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September 8, 2025
OSHKOSH – Unlike actual truffle pigs, Fox Valley residents no longer have to hunt for authentic Italian cuisine anymore, with the Truffle Pig restaurant now open in Oshkosh’s historic Northwestern building.
Executive Chef Cristiano Bassani said the recently renovated, nearly century-old building – located at 224 State St. – provides an exquisite setting for the city’s newest fine-dining experience.
The Business News first shared Truffle Pig’s story in its July 14 issue, where Bassani said “I spent 30 years in Chicago, and I don’t even think the City of Chicago has a restaurant like this.”
Before opening the restaurant, Bassani said he anticipated challenges in assembling and training his back- and front-of-house staff, but feels lucky to have successfully navigated them
“Lucky is a good way to describe it,” he said. “They’re all willing to learn [and] want to learn. They love to be coached, and I’m so happy with my kitchen staff right now that it’s unbelievable.”
After receiving “only very good comments” from Truffle Pig’s grand opening weekend, Bassani said he credits not only his staff’s service, but the exceptional food they create.
Truffle Pig’s General Manager, Riccardo Lupi, echoed Bassani’s comments – adding that the restaurant’s staff has eagerly stepped up to offer the elevated dining experience Oshkosh had been missing.
“They’re excited, because they know they can do something different for the community,” he said. “They can provide a different service experience. The setting is beautiful and the food is all new, so we’re really happy to be part of this project.”
Similar to Bassani’s culinary pedigree, Lupi said prior to relocating to Oshkosh, he worked in fine dining across the country.
“I’ve been in the states for 25 years – 16 of those [I spent] in Miami Beach, Florida, at a very high-end Italian restaurant,” he said. “Most recently, before I came to Oshkosh, I was in Washington, D.C., for six years, and I ran Cafe Milano, which is one of the most popular Italian restaurants [in the city].”
When asked what inspired him to move on from city life and relocate to Oshkosh, Lupi said it was the Truffle Pig’s appeal.
“I was very curious and also doubtful at the same time, because I had never been to Wisconsin before,” he said. “The fact they were looking for an authentic Italian concept with Italian people running it really appealed to me.”
Though it was a little “out of [his] comfort zone” at the time, Lupi said he’s also come to appreciate the City of Oshkosh.
“When you want to grow, you have to challenge [yourself] a little bit,” he said.
For more information on Truffle Pig, its menu, service hours or to make a reservation, visit trufflepigwi.com.
