From family inn to Michelin star
Carla Aradelli, born 1968, began cooking early in her family’s inn in Montesanto, in the hills of Ponte dell’Olio, with a strong attachment to her grandparents’ farming life. A key step was two years training with Georges Cogny at Locanda Cantoniera, where she learned technique and a wider idea of gastronomy. At 19 she began building what became Riva, and in 1997 she earned a Michelin star. Her cooking stays deliberately simple, light and balanced, with everything made in-house and ingredients processed from whole to know their origin.
“Hands, head and heart work here for you.”
Riva
MdHMembre d'Honneur
Ponte dell'Olio, Italy
In the hills of the Val Nure, in the province of Piacenza, Restaurant Riva sits beside a medieval castle, the village church and a 19th-century palazzo. It’s a striking setting, matched by a dining room that combines rustic character with a more refined touch. The space works well for different occasions, from business lunches to quieter dinners. In the kitchen, JRE chef Carla Aradelli cooks in line with the land and the seasons. Tradition and ingredient quality lead, with a hands-on style that stays direct and sincere. The goal is clear flavour, built from simplicity rather than complication.
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Make your dinner reservations through our website for a high-quality gastronomic experience – it’s quick and easy. Book your table here and get ready for an unforgettable culinary event.
