22/05/2025: My wife Cristina and I, knowing the Val D’Illasi, which leads to the town of Illasi, yesterday, May 20, 2025, wanted to go to Frantoio Bonamini because the oil that is also sold on the large-scale distribution market is very good. We met him at the Tosano commercial chain in Megliadino San Fidenzio, province of Padua. The daughter of the owner Bonamini, who we met, introduced herself with great professionalism in her explanations, after having welcomed us with the same, great courtesy. We were allowed to do a tasting of three different organoleptic properties of this oil (small variations of the oil they produce) and she sold us three types of quality, in bottles. After that, asking her if there was a good traditional cuisine restaurant nearby, she very kindly wanted to tell us about the restaurant “Al Donzellino” in via Donzellino n. 3. I asked if she wanted to precede me with a phone call to this place. A few meters from the oil mill company we were welcomed by Mrs. Antonia, with a cordiality, perhaps, from another era, because it no longer exists. The place is very elegant and refined. It seems like entering a private home, which it is. Very well-kept tables, with three right rooms, with a sober and not ostentatious space. The cuisine that is offered is very refined and the enthusiasm, the passion that Mrs. Antonia puts is the result of the dishes that are tasted. Excellent first courses cooked in the Italian style, just right, that is “al dente”. The variety of foods changes every day. A particular specialty is the meat, red or white, of excellent quality, as are the vegetables of excellent quality. The courses are served with the simplicity almost as if you were invited into a private home. Water 75 cl. or 1 liter, wine in bulk, if you want, seasonal “dessert”, if fruit is requested. We tasted two cups of cooked cherries macerated with their natural liquid. The price at lunch, if you want to have a complete meal, is fair: €40 per person. Then in the evening I don't know if it changes. In any case I recommend this particular restaurant during the daytime lunch because there is light, there is more time, but above all it is located in the open countryside, surrounded by thousands of olive trees. Signora Antonia, then, enriches the pleasure of the banquet with explanations of the local culture, but above all of her passion for picking vegetables that are not found and that accompany in excellent combinations with what you choose as dishes. The whole context is bucolic. It gives a sense of peace and tranquility. I highly recommend it because when you have a passion for catering the results are there, served at the tables, waiting for those who decide to reach the owner of this mansion.
Monselice, May 22, 2025
Adalberto de’ Bartolomeis
21/05/2025: A Wonderful Dining Experience at Donzellino
From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit. The atmosphere was cozy and personal – it truly felt like being at home. The food was top-class, with every dish showcasing the authentic taste of classic home cooking. You can really feel the love and pride put into every detail. We wholeheartedly recommend Donzellino to anyone who appreciates genuine, homemade meals and a heartfelt, family-style experience. A place we’ll definitely return to!
Håkan and Jóna
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