How are there no reviews of this amazing place? I'm almost appalled, but happy to be the first to say that Acetaia Pedroni is where it's at.
Don't be put off by what you hear about Italo, the grumpy, hovering patriarch of the family. He is half of the dinner show. He will inevitably and predictably try to make you uncomfortable, but I find him hilarious. Just find a way to get him to crack a smile and you're OK.
His son, by contrast, is a very accommodating host. Take note: this is not a restaurant where you order from a menu. They decide what you'll be eating. And it's all incredible. Tortellini in brodo, lambrusco chicken, short ribs, gelato: they have it all covered. And it comes with the best condiment you could ever dream of - their traditional balsamic. This stuff has won the Oscars of balsamic, continually. And they invite you to put it on everything. What more could you ask for?
Try to go at lunch and eat outside with the locals. The Pedroni family also makes delicious lambrusco which you should drink liberally. Italo will also bring you his amazing homemade liquors, including one made from poison ivy. You read that right. It doesn't itch on the way down, but it certainly gets you a little wasted. If you ask nicely, they'll take you on a tour to look at the family balsamic batteries. It's a good way to waste time while your buzz wears off so that you can drive home!
A singular dining experience. Enjoy, and buy some bottles to take home. I have a bottle of the good stuff that I'm just waiting for the right moment to put on some gelato. So. Damn. Good.
Tip: make a reservation beforehand on their website. It can be difficult to just show up unannounced as they may be full, and calling on the phone will yield you no results if you don't speak Italian. Italo will actually yell at you and hang up the phone. So funny. read more