Le Calandre Hotel

Chef Alajmo gives Italian classics a fresh spin. The creative presentation, attentive service, and elegant setting made for a memorable meal. Thank you!

The wine list is impressive, and the upscale setting feels thoughtfully put together. The chef came out a few times to check on guests. I had the classical menu, and the first five courses were perfect. The Napul'e Per Alfonso Mattozzi was my favorite of the night, like an entire pizza inside a ball. The famous Risotto was interesting, with a nice sweet aftertaste. I liked the fruit trios best among the desserts. I enjoyed the two meat dishes less, though they were expertly prepared. I’d definitely return to try the other menus.

I’ve been twice, first for the Classic menu and then for the five-course option. Both meals were mind-blowing. The skill behind each dish really brings out the ingredients, and the prices feel well matched to that. I’ll be back. Grazie!

I came for lunch, when the restaurant was practically empty. Apparently dinner reservations are hard to get. The service was attentive in the way you’d expect at a Michelin-starred restaurant. I didn’t order wine pairings, so I can’t comment on those. There are three tasting menus, and I chose the classic, with all the signature dishes. It was a spectacular meal, though there was actually too much food and I was overstuffed by the end. The bone marrow looked exciting, but tasted far too fatty, without enough acidity to cut through it. The spring “salad” started things off with fresh, light flavors and a surprising sweetness. The Murano cappuccino looked like art and tasted rich. Its colors came from seaweed and beet extract over cuttlefish and potato soup, with squid ink accenting the dish. The pizza tribute had an excellent sauce and delicate dough, with a nice surprise when I cracked open the ball and found cheese inside. The fish liver pasta tasted fresh and of the sea. Its al dente bite against the tender squid was an interesting contrast. I chose the almond mozzarella, which tasted like mozzarella ice cream. It was a fantastic meal, with Italian food that felt both authentic and inventive. This is one of Italy’s oldest restaurants with three Michelin stars, and it’s well deserved. Worth the money.