Il Grifone

The story

Il Grifone Fine Dining at Palazzo di Varignana, Osteria Grande | Michelin Recommended

Il Grifone

Within the timeless halls of Palazzo Bentivoglio, Il Grifone represents the most sophisticated culinary corner of the Palazzo di Varignana resort. Here, Chef Francesco Manograsso crafts original fine dining proposals that are the result of a careful and knowledgeable interpretation of creative cuisine and the local territory.

The kitchen’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the estate itself. Every dish is born from the encounter between zero-kilometre raw materials cultivated at Palazzo di Varignana and products selected from the best local suppliers. To these, Chef Manograsso adds his childhood memories, giving life to a creative process that is always new yet strongly tied to tradition. The vegetable garden is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, and over time, the plant element has become increasingly central to his cooking. Through research and experimentation, he has explored its infinite expressive potential, even creating an entire tasting menu dedicated to the vegetable world.

The team works in full respect of nature’s cycles, using seasonal ingredients or, when necessary, products they have transformed themselves, such as preserves and fruit juices. Their meat and fish suppliers share the same ethical and sustainable philosophy: only adult meat from animals not raised exclusively for slaughter is used, and the fish is caught in the Adriatic and never farmed.

For Chef Manograsso, cooking is also play and experimentation. Each plate is a balance of contrasts, of flavours and textures. The study of techniques such as drying, fermentation, and low-temperature cooking allows him to valorise every ingredient in its totality, enhancing its nutritional qualities and reducing waste. Often, the same element appears in multiple dishes, in different forms and consistencies, thanks to preparations that optimise time without compromising quality.

This commitment to quality and creativity has earned Il Grifone a Michelin Recommended recognition, placing it among the noteworthy dining destinations in the region. The signature dish not to be missed is the "Eticamente foie gras."

Il Grifone is open for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. A long trouser dress code is requested for men.