Hammerack Restaurant
In Malborghetto, the flavors and traditions of the Canale Valley and the Julian Alps are brought together in a refined mountain retreat
In Malborghetto, within the 5-star mountain resort Hammerack Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, a restaurant inspired by the products and traditions of these valleys suspended between the histories of Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, to be enjoyed amidst the artistic charm of the large medieval tower and its astronomical clock.
A 15th-Century Forge Between Iron Art and Alpine Inspiration
The Hammerack Restaurant is a masterpiece of contemporary design that engages with history: large windows frame the Julian Alps like living paintings, while the soft lighting plays with the metal surfaces, recalling the ancient art of the blacksmiths of the Canale Valley and the history of the 15th-century building, which originally housed a hydraulic hammer, an ironworks, and a noble residence.
Malborghetto was, in fact, once a vibrant economic hub thanks to its thriving metal forging industry and its strategic location between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, which influenced its history and culture.
A project with an Alpine aesthetic, whose cuisine and design reflect a modern vision of the mountain chalet, where traditional flavors meet a sophisticated and artistic contemporaneity.
The restaurant’s three rooms are decorated with various works of art—including pieces by Giorgio de Chirico, Fortunato de Pero, Jacopo Benassi, and Salvador Dalí—part of the collection of Alessandro Pedone, the hotel’s owner and “collector of unique places,” president of Apu Basket Udine, and head of the holding company Al.Pe. Invest Spa, who has passionately restored this ancient building to its historical and cultural center.
The Astronomical Clock: A Mechanical Masterpiece
The true genius loci of the hotel is the astronomical clock located in the tower, a masterpiece of micromechanics designed by Alberto Gorla, a legend of monumental clockmaking (formerly the restorer of the Moors in Piazza San Marco in Venice). The work is animated by historical figures who move ritually, representing legendary figures from local tradition. Time at the Hammerack is marked by its 23 bells, capable of playing Mozart’s symphonies, transforming the anticipation of a meal into a moment of pure wonder, similar to the magic of a monumental carillon (worth visiting before sitting down at the restaurant).
The Cuisine: The Flavors of Three Nations
The gastronomic offering is “frontier cuisine” elevated to an art form. Chef Raffaello Mazzolini‘s philosophy—originally from Carnia, with a solid career in “starred” restaurants—is a perfect balance between modern technique and Friulian roots.
The chef also oversees the cuisine at the Hammerack Bistrot, located on the ground floor and decorated with a collection of Andy Warhol artworks. It offers simpler dishes like tartare and traditional toasted sandwiches, best paired with a fine glass of wine.
The raw materials are the result of a virtuous synergy with small local artisans: from Acetaia Sirk della Subida to the Luigi Faleschini farm, including Molinari cured meats and the excellence of Borgo delle Mele.
The Signature Menu
Among the tasting menus, the iconic “L’Orologio fa Tic Tic” (the clock is ticking) stands out, with dishes such as 70% venison tataki with dark chocolate and beetroot, King Sturgeon with caviar and sour cream, or the Calamarata Vertical with venison stew and saffron soup, which represent the essence of a land that is both wild and refined.
The Sensory Experience
The journey to Hammerack is orchestrated by Maître d’ and Sommelier Matteo Godeas, curator of an international wine list with over 250 labels, highlighting the finest Collio and local wines.
The perfect experience at Hammerack Restaurant begins with listening to the astronomical carillon (reservation required), continues with a signature drink at the Hammerack bistro and cocktail bar, and culminates with a dinner reservation overlooking two beautiful de Chirico paintings: Achilles’ Horses and The Archaeologist’s Rest.
The Secret
Three special guests live in the resort’s garden: the alpacas Gaspare, Melhior, and Balthasar. The Hammerack mascots are available for rejuvenating nature walks, offering guests a unique pet therapy experience in the silence of the Friulian mountains.
Useful Info
Hammerack Restaurant
Via Officine 8
33010 Malborghetto, Udine
Tel. +39 0428 820158
Tasting menu: from €80, wine pairing from €25
Appetizers: from €20
First courses: from €28
Second courses: from €26
