Since May, lovers of Italy, its tasty food and the dolce vita have been able to find something to suit them at Junglinster. Created by Liette and Patrick Pianon, natives of the canton and founders of the Aura Group, the Va Sano establishment immerses you in the atmosphere of Italian villages as soon as you step through the door, thanks to an original concept.
With its Roman tiled roofs covered in vegetation, illuminated with lanterns and guinguette garlands, and its avenue of cypress and olive trees, the décor designed by Claudia Stagnitto recreates the spirit of the village squares that we love to discover on a trip to Italy's Botte region. As soon as you enter the piazza, you'll find a Bottega (grocery shop) and an Enoteca (wine shop) where you can stock up on fine products. A number of tables provide a bistro-style setting for enjoying dishes ordered at the counter, while a particularly comfortable lounge area offers the chance to enjoy a coffee or a fine wine in complete relaxation.
At the end of the alleyway, the restaurant lining the piazza, with its chic furnishings and veranda bathed in natural light, invites you to settle down and discover the dishes concocted by the chef. Symbols of Italy, such as a Vespa, are subtly scattered around to reinforce the immersion.
The restaurant and piazza can be adapted to host events, while the veranda can be made private for a special occasion. In winter, the veranda is transformed into a chalet, ideal for enjoying a raclette or fondue!
In the restaurant, Italian cuisine with a touch of fusion
On the plate, the chef also puts Italy in the spotlight. While the menu is full of authentic recipes such as spaghetti carbonara without guanciale cream, it also features specialities from Piedmont, including polenta. Creamy and generous, served with rabbit stew, vegetables or cold meats, it's perfect for sharing with friends in the evening.
As a starter, let yourself be tempted by the chef's 48-hour gravlax salmon. With its yuzu gel, lemongrass, ginger vinaigrette and Sichuan cream, this dish offers a breath of fresh air to awaken the taste buds. The raviolacci al crostacei, with its stuffing of scampi, prawns, white fish and ricotta, accompanied by lobster bisque, cherry tomatoes, basil, white wine and vegetable salpicon, literally melts in your mouth. To finish on a sweet note, the fine pear tart and its Williams pear sorbet will make your heart skip a beat.
There's only one step from Italy to the rising sun, and the chef's fusion cuisine takes you on a culinary journey. The tagliata of duck breast marinated in Teriyaki and grapefruit juice, passion fruit sauce, potato and pear pappardelle is a perfect example. A blend of flavours to delight the taste buds!
On the piazza side, pinsas and tastings on the spot or to take away
If you're in a hurry, there's something for everyone at the Bottega counter in the piazza, where you can enjoy a platter of cold meats and cheeses, accompanied by a Limoncello Spritz or an alcoholic iced tea. They are free to take away the fresh dishes of the day or a pinsa for lunch. The pinsa bianca semplice, topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, basil and olive oil, is a real treat!
For those who want to extend the pleasure at home or offer a basket of delights from the boot, the delicatessen is packed with specialities to make a meal or bring a touch of Italy home: pasta, sauces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cold meats and cheeses, as well as sweet treats, aperitifs and drinks. And don't forget the wide range of wines in the wine library!
Va Sano opening times :
Monday to Friday - 10am to 10pm
Saturday - 5pm to 10pm
Closed on Sundays and public holidays
Fast food menu available from 11am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Restaurant opening times:
Monday to Thursday - 12:00 to 14:00 / 18:30 to 21:30
Friday - 12 noon to 2pm / 6pm to 10pm
Saturday - 6pm to 10pm
Italian restaurant, delicatessen, wine shop, Junglinster
Restaurant capacity: 120 covers in the dining room, 60 on the terrace.
Event capacity: places for cocktails and places for seated meals. 120-150