We’ve arrived at Aman Venice, ready for a culinary journey through Italy’s seasonal bounty, led by Executive Chef Matteo Panfilio. As we step into the warm elegance of Arva, Matteo’s dedication to local ingredients and his creative culinary vision invite us to explore the flavors of Veneto like never before.
We wouldn’t just call this a meal; but rather a memory shaped by Matteo’s upbringing in the Italian countryside, where he first discovered a love for fresh ingredients in his family’s fruit and vegetable business. Each dish here at Arva shines with the vibrancy of local produce, carefully selected from nearby farmers, and crafted with techniques Matteo honed in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe.
His menu is a celebration of Venice’s most unique flavors, from earthy artichokes and crisp radicchio to the briny salicornia that’s hand-harvested from the Venetian lagoon. With dishes like wild game from the islands and tender asparagus from the hinterlands, each bite feels like an invitation to taste the season at its peak.
Meeting Chef Matteo is like reconnecting with a culinary storyteller, one whose journey has taken him through iconic kitchens from Italy to St. Moritz, even working with renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Alberico Penati. Today, he’s dedicated to enhancing every ingredient’s flavor with an experimental edge, bringing an innovative touch to Italy’s beloved classics.
It’s here, amidst the delicacies of Arva, that tradition and creativity meet. As we savor each dish, we’re transported—to the Italian countryside Matteo calls home, yes, but also to a world where culinary artistry and local passion shine through each and every flavor.