Teochef is a gourmet restaurant in the historic center of Bassano that combines the suggestions of a Texan steakhouse with the world of international fashion and design. In the kitchen, Matteo Zanus, aka Teochef, one of those people that the British would call “larger than life”: great personality, a rock-star look, tattoos, and bandana with skulls, and the curious look of someone who never stops to learn.

After years spent between Paris and Los Angeles, in 2015 he created Teochef to finally be able to have his own fun in the kitchen. A place that positively surprises you for many aspects, including the genuine internationality that you breathe. Not only because Teochef has traveled the world, bringing back home the best of his experiences, but also because the Diesel family is at home here. Renzo Rosso is, in fact, actually a regular to the point that he had designed the original denim American placemats that add a fashion touch to the place.

Also of great note is the interior design that artfully mixes suggestions reminiscent of Montana farms with touches of local craftsmanship and Nordic design. Thus, if the oak wood on the walls and the sofa in American veal are produced respectively by a local craftsman and by a tannery in Creazzo (Vicenza), the seats come from Copenhagen and the lights from England (those above the bar counter are old motorcycle headlights). The floor of the room is also beautiful, in the style of the 1950s majolica tiles by the ceramic artists of Nove (Vicenza).

Teochef dedicates many hours a week to researching the best raw materials, thanks to a privileged relationship with its suppliers such as the trusted butcher or the small local producers from which it obtains the best cheeses or the tastiest sausages. But don’t think Teochef is just a place to have a good steak or a great New York-style burger. No gentlemen.

Teochef’s cuisine manages to be creative and light, despite the meat and strong flavors dominating the menu, and will also surprise you with its excellent first courses and desserts. All homemade, including pasta and bread.
Excellent also the selection of craft beers. Highly recommended for both lunch and dinner, in the basement Teochef also offers a small, suggestive, room for private events.

At the entrance to the kitchen, a sentence by Antony Bourdain says a lot about Teochef’s “rock” philosophy: “In the kitchen it is not possible to lie (…) No credentials, no bullshit, no beautiful phrase, or no plea will change things. The kitchen is the last bastion of meritocracy, a world of absolutes.”

The Secret

Taking inspiration from the trendy clubs of Los Angeles, Teochef also offers a large table that hides a Teppanyaki Grill – the special grill used in Japanese cuisine, which has become a must in American steakhouses – where, upon reservation, the chef himself prepares up to 5 types of different meats for a show-cooking experience that goes beyond a simple dinner.
Ah…and the pig on the wall is called Oscar (guess why?) and it seems to be the chef’s lucky charm.

Useful Info

Teochef
Via Angarano 49
36061 Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza
Tel. +39 0424 502188

Dishes: 10 — 18 euro