Impero

Impero in Sizzano opens with a clear promise: traditional Piedmontese flavors served with attentive, family-style hospitality. Step inside and you notice the renovated dining room and the small garden used for summer service, both offering a relaxed stage for plates that highlight rice, pasta and meats from the Novara province. Located in Sizzano, Impero positions regional cooking at the center of every meal, and the kitchen’s emphasis on seasonal sourcing and classic technique defines the dining experience from the first course to dessert. Guests seeking hearty, authentic Piedmontese fine dining will find clear, direct flavors that respect ingredient quality and local tradition. The restaurant’s heritage is visible in every detail. Impero has been managed for decades by the Naggi sisters in a building their family has owned since 1934. That continuity shapes a restaurant philosophy focused on warmth, consistency and dishes that teach guests about local foodways. The kitchen is guided by the family team rather than a single named chef, and that collective approach has produced steady positive recognition: a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for good quality and value, and Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice accolades with hundreds of reviews. Impero’s vision is straightforward: preserve Piedmontese classics, refine technique where it enhances flavor, and present generous portions paired with regional wines. The result is a dining room where authenticity and reliability matter as much as each dish’s seasoning. The culinary journey at Impero highlights specific regional preparations. Paniscia, the restaurant’s signature rice dish, arrives richly layered with local sausage, root vegetables and a savory stock cooked slowly to meld texture and taste. Fresh homemade pasta appears in rotating forms—thick ribbons or stuffed shapes—tossed with seasonal sauces that range from butter and sage in cooler months to tomato and herb reductions in summer. A distinctive service moment is the stuffed boiled chicken, presented with a trolley of sauces and chutneys so diners can tailor each bite; sauces range from concentrated pan reductions to bright vinegary condiments. Vegetables are prepared simply to emphasize freshness: crisp beans, roasted roots and braised greens rely on timing and salt to deliver clear flavor. Portions are generous and built to pair with the wine list, which favours local Piedmont labels such as nebbiolo and randi varietals from nearby producers. Technique at Impero emphasizes slow cooking and balance. Stocks reduce until savory notes dominate without becoming salty. Pasta dough is rolled thin and cut by hand, producing toothsome strands that hold their sauces. The kitchen’s approach is practical: use local butter, seasonal produce and slow-roasted meats to create depth. Seasonal menus rotate so guests visiting in spring, summer or autumn encounter different vegetables, game or preserved items, always prepared to showcase the current harvest. The culinary team also accommodates dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free options, making the restaurant accessible to varied groups while remaining true to Piedmontese identity. The atmosphere matches the food: warm, informal and personal. The interior combines recent renovations with retained character from the original 1934 structure, creating a comfortable dining room where tables sit at relaxed spacing. Lighting is practical and soft in the evenings; the garden provides an airy alternative for daytime and summer dinners. Service is family-driven and attentive, focused on explaining dishes and recommending wine pairings from the regional list. The trolley service for sauces is a memorable, hands-on flourish that reinforces Impero’s hospitality while offering guests control over flavor intensity. For practical planning, midweek dinner and early evening are good times to secure a table when local traffic is lighter. Dress is smart-casual; guests often choose comfortable attire suitable for a long, relaxed meal. Reservations are advised, especially on weekends or during summer when garden seating is in demand. The Naggi sisters accept bookings by phone; parties seeking special arrangements should call ahead to discuss menu options or dietary needs. Impero in Sizzano invites diners to taste Piedmont as it has been prepared for generations, served with the direct warmth of a family restaurant. Whether you reserve for a long lunch in the garden or for an evening of paniscia and regional wines, Impero delivers clear, ingredient-driven plates and a welcoming table. Book a table at Impero to experience reliably prepared Piedmontese cooking and regional wines in the Novara countryside.