A Trattoria La Madia, in the small village of Brione, was elected the best restaurant in Italy by the new guide from Gambero Rosso magazine, launched this Monday, the 20th.
Located in the province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region, the restaurant is run by chef Michele Valotti. The restaurant has become known for its signature work, which the curators describe as "pure avant-garde and research."
The village of Brione has fewer than a thousand inhabitants. Even so, the restaurant offers set menus with seven or ten courses, at 60 and 70 euros, respectively—around R$376 and R$438. The menus use fresh, local ingredients, with a strong presence of natural fermentation.
In addition to the main award, the guide recognized other categories. Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana), Enrico Crippa (Piazza Duomo) and Niko Romito (Reale) were elected the best chefs in the country.
"We've created a big family. I advise everyone to continue traveling with curiosity to express their own cuisine," said Bottura, Italy's most internationally recognized chef.
Clara Restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, was named the best Italian restaurant abroad. It received the highest rating from Gambero Rosso, with the "three tricolor forks," equivalent to three Michelin stars.
This is the 36th edition of the guide, organized by Valentina Marino and Annalisa Zordan. 2,6 addresses were analyzed, selected by 100 experts.
Other highlights include Da Lucio restaurant in Rimini, which had the best tasting menu, and Arso restaurant in Terni, which was named the newcomer of the year. Clizia Zuin of Atto di Vito Mollica in Florence was named the country's best sommelier.
