The story
In the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, at Stradella, GioEle brings together the vision of Giorgio Lutrini and Elena Grigoroi. The restaurant strikes a balance between refined tones and an unpretentious, welcoming spirit—where friendship, simplicity, and warmth are palpable from the moment you step inside.
The setting includes an internal courtyard with a spacious terrace, allowing guests to dine outdoors surrounded by old walls, flowering creepers, and soft lighting. It is an atmosphere that feels both captivating and relaxing, a fitting backdrop for the kitchen’s philosophy.
GioEle’s cuisine is defined by tradition, nature, and simplicity. The focus is on fresh, natural, and light dishes, with careful attention to ingredient quality. The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting the best of what the territory offers. Starters might include a raw salmon with pistachio ice cream and its crunchy counterpart, or a beef tartare with hazelnuts, stracciatella, and black truffle. Homemade pasta is a point of pride, with options like Gragnano spaghetti with butter, Cantabrian anchovies, dill, and wholemeal bread, or carbonara ravioli with zucchini and guanciale.
For those who want to explore the full breadth of the kitchen, two tasting menus are offered. The “Da sempre in carta” menu (55€) includes a crispy egg with zabaione and spinach, the spaghetti with anchovies, a mixed fried seafood and vegetables, and classic tiramisù. The “GioEle” menu (65€) features raw salmon, duck foie gras with figs, pesto-filled cappellacci with cuttlefish, and a choice between summer catalan prawns or roast pigeon with cherries in blood of Juda sauce.
GioEle’s recognition in the Michelin guide for 2026 confirms what regulars already know: this is a place where the combination of classic and contemporary cuisines is executed with precision and heart. The wine list, naturally, is well-curated to match the dishes, and the entire experience is delivered with a relaxed elegance that makes a meal here feel like a genuine encounter with the best of Oltrepò Pavese.
Recognition
Ambience
Location