If there is one true way to capture the soul of Valsesia and our beloved Val Mastallone, it’s by taking a seat at the table.
If there is a way to truly understand the soul of Valsesia and our beloved Val Mastallone, it is to sit at the table. Here, cooking is not just nourishment: it is history, it is resilience to the mountain climate, and above all, it is a celebration of genuine ingredients.
In Val Mastallone, where we are located, we share the same gastronomic roots as the rest of the valley, with hearty dishes created to warm the heart and body. Here’s a journey through flavors that you absolutely cannot miss and our favorite spots to enjoy them.
The protagonists of the table: what to taste
- Le Miacce: The pride of Valsesia. Thin wafers cooked between two heated irons. Try them savory with Toma cheese or sweet with honey, or crispy to accompany your aperitif!
- Crespelle alla Valsesiana: A delicious and enveloping first course. They are thin pancakes filled, usually with cooked ham and Maccagno (an excellent local cheese), baked in the oven for a gooey center.
- Capunèt: Tasty rolls of endive or cabbage filled with mortadella and bread, braised in butter.
- Mushroom Risotto: The risotto is prepared with fresh porcini mushrooms gathered from our woods, stirred to perfection to achieve a creamy and fragrant dish.
Main Courses and Side Dishes
When you gain altitude, meat takes center stage. Game is a cornerstone of our table:
- Trout in carpione: The Sesia and Mastallone rivers are famous for the purity of their waters, where trout reign supreme. The "in carpione" preparation is an ancient and refreshing recipe: the fish is fried and then left to marinate in an emulsion of vinegar, white wine, onions, and herbs.
- Braised and Stewed Game: Whether it’s chamois, roe deer, or stag, the meat is slowly cooked in red wine and spices until it becomes incredibly tender.
- Polenta Concia: The ideal accompaniment for any stew, enriched with a generous dose of melted butter and local cheeses.
- Uberlekke: The legendary Walser boiled meat prepared with various salted meats. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find on modern menus.
- Tapelucco: The term literally means "chopped up." It is a dish made with minced meat, onions, and herbs, cooked with wine and cabbage.
Desserts and after-meal treats
- Ricotta with blueberries: The simplicity that wins over. We use fresh alpine ricotta paired with our small and delicious red blueberries, typical of this area of the valley.
- Gentian Bitter: To properly conclude the meal, a small glass of this digestive bitter made from gentian roots, the true scent of our mountains.
The great wines: Gattinara and Ghemme
To accompany such structured dishes, wines with character are needed. We are fortunate to have, just a few kilometers away, the hills of Novara and Vercelli, where the Nebbiolo grape produces world-class excellences like Gattinara DOCG and Ghemme DOCG.
They are elegant wines, perfect for enhancing the flavor of game and aged cheeses.
The "Map of Taste": our favorite places
Here is a selection of places where quality is guaranteed by our personal experience, whether you are staying in Val Mastallone or just making a quick visit.
Important note: Many of these places are located at high altitudes or in small villages. Opening hours are mainly guaranteed on weekends and during the summer season. We always recommend calling to verify the hours!
In Val Mastallone (near us)
- Fontana Restaurant (Rimella): If you're looking for the most traditional and authentic experience of your journey, you must come here. It's a dive into history.
- Bar/Pizzeria in Fobello: A welcoming atmosphere in one of the most elegant villages in the valley. “D Elte Schiol” (San Gottardo): Perfect for a lunch or an aperitif with a view after a walk in the Walser village. Open only in summer.
- The Hunter (Cravagliana): A landmark for those who love game and valley cuisine.
- Pizzeria in Fobello Il Campetto (Piana di Roy): A delightful stop, perfect for families.: A welcoming atmosphere in one of the most elegant villages in the valley.
- Osteria di Nosuggio: For a peaceful stop with dishes that taste like home.
- Il Campetto (Piana di Roy): A delightful stop, perfect for families.
- Le Piane Belle and I Cerini (Località Piane Belle): Two must-stop places to savor local products.
In Varallo Sesia
- La Miacceria: The right place for the original miaccia, sweet or savory.
- The Lime Tree: For those seeking a superior quality pizza in the heart of the city.
In conclusion
Whether it's a quick bite on the go or a braised venison paired with a glass of Gattinara, Valsesia cuisine will leave you with an indelible memory.
We look forward to welcoming you at the hotel to provide you with directions and, if you wish, to reserve your table at one of these little treasures of flavor!
About us
Who we are: Bianca & Martino Hello! We are Bianca and Martino, the souls behind this blog. Our story is a bridge between Romagna and the Alps.
Martino grew up among the slopes and pastures of Rimella, carrying in his heart the memories of summers spent in Val Mastallone and winter skiing on Monte Rosa. Despite life in Ravenna, the pull of his roots has always been incredibly strong.
Bianca, from Ravenna, discovered this corner of Piedmont for love: she fell in love first with Martino and, soon after, with the wild beauty of Valsesia. In 2026, she decided to change her life, leaving her "steady job" to turn a passion into reality and dedicate herself full-time to managing the diffused hotel Walser House.
Every summer we live among these mountains and our purpose is to share with you the experiences that make this place unique. We want to help you discover what it truly means to "unplug": here, among the stone houses and the sound of the streams, we have learned the true meaning of living "slow."
We look forward to welcoming you to Val Mastallone to show you our idea of home.