Da Manuela

The story

Da Manuela: Authentic Country Cooking on the Po River in Isola Sant'Antonio

From a Fisherman's Shack to an Elegant Ristorante

What began as a simple shack on the banks of the Po, tended by a local fisherman, has been transformed into a refined ristorante run by the Papavero family for over thirty years. Da Manuela sits in the quiet frazione of Capraglia, part of Isola Sant'Antonio, where the river shapes both the landscape and the kitchen.

Country Cooking, Rooted in the Po Valley

The kitchen is led by chefs Sergio Bonizzoni and Alessio Gorani, whose work begins with careful selection of raw ingredients from the generous lands along the Po. The menu draws on the traditions of country cooking—risotti, poultry, snails, frogs, and freshwater fish—all prepared with an apparent simplicity that masks immense behind-the-scenes effort. Diners here never feel disappointed by the breadth of the offering.

The wine list is a serious affair: over 500 national and international labels, with a strong focus on Piedmontese wines and especially those from Oltrepò and Colli Tortonesi. This attention to pairing elevates every meal.

The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a testament to the consistency and character of its cooking. With eighty seats, a terrace, garden, and dedicated smoking room, Da Manuela is a welcoming spot for both intimate dinners and private celebrations. For larger events, the family also runs Villa Paradiso.