Il Desco
Verona, Italy
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
For more than 40 years, this refined, elegant restaurant housed in a Renaissance-style palazzo in the heart of Verona and embellished with beautiful works of art has been the city’s “drawing room”, making it the perfect choice for a special occasion. The menu showcases renowned classic recipes created by talented chef Elia Rizzo, who has now been replaced by son Matteo in the kitchen. Most of the dishes are created by Matteo and have a light, fresh flavour (the scallops in a Mediterranean tandoori masala are superb), although there are also many of his father’s signature dishes on the menu, such as the memorable butter and mascarpone mousse served with bread at the beginning of the meal. The interesting “Capitolo 4” tasting menu explores traditional, regional flavours and includes some of the restaurant’s iconic dishes spanning the period from when it opened in 1982 to the current day.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
A 40-Year Michelin-Starred Legacy Revolutionizing Veronese Cuisine
Il Desco has maintained its Michelin star since 1985, making it a rare and enduring icon in Verona’s dining scene. Founded in 1981 by Elia Rizzo, the restaurant transformed simple, hearty local fare into bold, refined haute cuisine, effectively launching a culinary revolution in the region.A Blend of Tradition and Global Influences Led by a Family Legacy
The restaurant combines traditional Veronese flavors with global culinary experiences brought by Elia’s son Matteo, who infuses each dish with his travels and passions while respecting the family’s heritage. This dynamic blend keeps the menu innovative yet deeply rooted in local culture.Sophisticated Yet Inviting Atmosphere with an Extensive Curated Wine Cellar
Il Desco offers a unique dining environment that balances elegance and warmth, featuring plush leather armchairs and sleek glass tables. Its wine cellar, curated by expert sommeliers, boasts an impressive selection of local and international wines, ensuring perfect pairings for every dish and enhancing the overall gastronomic experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Desco in Verona include:
Amarone wine: Used notably in the signature dish Risotto all’Amarone, this rich, full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region imparts deep, complex flavors to the creamy risotto, reflecting Verona’s terroir and culinary heritage.
Foie gras: Featured in dishes such as fresh foie gras with pears and braised beef cheek with foie gras, foie gras adds luxurious richness and a delicate texture, elevating traditional local ingredients to haute cuisine.
Scampi: Served raw with lime sorbet, scampi showcases the restaurant’s skill in balancing fresh seafood with bright, refreshing accompaniments, highlighting both local produce and innovative flavor pairings.
Pistachio: Used in the pistachio mashed potatoes accompanying scallops, pistachio provides a nutty, creamy contrast that complements the seafood and adds a refined touch to the dish.
Local aged cheeses (e.g., Monte Veronese d’Allevo): Integral to dishes like risotto, these cheeses contribute depth and a regional identity to the flavors, emphasizing Il Desco’s commitment to Veronese tradition.
These ingredients are carefully combined with a philosophy of simplicity and balance, typically featuring no more than three main components per dish to maintain clarity and allow each flavor to shine. The menu reflects a blend of Verona’s culinary roots with global influences, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and surprising.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Tasting Menu: 8 courses, €250 (lunch), €300 (dinner)
- Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing: 8 courses + wine pairing, €350 (lunch), €400 (dinner)
A La Carte
- Blue Lobster: €95
- Risotto alla Tartufata: €60