Made ByRestaurant
IO Luigi Taglienti transforms a 13th-century deconsecrated basilica in Piacenza into Italy's most culturally immersive Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef Luigi Taglienti's innovative Italian cuisine unfolds amid the Volumnia gallery's historic design collection in the former Basilica of Sant'Agostino's serene courtyard.
IO Luigi Taglienti is a restaurant in Piacenza, Italy, led by chef Luigi Taglienti. Nestled within the courtyard of the former Basilica of Sant'Agostino, this extraordinary restaurant merges Michelin-starred gastronomy with the Volumnia gallery's historic Italian design collection, creating an unparalleled synthesis of art, heritage, and cuisine. Chef Luigi Taglienti's path to this Piacenza restaurant reflects a focused reinvention of Italian fine dining. The Ligurian-born chef is known for his innovative approach to regional traditions. Their collaboration transforms the monastery's ancient stones into a sophisticated dialogue between gastronomy and design, where every meal unfolds as both culinary experience and artistic encounter. Taglienti's cuisine at IO celebrates the rediscovery of forgotten Italian recipes through a decidedly contemporary lens. His signature "Riscoperta" menu showcases this philosophy brilliantly, traditional lasagna elevated with bright green lemon zest, or his remarkable lobster encased in turnip ravioli with aged Gruyère, reimagining the classic thermidor. The chef's Ligurian heritage shines through dishes like red mullet paired with pork snout and cuttlefish ink, while his mastery of Emilia-Romagna traditions appears in preparations featuring local Taggiasca olives and seasonal vegetables. Each plate demonstrates Taglienti's ability to honor territorial products while pushing creative boundaries, utilizing complex sauce work that spans from appetizer through dessert. The restaurant's atmosphere seamlessly blends monastic tranquility with modern sophistication. Dining unfolds in the courtyard, surrounded by carefully curated Italian design pieces. The interior palette of soft grays and aquamarine greens complements the historic architecture, while a striking moon installation adds contemporary drama. Service reflects this thoughtful curation, attentive yet unobtrusive, with Taglienti himself often engaging guests to explain his culinary philosophy. The wine program emphasizes regional selections, particularly organic Piacenza varietals like Pinè di Paganini, a complex blend of Malvasia, Moscato, and Trebbiano that perfectly complements the chef's nuanced flavors. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant offers indoor and courtyard dining. IO offers a distinctive setting where historic architecture frames contemporary Italian cuisine.
Address
Via Pietro Giordani, 14, 29121 Piacenza PC, Italy
How it compares
- Awards
- Michelin Plate
- Cuisine
- Dining
- Notes
- Piacenza
Osteria del Trentino - Da Marco
- Awards
- Michelin Plate
- Cuisine
- Traditional Emilian Trattoria
- Notes
- Centro Storico, $$
- Awards
- —
- Cuisine
- Roman-Style Pizza and Focaccioni
- Notes
- Mercato Rionale Alberici, $$
- Awards
- Michelin Bib Gourmand
- Cuisine
- Modern Piacenza Country Cooking
- Notes
- Gariga, $$
- Awards
- Michelin Bib Gourmand
- Cuisine
- Traditional Mantuan Italian
- Notes
- Castiglione delle Stiviere, $$
- Awards
- Michelin Bib Gourmand
- Cuisine
- Authentic Bergamasco Trattoria
- Notes
- Val Serina, $$
In residence
Similar places
Japanese-influenced Californian Kaiseki
Single Thread Farm
Healdsburg, United States
★★★ · 50 Best
French Seafood Fine Dining
Le Bernardin
New York City, United States
★★★ · 50 Best
Modern Korean Tasting Menu
Atomix
New York City, United States
★★ · 50 Best
French
Sézanne
Tokyo, Japan
★★★ · 50 Best
Modern Seafood Fine Dining
Providence
Los Angeles, United States
★★★ · 50 Best
Contemporary Plant-Based Fine Dining
Eleven Madison Park
New York City, United States
★★★ · 50 Best