Now, I seldom use the word "best" to describe food because I feel it's a special word that inevitably builds up expectations and should be used with outmost respect and caution. So if I tell you that I had my best pesto ever in Italy, you probably should listen up and take notes.
Ristorante Porto di Savona, recommended by the Chowhounders and NYTimes, was the culprit made pesto a thing of the past. I don't think I could ever taste something as simple and yet as unforgettable as its pesto tagiatelle.
The pesto pasta was plated in a mound onto a big plate with no frills at all. It had a dull green hue that really didn't look too appetizing. It was glossy from the olive oil and that contributed to a thick mouthfeel. I found the pesto to be blended using good amounts of pinenuts that weren't too finely grounded so there was some texture, and good amounts of parmesan cheese to lend a smokey savoury hint. There were moments I thought the cheese was a little overpowering, but not before the basil came sneaking up and the game continued. I guess it boiled down to 'balance' and the dish was an epitome of that. The first bite rendered me speechless and the last bite took forever because I wanted it to last.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, I also had the best tiramisu as well, at this restaurant. OMG, the cheese layers were thick and creamy but not cloying. I could tell it was 100% mascarpone and not any bastardized versions that uses whipped cream and/or add eggs. The sponge layer had sufficient "wetness" that didn't threaten to disintegrate, and contains hints of alcohol and coffee. The first bite rendered me speechless, AGAIN!
Not surprisingly, we tried to have dinner the first night without a reservation and was turned away because there was no spots available, despite my initial assumption that the empty-ish restaurant should be available. I learnt that Italians eat rather late too, as I was there at about 8pm and the restaurant empty sans a couple of tables. So I made a reservation on the spot for the next day. If you are ever in Turino, don't go and order the pesto. Because life will never be the same again after that.
Ristorante Porto di Savona
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 2
10123 Torino, Italy
Tel: 011 8173500
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