Osteria degli Assonica

Situated in the hills just beyond Bergamo, this smart, elegant and well-run restaurant has the Manzoni brothers (Alex and Vittorio) at the helm in the kitchen, where they create some of the most interesting cuisine in the region, while the capable Giovanna Danzo oversees the excellent service in the dining room. Creative and surprising, the dishes here are striking for their complex and original flavours, which combine vegetables with a clever use of herbs and spices without overwhelming the palate. The chargrilled veal sweetbreads (slightly crunchy on the outside and soft inside) are delicious, served with a selection of mushrooms and a fir extract that provides a hint of bitterness. There’s a strong focus on sourcing local ingredients in order to create cuisine which is both contemporary and sustainable at the same time.