Paolo Griffa al Caffè Nazionale

This historic, centrally located restaurant overlooking the main square in Aosta has been brought back to life by enthusiastic young chef Paolo Griffa, who offers a choice of tasting menus and an à la carte here. His cuisine is colourful, balanced and contemporary in style, with particular attention paid to harmonious flavours and beautiful presentation, in which he demonstrates his growing ability to work with vegetables, as the ever-present vegetarian dishes testify. Attentive service and an extensive selection of wines complete the picture. As the name suggests, the restaurant also includes an excellent café which serves superb cakes and pastries, making this a good choice of venue for any time of day, from breakfast through to evening aperitifs.

What makes it distinctive

• A multi-space project in the city’s central square, combining Michelin-starred dining with a serious café and pastry program.
• A restored historic setting with a contemporary, technology-forward kitchen behind the scenes.
• Tasting menus designed around colour, balance, and modern interpretations of regional products.

Signature Ingredients

• Seasonal vegetables
• Alpine herbs
• Coffee and pastry elements (croissants, viennoiserie, desserts)

Menu overview

Contemporary Italian cooking with a high-colour, high-precision style, served inside Aosta’s historic Caffè Nazionale, with the café and pastry side running alongside the fine-dining room.

Menu format

• Multiple tasting routes, typically structured as 3, 5, or 7 courses.
• A vegetable-aware approach alongside regional products, with careful plating and strong wine support.

Extra to know

• The venue operates as more than a dining room, with pastry, tea service, and cocktails also central to the project.