Casa Villa - Varen

We stopped off in the village of Leuk for a memorable lunch at this little restaurant. Michel Villa, the owner and chef, welcomed us warmly and personally. I asked for a 'petit chanson', knowing his previous career, and he delighted us with a solo rendition of a Vallais song. Our meal was simple: a salad that included chicory,tuna and sweetcorn; and then spaghetti with a choice - but you were encouraged to have a little of all - of toppings including carbonara and bolognese. The parmasan was liberally sprinkled. Sweet was a small dessert of tasty egg cream with chocolate. The bill by Swiss standards was modest. I would go again, any time. Michel sells his place as Spaghettaria.

I'm used to drive 4-5 hours from Geneva to Locarno, and this is one of my "secret" stops. Tasty seasonal offers and nice service, particularly when the owners are around! The inside is...unexpectedly surprising for a village like Leuk!

The historical "Café Billiard" in the heart old city of Leuk, Valais, has been transformed some yearrs ago into a spaghetteria designed by creative artists - a nice place to be, indeed. The keeper is Michel Villa, a former TV entertainer and singer. Home-made pasta "graffiti" is excellent, as well as the buffet of fresh salads. The menu, which takes into account the seasons, is a mix of Italian (Tuscany) inspiration and of local products. Children eat free of charge on Sunday!