Villa Elena
Bergamo, Italy
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Not far from the Città Alta, in an exclusive hillside setting, Villa Elena is one of the most sumptuous residences in the Bergamo hills. A panoramic garden-terrace where, in fine weather, you can start your meal, a medieval tower and a 16th-century main building, in the inner rooms, amidst stuccoes, mirrors, marble and frescoes, Marco Galtarossa's cuisine - developed in collaboration with Italy's most starred chef, Enrico Bartolini - is perfectly suited to such a sumptuous atmosphere. Often highly technical and elaborate dishes, sometimes split into several courses and combined with a skilful use of aromatic herbs, make this restaurant a must-visit address for memorable meals and the most important occasions. If the purple shrimp, served with a combination of medlar and elderflower, is an extraordinary appetiser, at the end of the meal the inspector suggests tasting walnuts and jasmine tea: a dessert that is a splendid variation on the theme of dried fruit.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Villa Elena in Bergamo:
1. Dining in a Renaissance Villa with Artistic Frescoes
Villa Elena is housed in an elegant Renaissance villa with a medieval tower, featuring richly frescoed dining rooms painted in the 19th century. This setting creates an intimate dining experience akin to being in a museum, where guests can immerse themselves in history and art while enjoying their meal.
2. A Small, Exclusive Dining Experience with Only Seven Tables
The restaurant maintains an intimate atmosphere by hosting just seven tables across three rooms, including two private rooms with fireplaces. This exclusivity allows for personalized service and a close connection between guests and the culinary team.
3. Culinary Creativity Rooted in Local and Seasonal Ingredients
Chef Marco Galtarossa emphasizes the use of local Bergamo ingredients, such as fruits from nearby gardens, valley cheeses, and meats, interpreted with modern techniques. Signature dishes showcase technical mastery and flavor balance, like the grilled duck served with liver ravioli and duck-thigh crespella. The kitchen also highlights vibrant vegetables, wild herbs, and seasonal mushrooms, reflecting a deep connection to the surrounding natural environment.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Villa Elena in Bergamo include:
Local seasonal vegetables and wild herbs: The cuisine at Villa Elena places the plant world at its heart, often celebrating vegetables as the absolute protagonist. Wild herbs proliferating in nature are also a key element, used to enhance freshness and complexity in dishes.
Roots and tubers: Fresh crops of roots and tubers are prominently featured, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on local, seasonal produce and quick cooking methods that preserve flavor intensity.
Agrumi (citrus fruits): Citrus fruits are used to bring brightness and aromatic freshness to dishes, sometimes combined with Asian influences like yuzu to create unique flavor profiles.
Purple shrimp: Highlighted as an extraordinary ingredient in a signature appetizer paired with medlar and elderflower, showcasing the restaurant’s refined approach to seafood.
Spices such as cloves and nutmeg: These spices are pillars in many Italian sauces at Villa Elena, adding depth and warmth to the cuisine while connecting traditional Italian flavors with global influences.
These ingredients are carefully selected from small local producers, emphasizing seasonality and harmony with nature’s cycles. The dishes often use quick cooking methods like embers and marinades to preserve purity and intensity of flavors, with a strong aesthetic focus that reflects the elegance of Villa Elena itself.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Villa Elena (8 courses): €250
- Enrico Bartolini (10 courses): €320
A La Carte
- Blue Lobster: €95
- Risotto alla Tartufata: €45