GIOELIA - Emilia Cremeria, Asti In Asti

21/07/2025: What a fun experience! We were looking for a place for lunch where locals go and this place was awesome! It was filled with locals who were very animated and friendly. We speak no Italian and the gruff but very kind restaurateur speaks little English. He essentially told us what we were going to be served (in Italian so we had no idea) and he brought us several appetizers, a primi plate, and a secundo dish (to share). When we ordered espresso but declined dessert, he brought us a delicious dessert to share anyway (playfully saying “shhh!” lest we protest) along with a small glass of aperitif (which we also tried to decline). We only learned after the meal that we had to pay in cash and thought we’d have to find a cash machine to be able to pay for such an elaborate meal. We were pleasantly shocked to learn how inexpensive the meal was. This two hours was among our most memorable experiences in Italy.

02/06/2025: Everything is excellent, the food is excellent, the dishes are plentiful, the price is right and then Bertu is an excellent host