Matteo Grandi in Basilica
Vicenza, Italy
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Situated on the first floor of a beautiful building facing the Renaissance-style Basilica Palladiana, this restaurant run by Matteo Grandi and Elena Lanza boasts an elegant, contemporary-style dining room with windows offering views of the piazza. Chef Matteo now offers a new surprise menu, where guests simply decide on the number of courses they want (usually three, five or eight) and he does the rest, creating delicious cuisine prepared from the best ingredients available in the market that day – which means, of course, that the dishes can change daily. What remains unchanged, however, is his expertise and his intention to serve ingredients without adding unnecessary frills, just the occasional Asian twist thanks to his previous experience working in China. Elena continues to welcome guests and oversee the front of house, assisted by the sommelier and an impressive wine list. The bread here is also excellent.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Matteo Grandi in Basilica, Vicenza, highlighted by their titles:
1. "Surprise Menu with Market-Fresh Ingredients"
Chef Matteo Grandi offers a unique dining experience where guests choose the number of courses (usually three, five, or eight), and the chef creates the menu on the spot based on the best ingredients available that day. This means the dishes can change daily, emphasizing freshness and creativity without unnecessary frills, occasionally infused with subtle Asian influences from his experience in China.
2. "Focused Light Design Enhancing the Dining Experience"
The restaurant features a customized lighting system designed by OLEV, where spotlights are focused specifically on the tables to illuminate only the dishes. This creates a soft, intimate atmosphere that allows diners to also admire the stunning view of the Basilica Palladiana outside the window without disturbance from other guests.
3. "Culinary Philosophy Combining Asian and French Influences with Italian Tradition"
Matteo Grandi's cuisine is an innovative blend of Asian and French culinary techniques applied to traditional Italian dishes. This fusion approach, combined with a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance overlooking the Palladian palace, elevates the dining experience into a memorable occasion that reflects both local heritage and international influences.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at Matteo Grandi in Basilica, Vicenza, reflect a blend of Italian tradition with Asian influences, showcasing both local and international elements. Key ingredients include:
Tandoori Lobster: Used in a signature dish with chili and lemongrass broth, this ingredient highlights Matteo Grandi’s skill in merging Italian culinary sensibilities with bold Asian aromatics, creating a unique flavor profile that stands out for its innovation and technical excellence.
Pumpkin: Featured in pumpkin gnocchi served with mushroom broth and white truffle, pumpkin represents the restaurant’s mastery of classic Italian techniques while incorporating seasonal and earthy flavors that emphasize the quality of raw materials.
White Truffle: Paired with pumpkin gnocchi and also appearing in dishes like pigeon with plum and wasabi, white truffle adds luxury and depth, underscoring the restaurant’s commitment to high-quality, refined ingredients that elevate traditional dishes.
Pigeon: Used in an inventive dish combined with plum, wasabi, and truffle, pigeon exemplifies the innovative approach Matteo Grandi applies to classic Italian ingredients by integrating unexpected Asian elements for balanced and harmonious flavors.
Chili and Lemongrass: These Asian aromatics are key to the signature lobster dish and reflect the chef’s experience in China, bringing a subtle yet distinctive twist to the Italian base cuisine.
These ingredients are carefully balanced in dishes that emphasize proportion and harmony, with a focus on letting the raw materials shine without unnecessary embellishments, consistent with the restaurant’s philosophy of refined, innovative cuisine.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- 3 Courses: €130
- 5 Courses: €180
- 8 Courses: €200
A La Carte (not specified)
Wine Pairings
- La Libera Performance del Sommelier: on request
- The Way of Tea: €40