29/11/2025: Another Saturday night, yet another gastronomic exploration. This time, the trail of taste leads Watson and me to Fontaneto d'Agogna, or rather, to Tapulino. Here, atop a hill we reach (thanks to the GPS) on a "dark and stormy" evening, lies the Braceria del Conterissoso. A grill restaurant where, naturally, meat reigns supreme, and according to the owner (of the place), it's top-notch. So much so that, with all the new diners, she begins a long and meticulous explanation of the menu, which includes numerous appetizers, various cuts of meat, mostly grilled (where the owner's husband is in charge), and various desserts. After inquiring about any allergies we may be sensitive to, the owner instructs the kitchen, where, she claims, she calls the shots (perhaps so, but we see her constantly wandering among the tables, expounding on the virtues and vices of the animals that, once slaughtered and properly cooked, will be included in the menu). We opt for a platter of Ossola cold cuts ("delicious") and a bean appetizer ("amazing"). For our main course, we choose the rib eye steak, which, given its weight, could have been what the menu calls a "super rib eye steak." A side of mashed potatoes and salad is included. The sides are good (although Watson had asked for the mashed potatoes to be without chives, but instead they arrive with this fantastic flavor enhancer, and only later does the traditional version arrive). Regarding the rib eye, while Watson is moderately satisfied, I was personally disappointed by the meat, which, even when ordered rare, was too tough and flavorless. I'm certainly wrong, but for me the problem was the hasty defrosting process (at the table where the rib eye was presented to us for weighing, one of the two was decidedly "stiff"...). Watson, not satisfied, decides to order a fruit salad with ice cream, while I wait until he's finished so we can enjoy a good coffee together. With a bottle of Mazzoni di Cavaglio Nebbiolo and mineral water, we spend an average of €60 each. The staff is courteous but a bit sluggish. The restaurant is quaint: essentially a wooden cabin with a modest number of indoor seats, just enough to be reasonably quiet and protected from excessive and unpleasant noise. The number of seats increases significantly in the warmer months, when the large veranda is furnished.
November 27, 2025 Reply to the co-owner's response.
Tapulino location: Google's navigation system provides the directions on your listing;
I didn't say you use frozen foods, but that one of the two ribs was frozen. If you don't freeze the meat, how do you preserve it? The butcher's counter is refrigerated... and anyway, I'm not the one who's lying! I could be wrong, maybe...
I'm used to thinking things through and not attacking like you did with your response; do you think everyone who leaves a review is a keyboard warrior (by the way, I sign my name and surname and I even included the receipt to prove I've been to your place...)? Glad to be!
The fact that you prepare the dishes ahead of time isn't always true, because you yourself said that the mashed potatoes without chives needed to be prepared because they didn't have any ready. Regarding the table-hopping, the chef sometimes pops into the dining room, but at the beginning or end of the evening, not throughout the entire evening. Anyway, if that's okay with you...but you can't say she's in the kitchen. As for "being qualified in this area," I'm not required to be; I'm just a customer who, perhaps he should know, is always right...
23/11/2025: We stumbled upon this restaurant after having it marked on the map for a while, and finally decided to try it today.
There were five of us, and we ordered an appetizer of platters, artichokes, beans, and two Florentine steaks weighing about 3 kg in total.
What can I say: one of the best meats I've ever eaten. Tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
You can taste the quality and attention to detail.
A special thanks to Rita, who passionately explained everything they do and the quality of the products they choose, and to Tino, who performs a true miracle on the grill: the meat was simply wonderful.
The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and authentic: we truly felt at home.
All five of us left satisfied and eager to return.
Highly recommended.
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