Ristorante Christian e Manuel In Vercelli

The absolute reference restaurant for risotto Paolo Cornalba

If you're a risotto lover (and not only), you're in the right place. I'd dare to call it the best risotto restaurant in Italy. Highly recommended!

I've read the negative reviews more than once: I can't recognize the place we were in those descriptions. The evening was perfect, from the moment the door opened for us to the moment it opened for us to leave. The maîtresse blends professionalism and courtesy so subtly that you might think she's sly: perhaps she is, but what matters is that even while she's laughing and joking, she weighs what she says carefully and knows exactly what she's about to say. I've rarely dealt with maids who know everything they're serving in detail. So much so that you don't even consider going in a different direction from the one suggested. If we've asked for a different risotto on the menu, and the idea of ​​'the chef doesn't want me to tell you what's in store' is a great way to make you feel special, just as you'd like that evening; on the other hand, I just couldn't bring myself to go against her advice about dessert. The dessert menu is eccentrically fascinating, all made with something we ordinarily consider "savory." Unfortunately, belly space forces you to choose, but among the various options, I'm happy with the choice I made. And whoever works in the kitchen is a genius with aftertaste: every bite you eat tastes different from the one before. But, above all, some flavors emerge after you've finished eating: like the raw fish on a plate a bit like Pollock (honestly, how can you believe, as I've read in other reviews, that the fish is defrosted?) that delicately and slowly release their atoms, like the sprouts (of radish?) or the coriander; the scampi in saor, whose subtle onion broth releases its flavor after you've licked the bowl; or the red mullet with three roots, or the sea bass with parsley chlorophyll. But I just can't hold back on dessert: how can you present me with a Belgian endive leaf filled with ricotta cheese, but instead it's almond milk granita topped with licorice cream? And, above all, how did you even think to sprinkle it with caper powder, which, by the way, leaves its presence felt even as the licorice is disappearing? You really want us to come back, don't you? Admit it!

We ordered a menu; personally, I would have preferred to be able to choose from a wide range of dishes rather than leave it entirely to the chef, as, as in my case, dishes might end up with ingredients I didn't particularly like. We tried a well-presented appetizer, which was good but perhaps more beautiful than good, two risottos, one with pumpkin that I didn't like, and the other, a signature dish called "taglio sartoriale" with parmesan, coffee, and a wine reduction that was good but unmemorable. Desserts weren't included on the menu (a shame), well-presented, but perhaps a little small in portions.

Always wanted to try it? It's great to see and taste new ways of preparing and serving! Innovative! Perfect service from Mom and her team, and Manuel even came over to our table for a chat and a photo opportunity! Had a fantastic birthday!

For risotto lovers, I'd dare say it's almost a mecca. The risotto called "Zia Dina" is definitely among the best I've ever tasted, and I assure you the list is very long. Then the pigeon main course, divided into several courses, was the icing on the metaphorical cake. Allow me to criticize: we just can't get away with the timing. The first two risottos arrived almost 50 minutes after ordering, and the third after another 40 minutes. I'm not kidding when I say that our asses were offended by such a long wait. There were only five tables in total, so I'm struggling to find an explanation. Maybe it was just a problem of the day (a sick kitchen staffer, for example), but it almost ruined our experience. I emphasize "almost" because we fully intend to return to try other delicious risottos.

This is the kingdom of risotto! Excellent menu, wine pairings, service, and value! What a wonderful experience! Will definitely be back!

A superb culinary experience, especially recommended for rice lovers. The venue is the former restaurant of the Hotel Cinzia in Vercelli. The location is rather unassuming, with a dining room that isn't particularly modern, but the atmosphere is decidedly relaxed and ideal for a lunch or dinner for two or with a few friends. The menu is varied and interesting, but needless to say, the specialty here is risotto in all its variations, crafted and cooked with extreme skill and respect for the ingredients. The menu is truly extensive and interesting. We opted for the three-course tasting menu, which fully satisfied our appetite, but for those with a sweet tooth, there's also the seven-course menu or the option of à la carte. I recommend trying at least one of the four canned risottos, each more exquisite than the last, with a special mention for the tailored coffee and parmesan cream risotto. The service is very attentive, although not particularly fast due to the lengthy preparation times (not suitable for those in a hurry). The bill is absolutely fair and in line with the quality of the dishes offered. The small pastries served with coffee are also highly appreciated. In short, the Costardi brothers confirm their position as masters of rice, in an area where excellence is the rule.

Life-changing risotto. For the first time in my life I ordered two rice dishes back to back. No regrets. Go immediately

STELLAR service and food! Only drawback… should have only ordered 1 item for each of us. 2 was too many.