The story
In the heart of Verona, on a narrow lane off the Piazza delle Erbe, Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli occupies a building that has housed a restaurant since the 18th century. The name itself pays homage to the original 12 Apostoli tavern, a gathering place for Veronese artists and writers. Today, chef Giancarlo Perbellini leads the kitchen, bringing a rigorously modern sensibility to this historic address.
The dining room is understated and intimate, with warm wood paneling, soft lighting, and a quiet hum of conversation. The atmosphere is formal but never stiff—the sort of place where the service is precise yet genuinely warm. The restaurant’s three Michelin stars, awarded for exceptional cuisine, are earned nightly through a tasting menu that changes with the seasons.
Perbellini’s cooking is contemporary Italian, grounded in technique and driven by the quality of raw ingredients. Dishes are precise, often surprising, but always built on clear, deep flavors. A single course might contrast temperatures and textures—a warm broth poured over a chilled seafood tartare, or a silken purée paired with a crisp, roasted element. The wine list is deep and interesting, with a strong focus on the Veneto region.
The restaurant is housed in a palazzo that has seen centuries of Veronese life. The original 12 Apostoli was known for its frescoed ceiling and the camaraderie of its patrons. Casa Perbellini 12 Apostoli honors that legacy while looking firmly forward. For a meal that is both a tasting of the Veneto’s finest produce and a demonstration of contemporary culinary craft at its highest level, this is one of the essential tables in the city.
Recognition
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Details
History
Exceptional cuisine
Perhaps he is the thirteenth apostle, Giancarlo Perbellini. With the blessing of Giorgio Gioco, his mentor. History is brought into play when speaking of this temple of cuisine, and not merely because a single floor separates the remains of Roman Verona from the restaurant’s tables. Perbellini has crowned his remarkable journey here, condensing his entire experience into a cuisine defined by crystalline style and evolving creativity. Substance, but also poetry. Always maintaining perfect balance. The dining rooms reflect glimmers of medieval Verona, while the table adds that touch of “dolce stil novo.” The tasting menus change every two months. In the “Io e Silvia” menu, featuring seven courses plus dessert (€230, wines extra), the innovations take center stage; in “Storie di casa” (€250), the chef’s great classics are presented; and in the “L’Essenza” menu (€220), the vegetarian soul shines through. And then there are the cult favorites: the Wafer with sea bass tartare, goat cheese, and licorice; the Penne mantecate with black pepper, sea urchin, almond, and cuttlefish ink. Finally, the “stroll” through the desserts remains a true family art…
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