Center Salo

The eponymous restaurant of the Leali brothers has, over the course of a decade, become a solid gastronomic point of reference for the area. The cooking displays an increasingly signature style: the dishes are precise and technical, built upon original and carefully considered recipes, while a growing interest in the vegetable world emerges with ever greater clarity, even as sound offerings of fish and meat remain on the menu. Among these, the rainbow trout stands out, served with a mayonnaise drawn from its own roe, a parsley sauce and a kind of Brescian ceviche also based on trout: an emblem

In the sumptuous setting of the Grand Hotel Fasano, this restaurant decorated with a profusion of wood has just a few tables, where guests can choose between tasting menus (including a vegetarian option) and an à la carte selection. Although influences from chef Maurizio Bufi’s native Puglia and the Lake Garda region can be detected in the cuisine, other Italian regions (and indeed other countries) also make an appearance in the creative dishes, which are inspired by whatever ingredients are in season.

The new chef at this restaurant prioritises beautiful presentation in his modern interpretations of Italian dishes, which are even more enjoyable in summer when meals are served outdoors, surrounded by greenery and with fine views of the southern part of Lake Garda and its shoreline.

Situated in the historic centre of the charming small village of San Felice del Benaco, Duo is the project of chefs Daniele Ghedini and Federico Pelizzari (the latter also oversees the front of house). Their personalised, modern cuisine is Mediterranean in style and features meat-based dishes, vegetarian options and fish recipes (salt- and freshwater), with a focus on matured fish which also has its own dedicated tasting menu. This colourful restaurant also boasts an outdoor space shaded by a pergola and surrounded by walnut trees.

Situated in the upper part of the town near the Vittoriale estate, this rustic 18C building is the setting for regional cuisine prepared using seasonal ingredients. The charming small courtyard offers shade for summer dining, while the interior dining room also includes a single table on a small balcony which needs to be booked well in advance.

Villa Fiordaliso is one of the beautiful early 20C villas that line the lake front. Surrounded by verdant grounds and extending out into the lake on a pontoon, the restaurant serves creative, modern cuisine. The chef is equally at ease with fish and meat dishes, while the extensive wine list suggests that you’ll have no problem finding your favourite wine here.