. The only other people there were a couple who knew some of the members of our party (yes, it’s that local).
I ordered the mix of four antipasti for €16: a giardiniera salad, carne cruda all’albese (the local version of steak tartare), vitello tonnato (thinly-sliced veal topped with tuna sauce), and tomini cheese topped with caramelised onion.
Individually, each antipasto costs €7, primi cost €7, and secondi cost €8. They also have set menu options at €26 and €30.
The menu changes with the seasons. My companions all ordered the rabbit main course, except the vegetarian in the group who had gnocchi with butter and sage. The house wine is served in jugs of 1 or ½ litres—perfect for sharing.
Vegetarian and visiting Piedmont? Wondering what you'll be able to eat? This guide has got you covered.
Victoria Peel-Yates
2. Còj More Than Food
Còj (pronounced “coy”; means “cabbage” in Piedmontese) is run by a group of young people who are passionate about serving traditional Piedmontese dishes in a modern, relaxed, and fun way. They make their own fresh pasta in-house, including tajarin and agnolotti al plin, and also do excellent street food like pulled beef panuozzo sandwiches.
The setup is informal: food is served from a food truck parked outside, with just a few tables inside for eating. They regularly collaborate with Osteria Sociale Montebellina and organise events with local musicians and DJs, so expect to eat alongside live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
We went for an aperitivo on a Friday night when our friend DJ Moonray was playing. I had the most delicious three-roast agnolotti al plin, which I paired with a glass (or two) of Favorita.
Tip: Check their Instagram for upcoming events and DJ schedules.
3. Note di Caffè
Note di Caffè is a music-themed bar on Corso Langhe. The walls are covered in murals made of vinyl records and photographs of famous artists, and the cocktail menu features music-themed creations.
They regularly organise "Morning Clubbing" events with live DJs spinning reggae on vinyl. We went for breakfast to meet another friend, DJ Piddu, and had a cappuccino and a focaccia farcita with ham while the vinyl crackled.
It's the perfect spot to start a Moretta morning, whether or not there's a DJ.
4. Boia Fauss Pensavo Peggio
I haven't eaten here yet, but this iconic restaurant couldn't be left out of an article about the Moretta neighbourhood. Known for its warmly decorated interior and modern takes on traditional Piedmontese and Italian dishes, this microbrewery and restaurant has been an institution of the neighbourhood for years—and it’s on my list to visit soon.
Wondering what to eat in Piedmont? This guide covers typical dishes and the region's top-rated restaurants.
Victoria Peel-Yates
Moretta Will Show You Another Side of Alba
Moretta is a reminder that beyond the Michelin stars and Instagram-worthy views, there's a different Alba—one built on a food culture of simple, high-quality dishes at prices that make sense. It's not a quaint discovery—it's just how locals eat.
Spend a few hours here, and you won't rub shoulders with influencers, but with people who know what they like and where to find it. Which, if we’re honest, is the real reason you’re here.
