Locanda Mariella In Calestano

Mariella and Guido are two passionate hosts, two aesthetes of taste: of good wine, of real food, and even of art. Here, only tasting menus are offered, which you can choose in advance when booking, thus reducing waste and consumption: a beautiful philosophy. What you do here can become special; if you know how to trust them, the exchange will be fascinating. I have a memory of this place that will become indelible, an indissoluble memory. Thanks to these precious exchanges of travel stories, conversations full of the history of producers, wines, and restaurants. Of past lives and new generations. Increasingly rare comparisons, to be jealously guarded. Mariella is an inexorable well of wisdom. We will return.

A restaurant distinguished by its originality and character. A handful of tables and tastefully selected background music create an intimate and unique atmosphere. The menu, chosen at the time of booking, is a harmonious sequence of dishes crafted with precision, where the extraordinary quality of the ingredients is evident with naturalness and authenticity. No gimmicks, just authentic cuisine, meticulously crafted down to the last detail. The two owners are the beating heart of the restaurant. With overwhelming passion, they welcome guests, sharing stories about the dishes, the wines, and the winemakers that make the drinking experience truly unique. Each wine offered accurately and characterfully reflects its origins, expressing its identity. A place where every choice is thoughtful. A restaurant with a soul that is felt as soon as you step inside. A meal that lingers in your memory, thanks to its atmosphere, flavors, and humanity.

They always make an impression without seeming to try hard. It's talent.

The food is excellent, with very high quality and a refined, carefully prepared cuisine that's not overdone. There are 12-13 seats and reservations are required. I should add that it's quite difficult to book on weekends, even months in advance. It's much easier on weekdays.

As always, a wonderful experience. It's a place that immediately exudes peace: a few tables (maximum 15 seats), soft music, and Mariella and Guido, passionately yet discreetly, share their love for raw materials and wine, creating an atmosphere you'll never want to leave. Taking advantage of the season, we chose the Fragno black truffle menu; the other options, which must be booked a week in advance, were seafood, traditional, and regional. Before starting our journey, a series of small "gifts" arrive: bread and oil, 35-month Parmigiano Reggiano, a salami that truly tastes like salami, and an extraordinary focaccia with an irresistible mortadella. These are followed by three dishes that are true masterpieces of raw materials and pairings: a poached egg with sweet gorgonzola, a cream of pumpkin and truffle, truly moving; tagliolini made with 40 egg yolks and butter and truffle, a perfect example of simplicity brought to excellence; Beef sirloin with Vin Jaune and truffle sauce, perfectly cooked and with an incredible texture, the sauce—with the distinctive curry flavor typical of this Jura wine—pairs perfectly with the dish. To finish, a nice selection of cheeses, from Italy to France, and carefully selected desserts, delicious and never boring. To pair, Guido suggested an excellent sparkling rosé from a small winery in Valcamonica, which paired perfectly with the entire menu. You leave feeling a mixture of happiness and nostalgia, because you already want to come back. Thank you.

Worth a try, apart from the initial difficulty of booking in advance by email and deciding on the menu... the experience is unforgettable, try everything and ask for advice on the wines.