Le Calandre is a three-star Michelin restaurant located in the Italian village of Sarmeola di Rubano, just outside of Padua. It’s a family restaurant, dating back to 1981, founded by the Alajmo’s. Today, the restaurant is the helm of renowned Chef Massimiliano Alajmo (Max) and Alajmo Group CEO, Raffaele Alajmo (Raf). As the youngest chef to lead a Michelin three-star kitchen, Chef Max has redefined excellence at an unprecedented age. He was only 28 years old at the time of Le Calandre being awarded their third star. Further accolades include Le Calandre currently holding the number 31 position on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and Chef Max having been awarded ‘Three Knives’ in the 2025 edition of The Best Chef (the highest possible rating signifying top tier mastery and creativity).

Le Calandre offers three tasting menus as well as a choice between three, four or five courses from the various menus. The ‘Classic’ tasting menu showcases signature dishes throughout the years, while the ‘Max’ and the ‘Raf’ feature ever-evolving seasonal creations. Signature dishes include the Murrina Capuccino; a colourful work of art that comforts with every delectable bite. Cream of potato and chive forms the base for a marine duet of cuttlefish and sea urchin, finished with blank ink, vivid beetroot and forest-green spirulina. Further classic dishes include the Risotto Passi d’Oro featuring phenomenally prepared risotto with saffron and bold black liquorice notes (Chef Max, is after all, the King of Risotto). Vibrazioni di Nudo e Crudo is one of the latest additions to the menu. The ‘Vibrations of the Stark-Naked Truth’, served alongside a pair of earphones, is more than a course; it’s a playful sensory experience where texture and flavour converge in a symphony of crisp intensity. Personal favourites include the Risotto with Parmigiano – a scrumptiously indulgent dish perfectly balanced with umami balsamic vinegar – simply superb! Le Calandre offers an exquisite range of wines. The collection on offer is continuously curated to highlight diverse producers and terroirs from around the world.

Le Calandre exudes sophistication showcasing a minimalist dining room with refined bursts of colour. Soft lighting accentuates the beautiful wood-sculpted tables and hand-blown glassware, personally designed by the Alajmo brothers and crafted in close collaboration with Italian artisans. In the absence of panoramic scenery, Le Calandre’s mastery lies in its fundamentals: exquisite dishes and flawless hospitality. This core offering is what keeps guests returning time and again.

You can find more information about Le Calandre here.