Le Calandre
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Erminio Alajmo, Rita Chimetto |
| Headquarters | Sarmeola di Rubano , Italy |
Key people | Massimiliano Alajmo (head chef) |
| Products | Italian cuisine |
Le Calandre is an Italian dining establishment located in Sarmeola di Rubano, to the west of Padua.
History
Established in 1981 by Erminio Alajmo and Rita Chimetto, the restaurant achieved its initial Michelin star in 1992 with Chimetto serving as the head chef. Their son, Massimiliano Alajmo, assumed leadership in 1994 and earned a second Michelin star by December 1996, distinguishing himself as the youngest chef to hold two stars at just 22 years old.
In November 2002, Le Calandre was honored with a third Michelin star, recognized for delivering "exceptional cuisine featuring distinctive dishes, executed with precision and outstanding ingredients." At 28 years of age, Massimiliano became the youngest chef ever to attain three Michelin stars. The establishment has preserved this prestigious rating continuously since then.
Recognition
Since 2006, Le Calandre has consistently appeared on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list and was ranked 29th in Restaurant's 2017 edition. In 2016, Forbes included it among "The 16 Coolest Places To Eat."
Frequently described as "one of Italy's most innovative restaurants," it is often listed among the top two or three dining venues nationwide. Head Chef Alajmo is famously referred to as "The Mozart of the stoves" (Il Mozart dei fornelli). Renowned food critic Andy Hayler praised the restaurant as "a truly unforgettable dining experience" and "undoubtedly one of the world’s finest establishments."
In 2010, Le Calandre underwent significant renovations, replacing traditional white tablecloths with natural wooden tables to reflect a modern Italian culinary atmosphere.