Nestled in Brusaporto, just outside Bergamo in northern Italy, you’ll find Da Vittorio, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel that is truly a gastronomic institution. It’s the kind of place that embodies Italian family legacy and culinary excellence, and I was so excited to explore its unique offerings.
A Family’s Enduring Legacy
At the heart of Da Vittorio is the Cerea family. What started with Vittorio and Bruna Cerea has flourished into a world-renowned establishment. Even after Vittorio’s passing, Bruna and her five children have continued his vision, expanding the restaurant’s influence and reputation. It feels like a testament to their dedication that it has maintained its three Michelin stars every year since 2010.
Da Vittorio has held three Michelin stars every year since 2010.
The Culinary Masters
The kitchen is where the magic truly happens, helmed by Enrico and Roberto Cerea, known affectionately as Chicco and Bobo. They’ve honed their craft through years of immersion in their father’s kitchen, alongside stints at legendary restaurants like Spain’s El Bulli and France’s Maison Troisgros. Their menu is a vibrant canvas, showcasing both their deep roots in Italian tradition and their adventurous creative spirits.
Chicco’s time in Japanese kitchens clearly influences his approach, while Bobo has a particular fondness for the intricacies of “primi piatti,” Italian pasta and rice dishes. Even royalty has been impressed; I read that Queen Elizabeth II specifically requested seconds of their Risotto alla Milanese during a visit.
A Menu for Every Palate
You can expect seafood to feature prominently, reflecting Vittorio’s original groundbreaking decision to open a fish restaurant in a town known for its carnivores. However, the menu is far from limited. They offer dedicated seafood, vegetarian, and even an eight-course meat-based menu that celebrates Bergamo’s traditions, especially fitting as Bergamo was the Italian Capital of Culture in 2023.
But for a truly unforgettable experience, you must consider their 16-course Carte Blanche menu. It’s an adventure where you simply indicate your likes and dislikes, and the chefs craft a personalized gastronomic journey. It’s dynamic and exciting, offering a delightful surprise with every course.
Signature Dishes to Savor
Several dishes stand out, embodying the restaurant’s creativity. The famous “Egg à la Egg” is an architectural marvel in a martini goblet, layering scrambled eggs, quail eggs, salmon roe, apple sauce, potato foam, and mascarpone, all crowned with beluga caviar. It’s a true work of art.
Then there’s the “Paccheri alla Vittorio,” a signature dish created by Vittorio himself. Imagine huge tubular pasta, expertly prepared tableside by Bobo. It’s a moment of culinary theater that stays with you.
For something truly unexpected, you have to try the tuna spaghetti. When you look closely, you realize it contains not a single strand of spaghetti, but long, thin strips of tuna expertly shaped to resemble it, bathed in a warm almond and anchovy sauce, and finished with a pistachio crumble. It’s an audacious creation that’s incredibly delicious.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Book the Carte Blanche menu for a personalized culinary adventure.
- Be sure to try the “Egg à la Egg” and the unique tuna spaghetti.
- Allow ample time for a leisurely meal, especially if you choose the longer tasting menus.
The Elegant Setting
The restaurant and hotel building itself is elegantly conceived. The interiors are bright and spacious, exuding a sense of classic luxury. While the hotel design leans towards traditional, it’s complemented by generous room sizes and balconies offering serene views. It feels like a continuation of the vision Bruna and Vittorio originally created, a space that’s both grand and remarkably comfortable.
📍 Da Vittorio guests arriving by helicopter can be whisked directly to reception.
The expansive estate surrounding the property is even more impressive. It features its own vineyard, a vast wine cellar, tennis courts, lakes, and even a helipad, which certainly adds a touch of exclusivity. A more modern touch is the recently constructed vertical farm, a million-dollar venture visible from the main building. Chicco, in particular, is enthusiastic about its high-tech hydroponic system, which produces premium herbs and salads without fertilizer. It’s fascinating to see this blend of agricultural innovation alongside such established culinary tradition.
An Expanding Empire
Da Vittorio’s influence extends far beyond Brusaporto. In 2012, Da Vittorio St Moritz opened in Switzerland, quickly earning Michelin stars and becoming a top Italian dining destination there. The success continued with Da Vittorio Shanghai debuting in 2019, also achieving Michelin stars. It’s been recognized as the number one Italian restaurant outside of Italy, a significant accomplishment.
More recently, Da Vittorio Saigon opened in 2022. They’ve also ventured into more casual dining with DaV locations in Milan and Portofino, alongside a well-established outside catering operation. It’s clear the Cerea family is committed to sharing their culinary philosophy globally.
Sweet Endings
A vital part of the Da Vittorio experience is found in their pastry lab, overseen by Davide Comaschi, a World Chocolate Masters winner. Here, exquisite pastries, desserts, and chocolates are crafted for all the Cerea establishments, including their café, Cavour 1880, in Bergamo. Davide’s dedication to his craft is evident, adding another layer of excellence to the entire operation.
While dining here, I imagined Michael marveling at the wine selection and Lily being utterly enchanted by the playful presentation of desserts, perhaps even the miniature carousel from the restaurant’s theatrical finale. It’s places like this that make travel memorable for the whole family.
Exploring Italian Flavors Beyond Bergamo
While Da Vittorio is firmly rooted in Brusaporto, its global reach means you can experience the Cerea family’s renowned Italian cuisine in various international locations. This expansion allows diners worldwide to sample the exceptional quality and family-driven passion that defines the Da Vittorio brand.
Da Vittorio St Moritz
Located in the exclusive Swiss ski resort, Da Vittorio St Moritz has rapidly become a benchmark for Italian dining in Switzerland. Since its opening in 2012, it has earned two Michelin stars, showcasing its dedication to authentic Italian flavors and impeccable service. Chicco and Bobo’s sister, Rosella, who manages the Brusaporto location, is married to the executive chef here, Paola Rota, highlighting the strong family ties across their ventures.
Da Vittorio Shanghai
The opening of Da Vittorio Shanghai in 2019 marked a significant step in their international expansion. The restaurant immediately received a Michelin star, followed by a second the subsequent year. It has since been recognized as one of the finest Italian restaurants globally, cementing its reputation for culinary excellence and sophisticated dining experiences outside of Italy.
Other Ventures
Beyond the fine dining establishments, the Cerea family has also introduced more casual dining concepts like DaV in Milan and Portofino. These locations offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still maintaining the high standards of quality and taste associated with the Da Vittorio name. They also maintain a long-established outside catering business, proving their versatility and reach in the culinary world.
What are the international locations for Da Vittorio?
You can find Da Vittorio restaurants in St Moritz, Switzerland; Shanghai, China; and Saigon, Vietnam. There are also more casual DaV locations in Milan and Portofino, Italy.
These international outposts are a testament to the Cerea family’s ability to translate their home-grown success and dedication to Italian cuisine onto a global stage. Each location aims to capture the essence of Da Vittorio, providing an unforgettable dining experience rooted in tradition but always looking forward.
A Taste of Bergamo’s Culture
The specific location in Brusaporto is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Bergamo region. The commitment to honoring local traditions, while also pushing the boundaries of modern gastronomy, creates a truly unique experience for visitors. It’s this blend of respect for the past and innovation for the future that makes Da Vittorio so special.
When you visit, you notice the attention to detail everywhere, from the elegant interiors of the hotel to the meticulous plating of each dish. It all contributes to an atmosphere of refined luxury that is both welcoming and truly world-class. Experiencing this place felt like stepping into a piece of Italian culinary history.
Visiting Da Vittorio is an experience that stays with you, a blend of family warmth, culinary artistry, and the beautiful Italian landscape. It’s a place that truly embodies the spirit of its founding family while offering an unforgettable taste of Italy’s finest cuisine.