Risotto and Lambrusco Festival
A month dedicated to Mantuan risotto and Lambrusco wines
About Risotto and Lambrusco
Risotto, the king of the Mantuan table
Risotto and Lambrusco is the event that the Festival of Mantuan Cuisine dedicates to one of the identity dishes of Mantua: risotto. For over a month, the PalaUnical (formerly Palabam) transforms into a large popular restaurant where risotto is presented in dozens of variations, from the most classic to the most creative.
Twelve risottos and Lambrusco wines
The heart of the offering is the twelve risottos on the menu: five fixed proposals, always available, and seven recipes rotating weekly, which change to give regulars a reason to return multiple times. Each risotto is designed to be paired with Lambrusco, the typical sparkling wines of the Po Valley that pair well with local cuisine.
A month-long celebration
The event is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and on Sundays also for lunch. The formula is simple and informal: no reservations, take-away option, free parking. A new feature for the 2026 edition is the opening on Thursday evenings as well, further extending the opportunities to participate.
Mantua, city of taste
Mantua (Province of Mantua) is one of Italy's gastronomic capitals, a land of pumpkin tortelli, sbrisolona cake, and great wines. Risotto and Lambrusco celebrates this identity in a convivial way, bringing the tradition of rice – cultivated for centuries in the Mantuan countryside – to the table at popular prices and in a festive atmosphere.
Risotto and Lambrusco — edition 2026
From April 9 to May 10, 2026, the PalaUnical in Mantua hosts the 6th edition of Risotto and Lambrusco. On the menu are twelve risottos — five fixed and seven rotating weekly — designed to be paired with Lambrusco wines from the Po Valley.
The event is open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and on Sundays also for lunch. This year's novelty is the opening on Thursday evenings as well. No reservations, take-away available, free admission.
Programme Risotto and Lambrusco 2026
Opening days and times
- Thursday — dinner, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM (new for 2026)
- Friday — dinner, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday — dinner, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday — lunch from 12 PM to 3 PM and dinner from 7 PM to 10 PM
On the menu
- 12 risottos: 5 fixed proposals + 7 recipes rotating weekly
- Pairing with local Lambrusco wines
Useful info
No reservation needed; take-away available; free parking. 1 euro discount coupon downloadable from the official website (valid Friday or Sunday evening).
Highlights Risotto and Lambrusco 2026
Prices Risotto and Lambrusco 2026
Practical information — Risotto and Lambrusco
When
From April 9 to May 10, 2026. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 PM to 10:30 PM; Sunday from 12 PM to 3 PM and from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Where
PalaUnical (formerly Palabam), Via Melchiorre Gioia 3, Mantua. Covered space and free parking.
Prices
Free admission; each risotto costs about 7 euros. 1 euro discount coupon downloadable from festadeirisotti.it (valid on Friday or Sunday evening).
How to get there
Mantua is reachable by train and car (A22, Mantova Nord/Sud exits). The PalaUnical has ample free parking.
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Where does it take place — Risotto and Lambrusco
PalaUnical
Via Melchiorre Gioia 3, 46100 Mantova