Something of a rarity in this land of traditional trattorias, Casa Mele is one of those cool contemporary restaurants with a lengthy tasting menu and food presented as art – and theatre. The slick open kitchen is a window into a high-powered food laboratory from which emerge whimsical pastas, delicate fish in subtle sauces, and outstanding desserts. Service is equally sublime.
The restaurant’s manifesto is inscribed on one wall in English: ‘to eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art’. These people love food, and it shows.
Casa Mele also runs three-hour cooking courses (€120), which include a meal and wine; see the website for more details.