Hotel Residence Giardini

A short walk from the fairytale village and its postcard-perfect view of the lake and the island of San Giulio, the setting of this three-star restaurant is no less dazzling: a late nineteenth-century villa in Moorish style, an aristocratic dwelling where the Crespi family life unfolded, as imposing in its exterior appearance as it is fascinating in its interior rooms. Here the veranda offers glimpses and plays of natural light, while the other three rooms are embellished with elaborate ceilings and marvelous parquet floors. Today the star of the villa is Antonino Cannavacciuolo, a brilliant c

Situated in the historic centre of one of the most romantic lakeside villages in Italy, and offering a picture-postcard view of bygone days, this small building houses a contemporary-style restaurant with a small private dining room and three romantic outdoor terraces (book well in advance). The cuisine here is creative and precise, with a menu that features fish and seafood alongside top-quality meat from the Piedmont. Each recipe is personalised, often focusing on contrasting flavours and textures (don’t miss the unstructured elderberry crêpe with pollen and pan brioche). The wine list is ov

Situated within the elegant Laqua by the Lake boutique hotel (part of the Cannavacciuolo “galaxy”), this restaurant boasts fine lake views to accompany the imaginative Mediterranean cuisine served by resident chef Giovanni Bertone. There are three tasting menus (the lake-inspired “Brezza”; the Neapolitan-influenced “Acquolina”, and a totally vegetarian menu), plus an à la carte option for anyone who wishes to choose their own individual dishes. Our inspector particularly recommends the amberjack, fennel and roe dish, as well as Antonino’s mouthwatering babà dessert.

This restaurant is a true shrine to Italian cuisine, which continues to tell the story of the passion and dedication of two great professionals who have marked a turning point in the industry. Luisa Marelli, who has a degree in literature and is self-taught in the kitchen for love, creates dishes that have become true classics, rich in references to tradition and with a special focus on the seasonality of ingredients. Her husband, Angelo Valazza, is the master of the dining room par excellence, a true “maître” that all those aspiring to this profession should work alongside for a while. His el

Operating since 1971 and still under the same family management, they are a reliable address, a great classic if you are in the area. The ambience is well cared for, while the cuisine is solid. Alongside some local cues (battuta di fassona with fresh cheese or agnolotti with butter and sage), there are also seafood dishes (tuna tataki with coconut and soy sauce) and, in general, some contemporary touches, very evident in the pleasing presentations.

​​A bustling little restaurant of the sort you might expect to find in Berlin or New York, this place is a real gem. The tables are set close together and the atmosphere is pleasingly laid back. You can watch the two chefs in the open kitchen as they prepare a six-course surprise menu. You need to allow plenty of time for this dining experience, but the 3.5hrs are absolutely worth it: the dishes are made with regional ingredients, and great emphasis is placed on seasonality and provenance. The dishes are thoughtfully devised and full of character, revealing a distinctive culinary identity. A v

This elegant fine dining restaurant in the town centre is housed in the magnificent Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. The classical setting done out with fine wood panelling affords a splendid view of the church, Pfarrkirche St Mauritius. Choose between two appealing set menus: One has an international focus with regional touches; the other is vegetarian and showcases regional produce. Besides the meticulous preparation, the balance of the flavours and the exceptional quality of the ingredients, the robust stocks and sauces deserve a special mention for the striking contrasts they add. Attentive servi