Dal Pescatore In Mantova

We went to Il Pescatore yesterday for Easter, the second time. The menu was excellent, the same as last year. The private dining room was beautiful, overlooking the garden, and the ambiance was modern and colorful. The price on the menu for all guests was a bit tacky, and the service we received, which as regulars we expected to be different, was disappointing. We received a €20 discount on the €3,120 menu.

A short story, rather than a review, would be more appropriate to fully convey the experience at this restaurant monument. Indeed, we are dealing with one of the few families—not individuals, but families—who have written the rules of this profession. All this allure leads you to approach us with such respect and curiosity, but also with truly high expectations. Let's clear up any doubts right away: the day was stratospheric. From every perspective. The dishes we savored will certainly be remembered forever, but how could we ever forget the precious time spent talking with Antonio Santini, who honored us with several minutes at the table? For those like me and my friend who love restaurants, it's a bit like a football fan juggling with Maradona. Priceless. The conversation about pumpkin tortelli was memorable, when my companion asked for a sweeter version. With great elegance, the owner explained that the customer shouldn't be a guinea pig in an experiment, but rather recounted the historical evolution of the dish in his family. Then came the masterstroke: from the kitchen came a historic tomato variation, served alongside a classic tortello. The dish was offered. Moving. The service was superb, among the best I've ever seen. The entire staff was commendable, and sommelier Alberto Santin was excellent, recommending a Barbaresco Martinenga 2020 from Marchesi di Grésy, versatile and perfect for the entire meal. I started with the Petit Gris Chiocciole della Pianura with a herb and sweet garlic sauce: elegance, balance, and an irresistible light gratin. Then came the traditional Pumpkin Tortelli with Butter and Parmigiano Reggiano, with amaretti biscuits and mustard. Here, the aim is not to tone down the contrasts, but to enhance them: sweet, savory, and spicy coexist in perfect harmony. Only for the best. For my second course, I chose grilled eel with radicchio from the garden: a dish that speaks to the family's history. The owner summed it up perfectly with one word: ESSENTIALITY. The noble fat of the fish was the star, balanced by the sweet and sour radicchio. Exciting. I finished with the saddle of venison with Cabernet and blueberries, incredibly tender, accompanied by excellent vegetables, especially baby carrots. The final small pastry was followed by a Marsala zabaglione, offered by the owner. We concluded with a 2020 Beerenauslese Cuvée from Kracher, made from botrytized grapes. Thus ended our wonderful experience at Santini's Dal Pescatore. A day that will remain etched in our memories.

It was a unique experience, a welcome beyond compare, and something sublime. I'm so grateful to all the staff who made us feel at home. Thank you so much ❤️

Very refined atmosphere, very competent, kind, and helpful wait staff, an excellent culinary experience. Definitely worth repeating and highly recommended...

My husband, Giancarlo, and I had a wonderful time at this restaurant. Excellent quality food Beautifully presented food Abundant food Right prices Welcoming atmosphere But above all, it's Cristina, with her kindness, spontaneity, and cheerfulness that makes this place special. When we return to the area, we'll definitely stop at Il Pescatore. Highly recommended

Stunning location, top-notch service. Cuisine with superb ingredients, expertly prepared. 3 Michelin stars, well-deserved.

At the Dal Pescatore restaurant in Canneto sull'Oglio, the experience reaches a level of rare excellence. The elegant yet unostentatious setting welcomes with discretion and refinement; every element is tastefully calibrated, from the table setting to the decorative details. The tasting menu offers a culinary journey that expertly combines tradition and innovation: each dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, executed with impeccable technique and presented with understated elegance. Noteworthy are the freshness of the seafood and the creative pairing of local ingredients, transforming each course into a sensory discovery. The service is equally worthy of praise: attentive, discreet, and punctual, anticipating your needs without ever being intrusive, completing an experience that would be an understatement to simply call "tasty." A restaurant that confirms its reputation and deserves every accolade, capable of leaving an indelible impression. L. C.

Very happy everything very nice thank you

Love💗Warm🌟Delicious👍🏻Wanderful🇮🇹 Merci beaucoup 🙏🏻

Professionalism, commitment, courtesy, location, and stellar cuisine are the ingredients for a fantastic restaurant. Well done!