The deus ex machina of Gellius is Chef Alessandro Breda, who has capitalized on his extensive experience in London, Paris, Gualtiero Marchesi, and Enoteca Pinchiorri in Italy.

Chef Breda was among the first visionary chefs and entrepreneurs to elevate traditional cuisine to a higher level, using meticulous techniques that emphasize short cooking times, the careful use of fats, and the utmost freshness of ingredients, guaranteed by daily commissioned shopping at the fish, fruit, and vegetable markets to ensure the finest ingredients.

The menu features creative, elegantly presented signature recipes rooted in the region—such as sopa coada, sea bass risotto with onion and caper ice cream, or golden scallops with tuna sauce and carpione jelly (or “in saor,” if Venetian-style)—that proudly reflect our history.

And history is, in fact, the protagonist of this restaurant, the only one in the world located within a Roman archaeological site. Going downstairs, you can admire the ruins of a road, a city gate, and a necropolis with remains from the 1st century BC, the era of the great Emperor Augustus, to the 5th century AD.

The interiors are elegant, complementing the minimalist table setting with artwork, including a cascading installation of forks and knives in the center of the room. This often hosts temporary exhibitions inspired by the motto “Food as art; art as nourishment for the spirit.”

The well-stocked wine cellar offers 800 labels, including great French and Piedmontese wines alongside a growing selection of the finest local wines.

The Gellius world also includes Terrazza Gellius, the cocktail bar overlooking Oderzo’s main square, and Spazio Gellius, the event venue located on the lower level with views of the archaeological site.

Always a guarantee of quality, honesty, and passionate respect for tradition, perfectly reflecting Alessandro Breda’s generous spirit, Gellius is truly a unique place in the Italian gastronomic landscape, the custodian of an exceptional historical legacy.

The Secret

For the name of his restaurant, Alessandro Breda was inspired by Caio Gellius, a prisoner with a fascinating history, as can be seen from the funeral urn found and preserved in the archaeological site. A former slave, was granted the status of a “freeman”, for merits achieved, as it was in use in Roman times. A story that recalls that of Proximo, the legendary character played by Oliver Reed in the film Gladiator set in 180 BC.

Useful Info

Gellius
Via Calle Pretoria 6
31046 Oderzo, Treviso
Tel. +39 0422 713577

First courses: from €30
Second courses: from €34
Tasting menus: from €120