About Us — Our story, our cuisine
From historic tobacco factory to contemporary bistrot
La Montecchia Green is housed inside a beautifully restored 20th-century tobacco factory that has been transformed into the club house of Golf della Montecchia, in Selvazzano Dentro, just outside Padua. What was once an industrial building dedicated to tobacco processing now hosts an elegant yet informal bistrot where architectural heritage meets a modern, welcoming atmosphere.
The building retains the industrial charm of its origins: exposed brick walls, large windows that flood the spaces with natural light, and high ceilings that create a sense of openness. Outside, the landscape unfolds across 18 holes of golf set among the lush greenery of the Euganean Hills, providing a truly unique setting for lunch, dinner, and outdoor aperitifs. You do not need to be a golfer to visit us: La Montecchia Green is open to everyone — families, couples, tourists, and professionals looking for something different.
The location is wonderfully convenient: just 10 minutes from the centre of Padua, a short distance from the celebrated Villa Emo Capodilista, and at the heart of the Euganean Hills Regional Park. A place where nature, history, and gastronomy meet, far from city traffic yet easily accessible, with ample free parking.
Our philosophy: farm-to-table cuisine
At the heart of our culinary offering lies a simple conviction: the finest dishes are born from outstanding ingredients, harvested at the right moment and prepared with respect. That is why we cultivate our own kitchen garden on the estate, from which we source aromatic herbs, seasonal vegetables, and fresh produce that reach the kitchen just steps from the field.
We work exclusively with carefully selected local suppliers, favouring short supply chains and artisan producers from the Veneto region. Every ingredient is chosen for quality, provenance, and seasonality. The menu changes with the rhythm of the seasons, presenting dishes that tell the story of the land and its traditions through a contemporary lens.
Chef Enrico Ruggin
The kitchen at La Montecchia Green is led by chef Enrico Ruggin, who interprets Italian tradition with a contemporary eye. His cooking stands out for its meticulous attention to raw ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and the ability to transform simple produce into dishes of remarkable balance and flavour.
The heart of the kitchen is the fresh pasta made in-house every day: tagliatelle, ravioli, gnocchi, and special shapes that change with the seasons. Alongside the pasta, handmade desserts are another signature: every sweet is prepared entirely in our pastry workshop using fresh ingredients and classic techniques with a modern twist. Each dish is designed to deliver a complete experience, from the very first bite to the last spoonful.
The sommelier and estate wines
Our wine list is curated by a dedicated sommelier who selects Italian and international labels with a special focus on local wines. The undisputed stars are the wines from Tenuta Emo Capodilista, produced in the vineyards that surround the golf club: crisp whites, structured reds, and sparkling wines bearing the Colli Euganei DOC designation. Every glass tells the story of the same land that provides the ingredients for our dishes, forging a deep connection between food and wine.
For those who wish to explore further, the sommelier offers personalised pairings and guided tastings — an ideal way to discover the finest wines of the Euganean Hills in a unique, relaxed setting.
Our team
Behind La Montecchia Green is a close-knit, passionate team dedicated to delivering a flawless experience on every occasion. From the dining room to the kitchen, from event planning to bar service, every member of our staff works with one goal: making every guest feel welcome and at ease. Whether it is a business lunch, a romantic dinner, drinks with friends, or a corporate event, our team is ready to welcome you with professionalism and warmth.
Premium products
The quality of our dishes starts with choosing the finest ingredients. Here are some of the premium products you will find in our kitchen:
- Pasta Monograno Felicetti — semolina from heritage Italian grains
- Miele Millebuche — honey from bees living on the golf course
- Wines from Tenuta Emo Capodilista — Colli Euganei DOC
- Cipriani specialities — Venetian culinary heritage
- Vegetables and aromatic herbs from our own garden
- Cheeses and charcuterie from selected local producers
The setting: golf, nature, and history
La Montecchia Green is part of the Golf della Montecchia complex, one of the most prestigious golf courses in the Veneto region, designed by English architect John Harris and inaugurated in 1988. The 18-hole course winds through gentle hills, centuries-old trees, and ponds, offering a landscape of rare beauty. Just steps away stands Villa Emo Capodilista, a 16th-century historic villa that adds further charm to the setting.
The Euganean Hills Regional Park provides the backdrop: volcanic hills covered in woodland, vineyards, and historic villages. The location in Selvazzano Dentro means you can reach the centre of Padua in just 10 minutes, making La Montecchia Green the perfect meeting point between the tranquillity of the countryside and the energy of the city.