€€Mantuan, Modern Cuisine
A small, intimate restaurant with a welcoming ambience and simple yet lively feel, where the owner-chef at the helm in the kitchen also makes an appearance front of house. Mantuan traditions are evident in the generous portion sizes as well as in dishes such as the legendary pumpkin tortelli (served with butter or a tomato and sausage sauce), while other options are more creative in style – the Emilian lamb tartare delicately flavoured with its own cooking juices, and served with sautéed chard, savoury sbrisolona cake and black truffles from the lower Mantova region in season is particularly d
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Lo Scalco Grasso offers a blend of Mantuan tradition and modern cuisine, averaging 4.6/5 stars. Reviews highlight high-quality ingredients, featuring Spanish cured meats, pumpkin tortelli, and pike, with satisfying portion sizes. Service is generally praised as professional and welcoming, though some guests note cramped seating or cold temperatures affecting comfort. Value perceptions are divided; while many find the quality-price ratio excellent, others criticize portions relative to cost or report service lapses, such as ignoring foreign objects in food. The atmosphere is cozy but intimate. This restaurant suits diners seeking authentic Mantuan flavors and innovative twists, provided they are comfortable with tight table spacing and prioritize culinary execution over spaciousness.
Recommended for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Mantuan flavors with modern twists, though those sensitive to tight seating should inquire beforehand.
€€Contemporary, Lombardian
A restaurant of young and contemporary character, with a lively entrance where a carefully considered display of wines – available for purchase – immediately signals the attention dedicated to the bottle. The offering focuses on a cuisine with a well-defined identity, built upon clean flavours and well-executed ideas. Among the most representative dishes, the tortelli duo deserves particular mention, half ‘sweet’ and half ‘bitter’, mantecati with artisan butter and sage, as does the Bove, a satisfying trio of beef that brings together braised stracotto, oven-roasted tongue and steamed cheek, s
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Sücar Brüsc in Mantua offers contemporary Lombard cuisine, generally receiving high praise for innovative dishes, quality ingredients, and attentive presentation. The atmosphere is described as relaxing and locally authentic. Service is frequently highlighted as professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming. However, some negative reviews cite issues with meal pacing, under-seasoned dishes like noodles, and occasional inflexibility or poor attitude from staff. Despite isolated complaints regarding food quality and hospitality, the restaurant maintains a strong 4.8/5 rating based on extensive positive feedback.
Suitable for diners seeking refined, innovative cuisine who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
€€€Modern Cuisine, Country cooking
Adjacent to the historic center, this elegant and refined restaurant occupies an evocative sixteenth-century building that preserves a timeless charm. The talented and creative chef presents a contemporary cuisine that alternates meat and fish dishes with balance, playing with modern techniques and touches of imagination. The “amberjack sashimi with almond cream, raspberry, and puffed quinoa” is a small opening of pure finesse, while concluding with their excellent desserts is nearly obligatory. In fine weather, it is worth reserving a table on the evocative terrace, arranged around a captivat
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Mantua's historic center, Il Cigno reinterprets local traditions with modern cuisine, featuring dishes from land and sea. Reviews highlight exceptional food quality, professional service, and an elegant, cozy atmosphere, making it ideal for special occasions. However, some guests criticize slow pacing and question the value for money, noting discrepancies between price and experience. The restaurant accommodates pets and specific dietary needs like gluten-free options. While praised for its technical skill and hospitality, visitors should be aware of mixed feedback regarding efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern Italian cuisine and an elegant setting, though manage expectations regarding pacing and value.