Daniele Bendanti, born in Bologna, graduated from culinary school and later earned a diploma from Alma, Italy’s most prestigious culinary institute founded by Gualtiero Marchesi in Colorno (Parma). After gaining experience at renowned establishments such as Arnolfo, Locanda del Sole, and Locanda di Piero, he returned to Bologna, where he made a name for himself during five formative years at Osteria Bottega—an iconic stronghold of Bolognese cuisine.
In 2016, alongside former partners Lorenzo Costa and Jacopo Pozzati, he opened Oltre. The restaurant quickly stood out for its refined setting and elevated take on traditional Bolognese fare, featuring meticulously sourced ingredients and precise techniques. This was the essence of going „beyond”—not chasing trends but setting them. With Oltre, the team introduced the concept of the contemporary trattoria and helped shape Bologna into a more cosmopolitan food city.
In recent years, Bendanti has faced staffing challenges, especially post-pandemic, prompting him to innovate with a digital wine service in collaboration with Meteri—ensuring quality while building a solid, dedicated team.
