Chef Filippo Zoncato - The Organic Guru

Chef Filippo Zoncato presides his culinary domain high in the mountains of Monte San Vigilio at the legendary Vigilius Mountain Resort designed by Matteo Thun.  Reached only by cable-car from Lana (BZ), the setting is incredibly anchored in this wonderful pocket of South Tyrol overlooking the Dolomites. 

An established wellness resort and eco-certified hotel, Chef Zoncato has developed a unique food philosophy to mirror its legacy DNA of organics, its natural setting and balanced 'live well' ethos. 

Perched at 1500 metres above sea level; hence the Restaurant's name, altitude plays a pivotal role in defining the cuisine as much as it does the provenance and sourcing of ingredients.  In both the gourmet Restaurant 1500 and the authentic Stube Ida, serving South Tyrolean specialities, the food concept of Vigilius is defined by its enviable location and position in the wild woodlands and meadows. 

Chef Zoncato, in his mid-thirties, has long been a favourite among the Michelin fraternity, previously earning several recognitions in the guide during his tenures at Arnolfo Restaurant in Colle Val d'Elsa and the Osteria Francescana in Modena. 

Back on top of the mountain, he has devised menus that naturally include gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and lactose-free culinary delights.  

Seasonality orchestrates the menus, as does creativity.  

He describes his mantra as keeping things simple, epicurean journeys that replicate the flavours of nature's balance. Zoncato is a firm believer in sourcing from the highly regarded local farmers, families of agricultural heritage, and the best producers of provisions learned over the centuries. Being organic in this part of the world is natural, as is the sustainability of the land.    

Stube Ida is about originality in a healthy form, adapting table favourites for the lighter palate, and Restaurant 1500 has a sleight of hand approach in delicacy rooted into the terroir of the mountains. Modern, fresh, health orientated, and taste creations define the foodie portrait here. 

"The ingredients are the protagonists and maintain their flavour thanks to simple and skilful cooking", explains Filippo.

Under the direction of elemental Chef de Cuisine: Filippo Zoncato, foodies will undoubtedly enjoy his culinary journeys through the bountiful region of Monte San Vigilio. It's all about indulgence – pure and unadulterated.

"It is my goal to conjure up in the palates of our guests those emotions that can be experienced only in the timeless ambience and lofty heights of the Vigilius Mountain Resort. I want to bring together regional and international cuisine in a modern interpretation. Together with my young and qualified kitchen team, we have a vision of cuisine that emphasizes the essentials and where the ingredients are the main characters," say Chef Zoncato. 

His signature tasting menus have caused a culinary stir in the Dolomites, like his 'Black and White' Dégustation Menu featuring contrasting elements: Scallop, fennel and black sesame.

Set to the backdrop of an amazing spa and design landscape, foodie wellness goes beyond slow; it is deeply rooted into the culture of the Vigilius Mountain Resort and as such, is an indelible mark of their 'live well' ethos.