Review > Matteo Grandi (18/20 points) amazing view excellent food

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This sparely furnished restaurant, named after the chef whose stature matches his name, is situated at ground level in a classic building in the centre of Vicenza. It faces on to the famous Piazza dei Signori and from your table you have a view across the Piazza to the Renaissance-style Basilica by the famous Italian architect Andrea della Gondola (1508-1580) who soon changed his name to Palladio. He is probably the reason for your visit to this lovely city.

As you enter the restaurant you are welcomed by Elena Lanza and pass the kitchen where you may catch a wave from Matteo. The service is impeccable, with a constantly changing menu depending on what is in season.

The dining room is sparse which focuses your attention on the food and the view of the Basilica,

AMBIANCE >

Perched on the first floor of Vicenza’s iconic Basilica Palladiana, Matteo Grandi’s eponymous restaurant offers a masterclass in contemporary Italian cuisine against a backdrop of Renaissance splendour. The elegant sparse dining room, with its sweeping views of the historic Piazza dei Signori, provides a fitting stage for Grandi’s culinary artistry.

The restaurant offers three tasting menu options of varying lengths (3, 5, or 8 courses), priced from €120 to €170. Each meal begins with chef’s welcome sequences, setting the tone for what follows. The kitchen demonstrates remarkable precision in execution, with Grandi’s time in China lending subtle Asian influences to traditionally Italian foundations.

EAT >

Standout dishes showcase both technical excellence and creative flair. The tandoori lobster with chili and lemongrass broth exemplifies Grandi’s ability to merge Italian sensibilities with Asian aromatics. The pumpkin gnocchi served with mushroom broth and white truffle speaks to his mastery of classic techniques, while dishes like the pigeon with plum, wasabi, and truffle demonstrate his innovative approach.

DRINK >

Under the expert guidance of sommelier Raffaele Mor, the wine at Matteo Grandi in Basilica represents a thoughtful marriage of tradition and innovation. Mor, who began his career as a chef before following his passion for wine, now oversees an impressive cellar that emerged from the merger of two distinguished collections.

Those two collections follow two distinct yet complementary paths. The first showcases an extensive selection of traditional prestigious labels, while the second presents an intriguing collection of ‘natural’ wines. The cellar boasts a particularly strong French presence, with notable depth in Burgundy and Loire Valley selections. This is complemented by carefully chosen bottles from Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and various Italian regions.

Pairing Philosophy

Mor’s approach to wine service emphasizes what he calls ‘clean wines’ – those that maintain their integrity throughout their journey from vineyard to glass. These wines are often presented as course-by-course pairings that thoughtfully complement Grandi’s culinary vision.

CONCLUSION >

Before opening Matteo Grandi in Basilica in Vicenza, he was the chef at Degusto in San Bonifacio. When he moved to Vicenza in September 2020, he relocated his entire operation – including staff, furnishings, and know-how – from San Bonifacio to the Garibaldi restaurant in Vicenza’s historic center.

Interestingly, while Degusto in San Bonifacio still exists, it has transformed from its fine-dining roots into what Grandi describes as “an important osteria in the Verona and Vicenza area,” focusing on quality traditional dishes like boiled meats and Pearà.
The move to Vicenza proved successful, as Grandi managed to retain his Michelin star despite the relocation. The new establishment operates on two levels, with the Gran Caffé Garibaldi bistro on the ground floor and his fine-dining restaurant “Matteo Grandi in Basilica” on the first floor.

Having retained his Michelin star following the move from San Bonifacio, Grandi has created something special in this historic setting. The restaurant successfully balances innovation with respect for ingredients, offering a dining experience that’s both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying.