I Bologna in Rocchetta Tanaro where the Mama who is the Pasta Chef is so wonderful she was put on the front cover or Japanese GQ Magazine. Part of the charm of I Bologna is its wine cellar, where you go to chose your bottle with Papa who is the also Maitre d’.  Price €50p/h + Wine. Cash only.

Trattoria del Pozzo, in nearby Cortiglione Tel 0141 765 201, closed Sunday Evenings. I had my 40th Birthday Party here with 20 friends. This family run restaurant doesn’t bother printing a menu. The wonderful dishes of the day just arrive at the table, and then more arrive, and then more. All at very reasonable prices between £23-45 p/h inc Wine. Typically for Italy, this restaurant doesn’t have a website.

Il Churasco – Pizzeria in neighbouring Belveglio Tel 0141 955 942. Closed Tuesdays. We recommend the Onion and Gorgonzola Pizza – yum! They also do Kid’s special pizzas, shaped like a bear’s face.

El Argentino – Surprisingly an Argentinian restaurant is located 5 minutes drive away that specialises in wonderful grilled meats and excellent selection of south American starters. The ambiance is excellent, service warm and convivial and in summer enjoys wonderful panoramic views from its exterior terrace.

Tra La Terre e Il Cielo – excellent restaurant, very reasonably priced food and wine list, set in the restored castle with a contemporary twist, Moasca about 15 mins drive away. Open Thurs-Saturdays. Make sure you have coffee on the ramparts and take in the panoramic views, after a delightful meal inside the castle proper. Tel 0141-18 00 739