The story
In the quiet countryside of Paradiso di Pocenia, just outside San Giorgio di Nogaro, Al Paradiso occupies a restored 17th-century building that once belonged to the noble Caratti family. The trattoria sits in the heart of the risorgive – the spring-fed area where the Friulian plain meets clear, fresh waters. This unique landscape shapes everything on the table.
The story began in the early 1960s, when a young Anna Maria Mauro started working as a waitress in the original tavern, “Ostarie al Paradis.” In 1972, she and her husband Aurelio Cengarle took over the management, and the current Trattoria Al Paradiso was born. Their daughter Federica later joined after university, now overseeing the dining room and wine cellar with the same passion. In the kitchen, Anna Maria works alongside chef Andrea Trivellato, while Aurelio dedicates himself to selecting ingredients and mastering the grill. The family’s philosophy is simple: every ingredient must be a genuine expression of Friuli and the risorgive.
The menu changes daily, driven by what the land and waters offer. Wild herbs, fleshy mushrooms, colourful berries, exotic roots, plump asparagus, and precious truffles come from the sweet earth of Paradiso. Free-range poultry, game, freshwater fish, and lagoon catch add depth. The kitchen interprets these ingredients with respect for tradition, yet with a modern touch – always in season. The result is a cuisine that feels both timeless and alive, earning the trattoria a Michelin Recommended recognition.
The interiors, carefully restored by architect Giovanni Pante, blend historic charm with refined comfort. Spaces are wide and well-structured, allowing for intimate dinners or convivial gatherings. The warm, elegant setting, paired with a carefully selected wine list that highlights the best of Friulian winemaking, makes every visit an experience of genuine hospitality.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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