Review
An institution of Italian gastronomy, Le Calandre holds three Michelin stars and consistently ranks among the world’s best restaurants. Despite its understated location in Padova, it is well worth the journey. Opened in 1981 by Erminio Alajmo and Rita Chimetto, the restaurant came under the direction of their sons in 1994, with Massimiliano in the kitchen and Raffaele in the dining room. In 2003, Massimiliano became the youngest chef ever to earn three Michelin stars, cementing Le Calandre’s place in culinary history.Today, the Alajmo brothers continue to refine their vision with iconic dishes such as risotto, smoked tagliolini with egg yolk, hand-chopped Piemontese beef tartare with black truffle, turbot with tarragon Béarnaise, and roasted suckling pig with chicory and coffee mustard foam—ending with a taste of six-year aged Parmigiano Reggiano. A true destination for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Italian fine dining.
Editor’s Highlights
- Saffron risotto is a must.