"Massimiliano Alajmo's saffron-and-licorice risotto has held three Michelin stars since 2003. Book it for a milestone anniversary worth the journey to Padova."
About Le Calandre
In 2003, Massimiliano Alajmo became the youngest chef ever to hold three Michelin stars, at 28, for the cooking at Le Calandre. The restaurant sits at Via Liguria 1 in Sarmeola di Rubano, about six kilometres west of Padova, and has kept all three stars in the two decades since. His parents opened the place in 1981; Massimiliano took the kitchen in 1994 and his brother Raffaele runs the front of house. It is a Relais & Châteaux address and a fixture on most lists of Italy's best tables. Browse more of the best Italian restaurants.
The Kitchen
Massimiliano Alajmo cooks for lightness and clarity rather than spectacle, chasing flavour with as little fat and weight as the dish will allow. His best-known plate is the saffron-and-licorice risotto, a tribute to his wife and her native Calabria, where a bitter dark powder cuts the richness of the rice. The black cuttlefish cappuccino is the other touchstone, layering a humble ingredient into something textured and playful. Diners choose between the Classici tasting menu, which gathers signatures from across the years, and the seasonal Max and Raf menus that change through the calendar; à la carte runs three, four or five courses. Tasting menus open at around €280 per person, with three à la carte courses near €180, so the kitchen can be reached for less than the full tasting. The wine cellar is deep and the bread, oils and small extras are made in-house. For the wider field, see our Verona dining guide and the region's other Italian kitchens.
The Room
The dining room is calm and contemporary, a low-key suburban setting that surprises guests expecting grandeur to match the rating. Tables are spaced well apart, lighting is soft, and the sound stays at a level where a couple can talk without raising their voices. Dress runs smart, though jacket-and-tie formality is not required. Service is precise and warm under Raffaele Alajmo, paced to let a long menu breathe. There are only a few dozen covers, which is part of why prime weekend tables go early. The mood favours a private occasion over a crowd.
Best for an Anniversary
Le Calandre is built for a milestone for three reasons. Three Michelin stars held since 2003 and a Relais & Châteaux room give the night occasion and weight, so the meal feels like the event it is meant to mark. The pacing of a tasting menu carries the evening, leaving room to talk rather than rush. And the quiet, well-spaced room suits a private celebration far better than a loud party, so the focus stays on the two of you. Book a few weeks ahead, mention the anniversary, and take a tasting menu with the wine pairing. For more rooms built around the moment, see our anniversary guide and our proposal picks.
Not for
Not for a quick stop or a car-free traveller: it is a multi-hour tasting in a suburb six kilometres from Padova, so a guest wanting a casual central dinner should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked
Is Le Calandre worth it?
Yes, for a milestone meal it is one of Italy's great destination tables. Le Calandre has held three Michelin stars since 2003, when Massimiliano Alajmo became the youngest chef ever to win them at 28. The cooking is precise and personal rather than showy, built on signatures such as the saffron-and-licorice risotto. For a Veneto food trip, it justifies the detour to Sarmeola di Rubano.
How much does Le Calandre cost?
Tasting menus start at around €280 per person, before wine. The à la carte route is more flexible: three courses run about €180, four around €220, five around €250. Wine pairings and the cellar add to the bill. For a three-star kitchen the à la carte option keeps a milestone dinner within reach. See our worldwide tasting-menu ranking for comparison.
Where is Le Calandre and how do I get there?
Le Calandre is at Via Liguria 1 in Sarmeola di Rubano, about six kilometres west of central Padova and roughly forty minutes from Venice by car. It sits beside the family's Maccaroni bistro and In.gredienti shop. Most diners drive or take a taxi from Padova, since the suburban setting is not walkable from the historic centre. Plan the journey around your booking time.
What should I order at Le Calandre?
Start with the saffron-and-licorice risotto, the dish that defines the kitchen, and the black cuttlefish cappuccino, which layers a humble ingredient into something playful. From there the Classici tasting menu gathers Massimiliano Alajmo's signatures across the years, while the seasonal Max and Raf menus change through the calendar. If you want the full picture, take a tasting menu and add the wine pairing.
Is Le Calandre good for an anniversary?
Yes, it is built for a milestone. Three Michelin stars and a Relais & Châteaux room give the evening occasion and weight, the pacing of the tasting menu carries the night, and the quiet, polished service suits a private celebration over a loud party. Mention the anniversary when you book. See our anniversary guide for more rooms built around the moment.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Le Calandre
Book a few weeks ahead; prime weekend tables go early.
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Practical Information
AddressVia Liguria 1, Sarmeola di Rubano 35030
NeighbourhoodSarmeola di Rubano, ~6 km W of Padova
CuisineContemporary Italian
Price€280 tasting; from €180 à la carte
MichelinThree stars (since 2003)
Dress CodeSmart
ReservationOnline / phone +39 049 630303
ClosedSunday & Monday
