Country House La Bursch

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

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

In the Valle Cervo lies a romantic retreat: La Bursch, a wonderful hamlet restored with great taste through the passion of an entire family and a vision of sustainable hospitality. Within it, the eponymous restaurant stands apart, among furnishings and fabrics gathered by the owners over a lifetime, soft lighting and a service of the warmest character, an atmosphere that is almost magical pervades the space. The dishes showcase the territory’s finest ingredients, enhanced in carefully prepared presentations (the precision of the beef Wellington is emblematic), well presented and lifted by a de

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

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.

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.

Situated in the delightful village of Brusson at an altitude of 1 300m in the verdant Val d'Ayas, this restaurant is part of the hotel of the same. In a dining room decorated in typical mountain style, enjoy well-prepared dishes made from regional ingredients. The delicious specialities include light Aosta Valley pancakes (made from rice flour), local cheeses, cured meats, plenty of meat options and fish such as trout and char.