Residence Tenuta Gambalonga

Leaving the provincial road and commercial zone behind, one enters the fabulous world of Le Calandre and the Alajmo family: soft lighting – achieved even by day – serves almost as a design element in the pared-back dining room, conceived by brothers Massimiliano and Raffaele, who also designed most of the porcelain used in service. The offering unfolds through three tasting menus: Classico, Max, and Raf, with the generous option to mix them freely or compose a meal as if ordering à la carte. Suspended between comforting flavors and whimsical touches, Max’s cuisine occasionally references itsel

At this restaurant, the two brothers (the owners) who work together front of house come from a family of farmers whose meat features on the menu, while two other brothers, originally from Rome but settled in the Veneto for many years, are at the helm in the kitchen. The original and colourful cuisine aims to please both the eyes and the palate, with dishes showcased on tasting menus and an à la carte – the quail served with a caponata of apricots, yucca and porcini mushroom mayonnaise was particularly memorable. Housed in the Villa Lussana, with its seven Art Nouveau-style guestrooms, the rest

“Clean”, almost naive dishes full of clear and defined flavours take centre-stage at Incàlmo, where the cuisine is distinctly unfussy with no unnecessary frills. As a result, ingredients are clearly recognisable (as is the way they are prepared), allowing guests to focus on their contrasting textures and flavours. In the chef’s view, “if one element does stand out, it’s probably the bitter flavours that we enjoy playing with,” says the chef, “while at the same time balancing this with other elements. We also prioritise the use of vegetables.”

Overlooked by a medieval tower in the main town square, this restaurant is perfect for anyone keen on classic, traditional cuisine. House specialities include dishes cooked over the barbecue grill.

Situated in a town famous for its thermal baths, this classically elegant restaurant serves meat and fish cuisine including specialities from the Veneto such as Berico ham, bigoli pasta with sardines, and veal liver with onions.

Il Baretto on the outskirts of Padova is a must for anyone who loves classic, traditional fish and seafood, thanks to its menu which includes a number of typical Venetian dishes. The top-quality fish is skilfully prepared to bring out its full flavour and distinctive characteristics, providing a real treat for the tastebuds in this inland temple to the sea.

Situated next to the three-Michelin-starred Le Calandre (and run by the same family), Il Calandrino is an elegant and eclectic restaurant which includes a bar-cum-pasticceria that is well worth visiting at any time of day. The cuisine here ranges from creative dishes such as scallops with toasted leek cream, sea urchins and cima di rapa, to classic house favourites such as Erminio’s legendary beef tartare with toasted bread and salad greens, and Rita’s pazientina (chocolate layer cake) served with zabaglione.