Laveno 最佳餐厅

Villa Crespi

★★★ MichelinTre Forchette€€€€Creative, Mediterranean Cuisine

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

La Brezza

★★ Michelin€€€€mediterranean

Chef Campanella offers highly personalized cuisine, with a keen focus on the simplicity of raw ingredients and on pairings – an approach shaped by his countless travels around the world and enriched with an indispensable Mediterranean touch from his Italian heritage. The two menus remain unchanged and are executed with masterful perfection: Moving Mountains (vegan) and Ispirazione (with fish and meat). Guests can choose from five to eight courses. The wine list is sure to meet the expectations of the most discerning connoisseurs, who can also engage with the knowledgeable sommelier. In the war

Ecco

★★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Seasonal Cuisine

In the refined gourmet restaurant of the “Giardino” hotel, Reto Brändli has taken the helm of the kitchen, succeeding Rolf Fliegauf. With a culinary style that is essential yet sophisticated, technically flawless and rich in nuance, he successfully continues the restaurant’s tradition. The excellence of the ingredients is evident in dishes such as South African lobster served with mango, coconut, and kaffir lime. The service, impeccable in expertise, courtesy, and elegance, helps make the experience truly memorable. All of this is framed by a sophisticated setting, enhanced by a wall decorated

D'O

★★ MichelinTre Forchette€€€€Creative, Italian Contemporary

On a charming piazza presided over by an elm tree and a seventeenth-century church, tables in two of the three dining rooms overlook the scene, while the contemporary elegance of D’O unfolds inside. Chef Davide Oldani, now a defining figure of Italian cuisine, crafts dishes that distill twenty years of work and formative experiences, including memorable stints with Marchesi and Ducasse. Creative ideas rooted in Italian taste, impeccable technique, and presentations that are both essential and playfully pop: as exemplified by the Cuttlefish in its ink with pickled porcini and dill. Among the ta

Cannavacciuolo by the Lake

★ Michelin€€€Contemporary, Modern Cuisine

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.

Andrea Monesi - Locanda di Orta

★ Michelin€€€€italian, regional

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

Al Sorriso

★ Michelin€€€€Piedmontese, Modern Cuisine

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

Felix Lo Basso Restaurant

★ Michelin€€€€Italian Contemporary, Mediterranean Cuisine

The restaurant, nestled in a peaceful setting just outside the city, is a refuge for the senses: in the evening, the chef's table welcomes up to 12 guests for an intimate and surprising gastronomic experience, while a private room can accommodate small groups of up to 20 people. At the stove, a chef already well-known in Italy reinterprets Italian cuisine with creativity and passion. The service is warm, and the menu is rich in Mediterranean influences. The mascot? A curious and omnipresent gorilla: appearing in photos, as a statue, or even in the butter served with the bread. On sunny days, t

I Due Sud

★ Michelin€€€€mediterranean

Situated within the beautiful Splendide Royal hotel (now approaching its 140th anniversary!), this small, welcoming restaurant serves gourmet cuisine prepared by new chef Marco Veneruso, a southern Italian whose respectable CV gives his dishes intensity, strength and finesse. A good example is the linguine with scampi and an anchovy sauce, one of the signature dishes that earned him a Michelin star during his time in Beijing. Here, he offers three menus: "DALLA COSTIERA ALLA SWISS RIVIERA", "VENTO D'ESTATE" and the vegetarian "BOUQUET DALL'ORTO". Dishes can be chosen à la carte style – all you

THE VIEW

★ Michelin€€€€Italian Contemporary, Modern Cuisine

At this restaurant, Diego Della Schiava creates beautifully presented cuisine that is truly a feast for the eyes! This chef’s philosophy focuses on seasonal ingredients, which he transforms into Mediterranean and Swiss dishes with an equal emphasis on meat and fish, including highlights such as the delicious scallop tartare with sesame oil, nasturtiums and porcini mushroom puff. In fine weather, we recommend booking a table on the spacious terrace to enjoy its stunning views of Lugano and the lake.

META

★ Michelin€€€€Italian, Fusion

Even after META moved to Piazza Riforma in the heart of the city, a visit here is still highly recommended. The entrance is somewhat hidden, with a small staircase leading up to the second floor. The design is chic and elegant, and classic Italian cuisine full of energy, soul and flavour is served at beautiful marble tables. Here and there, Asian accents are also incorporated. There is a set menu as well as à la carte dishes. You will be looked after attentively and professionally. Tip: they offer an impressive selection of champagnes.

Locanda Barbarossa

★ Michelin€€€€mediterranean

An address at the pinnacle of Ticino’s fine dining, situated within the Castello del Sole hotel (in a tranquil and secluded location): gourmets and refined food lovers – this is your restaurant! With seasonal ingredients – many sourced from the estate itself – the cuisine of Mattias Roock and Leopold Ott offers a successful blend of local inspirations and Mediterranean touches, while fundamentally remaining rooted in the classics, whether you opt for à la carte or one of the two tempting tasting menus. The inspectors’ notes also emphasize the peacefulness of the setting (it is particularly enj

Osteria Enoteca Cuntitt

★ Michelin€€€Italian Contemporary, Seasonal Cuisine

Just above Mendrisio, this charming little village, complete with a historic center and church, offers both visitors and locals a beautiful Lombard-style farmhouse, where the refined restaurant serves modern Italian cuisine with regional influences, as well as a variety of caviar selections and excellent vegetables (the pigeon with carrots is a must-have). The wine list benefits from its own cellar, featuring regional labels and Champagne.

Osteria dell'Enoteca

★ Michelin€€€€fine_dining

In a quiet residential area, charm and refinement are the hallmarks of this modern osteria, skillfully and warmly managed by a young couple who offer delicious dishes with modern and creative flair. The large fireplace is the guardian spirit of the restaurant, but in summer, service also moves out to the flower-filled garden, which, like the dining room, features works of art. There is an interesting selection of Ticino wines! The surprise menu “Lascio a voi” (“I leave it up to you”) is available – any food intolerances, as well as vegetarian or vegan preferences, should be communicated in adv

Acquerello

★ Michelin€€€€Creative

The word “modern” sums up the cuisine here, although more than one word is needed to do justice to this restaurant. Housed in an old courtyard typical of Lombardy, Acquerello focuses on flavour rather than colour, with dishes created by a chef who enjoys being in the kitchen away from the spotlight. Although the restaurant offers an à la carte, our inspectors recommend the tasting menu with its fine balance of delicate flavours and original combinations that offer a hint of Eastern influence and pleasing contrasts in cooking methods and temperatures. The wine selection reflects the owner’s tas

Atelier

★ Michelin€€€Contemporary, Country cooking

The Ossola gastronomic atelier offers a safe harbour for lovers of good food and drink in the town centre. The Bartolucci family's tradition has soared thanks to dynamic chef patron Giorgio and entrepreneurial sister Elisabetta, joined by Katia, whose smile and professionalism are invaluable to guest comfort. In addition to the welcoming service, the cuisine beckons clientele from afar. The evening menu is packed with revisited Ossola citations (among others, gathered in the tasting menu "Flavours and Aromas of the Mountains") alongside contemporary Italian culinary nods. In certain occasional

Materia

★ Michelin€€€Creative

While this restaurant’s recent move has brought a new setting and a change of address, it continues to serve cuisine which is a fusion of Italian, Asian and other influences, with a menu featuring plenty of vegetables, spices and aromatic herbs used by the chef to create dishes full of concentrated flavours. If you enjoy innovative and original combinations, this is the restaurant for you as many of the dishes on the menu (including the desserts) offer something different, including recipes with more challenging and acidic and bitter flavours. Our inspector particularly enjoyed the pickled whi

Acqua

★ Michelin€€€€Seafood, Contemporary

Family tradition is renewed with a contemporary spirit at this venue overlooking the historic Ma.Ri.Na. The philosophy here is clear: exceptional raw materials, carefully selected and showcased by chef Menoncin and patron Davide Possoni. The latter enjoys sitting down with guests at the start of the evening to guide them toward offerings best suited to personal tastes: fish, crustaceans, and mollusks interpreted in original recipes, occasionally with pleasing spicy accents, always generous and elegantly plated. The crudo selection is unmissable – notably the sumptuous crustacean trio of scampi

Trattoria contemporanea

★ Michelin€€€€Italian Contemporary, Creative

A young team led by talented chef Davide Marzullo surprises guests with modern techniques and cuisine, offering dishes that showcase both national and international flavours and combinations, including a completely vegetarian - Istinto - menu, including a not-to-be-missed risotto with goat's milk, capers, liquorice and soya. At lunchtime, the menu is lighter, but you can also enjoy à la carte specialities and three tasting menus (with varying numbers of courses). The industrial redevelopment of a former cotton mill provides a fitting backdrop for all this energy.

Locanda Orico

★ Michelin€€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Seasonal Cuisine

A focus on sustainability is much more than a simple slogan at this restaurant housed in a historic palazzo in the old town. Since 1998 here, the owner-chef works with excellent local suppliers in order to provide the best possible experience for his guests, talking them through each dish and the provenance of its top-quality ingredients. There’s nothing mysterious about the process, which results in healthy Mediterranean cuisine with a combination of French and regional influences, and where the menu changes at the beginning of each season and the tasting menu every month. Dishes here are car

sui generis.

★ Michelin€€€€Creative

A modern dining-room with an open-view kitchen where young Alfio Nicolosi can be observed at work, ably assisted by friendly and attentive staff front of house. When you book, you’ll be asked if you have any food allergies or intolerances, or any ingredients that you don’t like, as there is just one surprise tasting menu served here. The truly extraordinary dishes are inspired by the chef’s remarkable knowledge of culinary traditions from Italy and further afield (strong Asian and South American influences are obvious), resulting in highly personalised dishes. Nicolosi is one of the most inter

Il Cantuccio

★ Michelin€€€Modern Cuisine

This welcoming, beautifully kept restaurant in the heart of the verdant Brianza region has two dining rooms: one with exposed stonework that gives it a rustic feel, the other more modern and elegant in style. Chef Mauro Elli moves easily between classic Italian favourites, occasionally adding his own individual touch to the dishes. His imaginative reinterpretations demonstrate a fascination with the sea (despite the restaurant’s geographical location), while the menu also offers “daily game specials” throughout the year. One of the most delicious dishes on the menu is the bottoni pasta in a Mi

Olio

★ Michelin€€€Seafood, Italian Contemporary

Within The Box, a multifunctional space with vintage cars and contemporary art surrounded by a garden with splendid olive trees, you’ll find the restaurant (bistro service at lunch) and above all excellent seafood cuisine with a small menu dedicated to oysters and caviar. Flavorful and substantial recipes supported by remarkable ingredients, traditional foundations with just the right amount of creativity, nothing excessive. Many memorable dishes, particularly the first courses, including an extraordinary rice with basil pesto, raw and cooked seafood, and cherry tomato extract.

Olmo

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative

Olmo takes its name from the large elm tree that stands in the centre of Cornaredo’s small square, a symbol of the town’s pedestrianised area. This new restaurant opened by chef Davide Oldani has just three tables, which can be pushed together to accommodate a maximum of 14 guests, plus an open-view kitchen. The tasting menu here showcases the chef’s creative, modern dishes which focus on seasonal ingredients, balance and an attractive play between texture and temperature. Riccardo Merli is the young, talented resident chef who, having gained experience in renowned French restaurants as well a

Grow Restaurant

★ Michelin€€€Farm to table, Creative

Technique, creativity and a focus on and respect for the past are just some of the criteria that guide chef Matteo Vergine. His modern dishes aim to reflect the ancestral flavours of Brianza and Lombardy in bygone days when hunting, freshwater fishing, growing vegetables and gathering wild herbs were all part of everyday life. In the evening, choose between three tasting menus – in an effort to minimise food waste, guests are required to make their choice at the time of booking. We particularly enjoyed the quail served with its own broth and a brioche, and the gnocchi with stracchino cheese, c

Il Patio

★ Michelin€€€Country cooking, Contemporary

Set in ancient stables, with a refreshing terrace overlooking a garden prepared for outdoor service in the summertime, Il Patio is a popular gourmet destination in the area. Its success is due to high-quality gastronomy and excellent, highly professional service. Led by chef-owner Sergio Vineis, alongside his son Simone, the cuisine begins with a connection to the local area and evolves into a balanced contemporary style. The wine selection is extensive, well-structured, and always distinctive.

Kitchen

★ Michelin€€€€Italian Contemporary

意大利菜

Il Sereno Al Lago Restaurant

★ Michelin€€€€Modern Cuisine, Contemporary

意大利菜

Condividere

必比登€€Classic Cuisine, Contemporary

A small and impeccably tended bistrot in the heart of Arona’s historic centre, a few steps from the lakeside promenade, this venue distinguishes itself through a gastronomic proposal that is both personal and firmly rooted in the territory. In the kitchen, the chef and owner leads a seasonal menu that is lively and refined, bringing genuine sensitivity to the finest local produce.Among the dishes not to be missed, the “Condividere” antipasto, a sequence of small tastes recalling the Italian tradition of the shared starter: burrata with crunchy puntarelle and anchovies, a tartlet of Russian sal

Castagneto

必比登€€Piedmontese, Seafood

On the lower slopes above Lake Maggiore, this rustic building offers particularly panoramic views of the verdant landscape, enjoyed both from the terrace and most indoor tables. The atmosphere is homey with a sense of long-standing tradition, and it couldn’t be otherwise since the restaurant has been operating for over 50 years (since 1969). The cuisine ranges across the entire Italian peninsula (including seafood), following the rhythm of the seasons, though the standout dishes remain predominantly local and regional. In addition to the wine selection, there's also a carefully curated offerin

Agorà

必比登€€Italian, Classic Cuisine

Located in relaxing Brissago, this historic bistro features a pleasantly retro ambience and well-maintained wood furnishings. The courteous service is accompanied by the delicious flavours of dishes that follow the seasons and include traditional and Mediterranean touches. The ravioli del plin stuffed with braised wild boar are a highlight.

Grotto della Salute

必比登€€italian

A rustic grotto-style restaurant with a warm and welcoming ambience, where staff are happy to advise you on the seasonal dishes on offer. A whole page of the menu is dedicated to classic favourites, all of which are influenced by Mediterranean cuisine – the veal shank with mashed potato and salted butter is particularly delicious. There’s also a small menu of daily specials which changes according to market availability. The terrace shaded by huge plane trees provides a pleasant setting for summer dining, while an excellent wine list adds to the appeal.

Asia

必比登€€asian, sushi

After climbing just over ten steps, you settle comfortably into this delightful restaurant with relaxing colors and a splendid view of the lake and mountains. Of course, when the weather is nice, the terrace is the best place to book: your gaze drifts off over the vast blue expanse, while bamboo plants brighten up the outdoor area. The kitchen offers all the great Asian classics: traditional or fusion sushi, sashimi, delicious Thai curries, dim sum, and much more. Choosing won’t be easy!

Centrale

必比登€€regional

Particularly well-known and frequented by locals, this restaurant with its delightful, rustic, family atmosphere offers delicious regional cuisine that can be enjoyed – weather permitting – on the lovely terrace as well. In summer, the menu is enriched with dishes made exclusively from vegetables and garden produce.

Italia

必比登€€Piedmontese, Contemporary

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.

Alla Cantina

必比登€€Sicilian, Classic Cuisine

Although all the staff at this beautiful historic restaurant on the village square hail from Sicily, they have been working in Switzerland for years. Here, authentic Sicilian cuisine is served in a rustic and welcoming setting that also provides the backdrop for regular music events: the only concessions to Ticino are the polenta-based dishes. Our inspector particularly recommends the sarde in “Beccafico”(stuffed sardine roulade with breadcrumbs, sultanas, pine nuts and orange peel). There’s also a pleasantly cool and tranquil outdoor space for summer dining, plus four attractive and inviting

🕐 We-Su 09:00-14:00, Tu-Su 17:00-23:00

Grotto Valmaggese

必比登€€regional

Situated in an excellent location slightly above the road, this traditional grotto-style restaurant with a large car park is quiet and cool in summer, with a dining room warmed by a fireplace in winter. In this delightful location, enjoy classic, well-prepared and generous cuisine with personal touches made using top-quality, seasonally inspired ingredients. Make sure you try the venison tartare with marrow gratin and pear jelly, as well as the delicious artisanal ice creams. The highly welcoming and attentive service is clearly in evidence in the dining room.

Impero

必比登€€Piedmontese, Regional Cuisine

A culinary landmark in the Novara province, this restaurant has been run for decades by the enthusiastic Naggi sisters, whose family have owned the premises since 1934. The secret to their success lies in the warm welcome and the delicious traditional cuisine, which includes fresh homemade pasta, an extraordinary paniscia (a type of risotto), and stuffed boiled chicken served with various sauces and chutneys displayed on a trolley. All the dishes are full of flavour and made from seasonal ingredients. You’ll have no problem finding a good wine to accompany your meal from the impressive wine li

Osteria San Giulio

必比登€€Piedmontese, Country cooking

A timeless atmosphere lingers in this hamlet, a former rural abbey that speaks to the region’s deep ties with agriculture and its enduring traditions. Those same roots are reflected in the menu of this humble, almost austere osteria: agnolotti with roast meat sauce, local cured meats and cheeses, panissa, and bunet. Prices are very fair, especially with the Menù dell’Oste (under €40).

Edelweiss

必比登€Country cooking, Seasonal Cuisine

A real bastion of local cuisine for over 60 years thanks to the hard work of an entire family. The menu features mountain-style cuisine, including game dishes, a small selection of local cheeses (we highly recommend the Bettelmatt) and home-made ice cream. Relaxed and informal ambience.

Mezzolitro Vini e Cucina

必比登€€Cuisine from Abruzzo, Traditional Cuisine

In the heart of Rho old town, among the quiet lanes of the restricted traffic zone, lies a corner of Abruzzo that exudes authenticity. A tempting, family-run refuge where a simple atmosphere meets refined, welcoming details. Tradition takes shape in dishes that tell stories of genuine flavours: such as the famous “chitarra alla teramana”, fresh pasta covered in a rich and enveloping sauce, with little meatballs and the bold touch of pecorino cheese. An invitation to sit down, indulge and feel right at home.

La Tavola

€€€€Creative, Seasonal Cuisine

Situated in the Il Porticciolo hotel, this restaurant will appeal to anyone who enjoys a lakeside setting. Leave your car in the car park, then take the lift down to the dining room with its windows overlooking the water and views of the opposite shore of Lake Maggiore. The lake also takes pride of place in some of the creative, elaborate and personalised dishes on the two tasting menus created by Riccardo Bassetti, many of which feature freshwater fish.

Milano

€€€€italian

This is a historic establishment, the guardian of a family tradition stretching back almost a century – celebrated in its iconic dessert, zabaione. The elegant setting draws its charm from a veranda overlooking the lake, further enhanced by a private jetty. The cuisine interprets contemporary tastes without compromising on classic favourites, supported by excellent ingredients sourced from the land, freshwater and sea. A prime example are the refined ravioli del plin with 100% langoustines.

Caffè delle Rose Bistrot

€€Mediterranean Cuisine

Occupying an early 20C building in the heart of Pallanza’s picturesque historic centre, this authentic bistro now has a young and contemporary feel. Run by Massimiliano Celeste, a talented chef who is very well known in the region, the restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine prepared with a touch of imagination. There’s a small chef’s table in front of the kitchen, plus an old ice-house (now a small wine cellar housing some excellent wines) which is well worth visiting.

La Botte

€€regional, italian

A modern and welcoming contemporary bistro situated in the heart of Stresa’s historic centre. Run by an entire family, the restaurant serves modern and imaginative fish and meat dishes where the focus is always on seasonal ingredients. The interesting wine list also includes a selection of wines by the glass.

Antica Osteria Il Monte Rosso

€€italian

Situated on the lakeside in the residential district of Verbania, this small, Old England - style restaurant serves a selection of freshwater and saltwater fish specialities. If the weather allows, ask for one of the few tables on the panoramic terrace.

Lo Stornello

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Modern Cuisine

Offering quality and professionalism in a tourist setting, this small restaurant is popular with locals as well as visitors. The menu focuses on imaginatively presented Mediterranean cuisine.

LeBolle

€€€€Italian Contemporary, Modern Cuisine

The “bubbles” promised in the name are five romantic private pods set in greenery, but you’ll also find beautiful comfort in the garden-side outdoor area and the more contemporary indoor dining room. After all, you’re inside the luxurious Boutique Hotel Stresa, and the same high standards are fully carried through. The kitchen took off with the arrival, in early 2025, of chef Salvatore Pacifico, who offers several tasting menus and an à la carte selection of modern dishes that at times reference the lake, the surrounding mountains, Campania, and also his native Puglia (especially apparent in t

Osteria Mercato

€€italian

Tucked slightly away from the city’s main tourist paths, behind the lanes of the historical center, this restaurant presents a contemporary setting with a distinctly customized décor. The cuisine moves confidently between land and sea: from ravioli filled with “farmyard” meats, nettles, and cardoncelli mushrooms to skewered octopus with mussels and a saffron broth, with room for a touch of creativity as well. Excellent attention is paid to sourcing local ingredients, and in the warmer months, the outdoor terrace is fresh and pleasant.

Verbano

€€€italian

Within the confines of the small, charming Verbano hotel on the beautiful island of Pescatori, chef Marco Sacco serves top-quality cuisine in what can only be described as a stunning setting. The contemporary-style dining room boasts panoramic windows, while the outdoor terrace with its views of Palazzo Borromeo and Isola Bella is the perfect setting for dinner in fine weather.

SottoSopra

€€italian_pizza

A pleasant and colourful restaurant in the village centre, divided into several dining rooms. The owner-chef prepares a range of eclectic dishes with passion and enthusiasm, offering a menu which includes meat dishes alongside fish options (salt- and freshwater), as well as a few regional specialities.

Battipalo

€€Modern Cuisine

An intimate and atmospheric venue, ideal for a romantic lakeside stop, where you can enjoy a relaxing break thanks to Italian and lake cuisine, sometimes reinterpreted with a more contemporary approach, but with little affectation and, instead, excellent substance. Enthusiasts will appreciate the snails with bread, butter, and parsley, accompanied by a garlic cream and seasonal mushrooms. Above all, the use of quality raw materials is fundamental.

Il Sole di Ranco

€€€Creative

An elegant residence with gardens sloping down to the lake. The charming terrace, where meals are served in summer, offers superb views of the lake, while the cuisine combines the traditional and the modern, including imaginative flavours with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

La Quartina

€€italian

Outdoor service in the summer on the terrace with an exceptional view of the lake. Original furnishings and extremely well kept rooms. Menu including lake specialities. The rooms are simple, comfortable and always neat and tidy.

La Fugascina Ristorante

€€Italian Contemporary, Country cooking

Situated on a small square with an attractive outdoor space, this restaurant offers a menu which features fish from the lake and other seasonal produce prepared with both modern and traditional techniques, but always with a contemporary flair. The focus is on locally sourced (zero-mile, wherever possible) produce.

Villa Baroni

€€Classic Cuisine

This romantic restaurant on the lakeshore has a welcoming, elegant ambience and a delightful terrace for summer dining. The cuisine pays particular attention to top-quality, seasonal ingredients prepared in traditional recipes with a focus on fish. Cosy, Provençal-style guestrooms complete the picture.

Blu

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Italian Contemporary

Overlooking the delightful Piazzetta del Popolo, this restaurant delights guests with its views of the lake and the Rocca d’Angera, which can be enjoyed from the bright, relaxing dining rooms as well as from the shaded outdoor terrace. Chef Roberta, the soul of the restaurant, describes herself as a “home-style cook” who creates authentic dishes that are unfussy and full of flavour. Her “dal fondale alla superficie” fried fish recipe (literally, “from the depths to the surface”) is a triumph of flavours and includes zander, whitefish, trout, alborella and seasonal vegetables. Front of house, C

Strattoria

€€€Contemporary, Italian Contemporary

Situated in the foothills around Lake Maggiore, this welcoming restaurant has a pleasantly relaxed ambience. The chef is equally at ease with meat and fish, creating colourful modern dishes that demonstrate his individual take on contemporary Italian cuisine. Unsurprisingly, Piedmont takes centre stage, including desserts such as bonet with a traditional cake base which is then topped with dark chocolate and a crispy sphere filled with a kind of custard- cream mixture. Lighter options are also available at lunchtime.

Olona - "Da Venanzio" dal 1922

€€€Country cooking, Lombardian

A bastion of regional cuisine for over a century, this restaurant occupies an attractive group of buildings with a large outdoor summer area shaded by a pergola and a charming dining room with a retro feel. Traditional recipes with interesting and personalised twists take centre stage, including superb ravioli del plin with three roasts and a meat sauce – this is Lombardy, after all! Impressive wine list, including wines by the glass.

Giardinetto

€€italian

Set on the shores of the lake within the elegant hotel of the same name – now approaching its centenary after careful renovations – this restaurant boasts splendid views that extend as far as the Island of San Giulio. The cuisine is Mediterranean (try the beef bavette with red and yellow pepper sauce), with the occasional imaginative flourish (such as Carnaroli risotto with basil, black lemon, and purple shrimp). For an aperitif or after-dinner drink, a stop at the Roof Top Bar is recommended. In addition to cocktails, the wine cellar is also well stocked.

La Perla

€€€Seafood, Contemporary

Housed in a historic palazzo on the charming Piazza della Motta in the town centre, this restaurant is one you will immediately want to share with family and friends thanks to its delicious cuisine. The menu focuses mainly on fish and seafood (including impressive raw fish dishes) although a few meat options are also available. Good choice of wines and spirits.

Da Annetta

€€Traditional Cuisine, Modern Cuisine

In an 18th Century building, a rustic yet elegant atmosphere with a particular attentiveness at the tables and in the cuisine, which has a traditional base, but also knows how to add imaginative variations.

Alla Corte Lombarda

€€Lombardian, Modern Cuisine

Housed in a restored hay barn on the edge of the village, this charming rustic restaurant offers traditional cuisine with a modern twist, a good selection of wine and an excellent choice of beer. Every week, the menu features five records which played a major role in the history of music or which represent an important moment in time for the restaurant owner.

Casa Fantini/Lake Time

€€€Country cooking, Contemporary

Situated on the lakefront in the attractive town of Pella, this modern and welcoming restaurant occupies an old building which has been restored and furnished with a stylish and harmonious decor. Offering simpler options at lunchtime, the restaurant serves traditional cuisine reinterpreted and presented with a contemporary flavour. A lounge, garden, swimming pool and 11 guestrooms add to the exclusive appeal.

Rosso di Sera

€€Modern Cuisine, Contemporary

Situated closed to the motorway exit, this restaurant’s rustic exterior belies its young, colourful and contemporary interior. The dishes are as modern as the decor, yet they have their roots in strong local traditions. The owner has a real passion for French and sparkling wines, including around 160 different champagnes and a wide selection of Burgundies, plus a good choice of wines by the glass, craft beers and cocktails.

Al Vecchio Convento

€€€Tuscan, Grills

At the gates of the city, within a building steeped in history and featuring convenient private parking, this restaurant welcomes guests with classic elegance from the entrance, where artisanal cantucci and ricciarelli are displayed for sale. The dining room echoes the same refined atmosphere, with attentive, punctual service. In the kitchen, Tuscan tradition reigns: meat dishes take center stage, with few concessions to seafood, and fresh pastas prepared according to time-honored methods. An offering built on the strength of regional flavors and authenticity. No frills, but careful attention

Crotto Valtellina

€€€Cuisine from Valtellina, Traditional Cuisine

For over fifty years, the Valbuzzi family has passionately maintained this enchanting crotto, now in its third generation. The atmosphere is elegant and refined while staying true to its origins: wooden tables, period furnishings, and floral touches. The summer veranda is particularly stunning, overlooking a lush garden and a sandstone wall. The menu balances traditional dishes – the pizzoccheri are unmissable – with more contemporary creations, such as the surprising saltimbocca of larded quail with fennel, escarole gel, pickled apricot, and zucchini flan.

Osteria degli Angeli

€€Mediterranean Cuisine

An attractive restaurant which offers a friendly and informal welcome and service, alongside an elegant, personalised yet classic decor. The cuisine is mainly Mediterranean in flavour, emphasised by the use of local and seasonal ingredients. The self-taught chef here is passionate about his cuisine.

La Sorgente

€€Creative

This welcoming restaurant overlooking the lake in the charming village of Vico Morcote serves simple cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, many of which (biodynamic wines, vegetables, olive oil etc) come from the restaurant’s own farm. It’s fantastic to be able to enjoy such fresh produce at reasonable prices – make sure you try the open ravioli with a rabbit ragu, Gotthard cheese fondue and pepper. Guests are advised to leave their car at the garage at the entrance to the village and then walk the short distance to the restaurant. In summer, meals are served under a pergola on the charmi

Montalbano by Mirko Rainer

€€€Italian Contemporary

Located on the hill of the same name and recently reopened after renovations under new management already well known in the area, this charming spot features a beautiful veranda and a terrace for summer enjoyment. The kitchen offers many delicacies, such as “cold” spaghetti with seafood crudo, pistachio, and oregano, as well as grilled dishes of the Big Green Egg. In the surprise menu, meat reigns supreme, while the à la carte selection is more varied. If you choose a bottle of Champagne from the well-stocked wine list, it’s not unusual for the restaurant owner to open it for you with a dramat

Corte Visconti

€€Country cooking, Creative

A classical, rustic style environment with walls in stone and brick vaulted or wood and stone ceilings. The cuisine is authentically local but with a pleasant touch of creativity.

/gu.stà.re/ oltrecucina

€€€Modern Cuisine, Seasonal Cuisine

A fine contemporary restaurant in the heart of town, combining colourful, minimalist tones with a few vintage touches – such as the striking old petrol pump in the dining room. The cuisine draws inspiration from Piedmontese regional tradition – the pink-cooked veal eye round with hazelnut mayonnaise and caper powder inevitably recalls vitello tonnato – yet goes well beyond mere homage. The young and talented chef Valentina Maioni brings passion and quality ingredients to the table, reworking recipes with personal, imaginative touches. Equally at ease with meat and fish, she creates dishes of r

La Luce

€€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Classic Cuisine

Set in a panoramic location, slightly set back from the town centre, La Luce is the gourmet restaurant of a hotel with classic charm and an intimate atmosphere. In the warmer months, guests are enchanted by the veranda, which offers truly stunning views, whilst in winter the elegant dining rooms provide an intimate and refined welcome. The cuisine is built on a solid foundation of traditional techniques, showcasing local produce with subtle Mediterranean influences and a careful respect for seasonality: meat and fish are presented on an equal footing. The wine list is well-curated, extensive a

Pinocchio

€€€Piedmontese, Classic Cuisine

This reliable restaurant is well run by a highly professional and experienced family. In the classic-style dining room, where the decor eschews fashionable trends, enjoy typical Piedmontese cuisine lightened by the occasional modern twist. The restaurant’s contemporary version of “paniscia” is a good example – a type of risotto with beans, salami and vegetables, in which the latter, instead of being cooked directly with the rice, are added on top of the mixture in the form of vegetable cream, giving the dish an attractive splash of colour. The menu always features a few fish-based recipes, inc

Le Colonne

€€Country cooking, Traditional Cuisine

In the small historic center of town, a couple with comprehensive management experience operates this well maintained, modest restaurant offering eclectic cuisine.

Ristorante Seven Lugano

€€Grills

Situated on the rooftop of the casino and accessible via a glass-sided lift, this restaurant boasts fine views of the lake. In summer, the popular seats on the terrace need to be booked well in advance, while the lounge bar on the ground floor is perfect for a post-dinner cocktail. The cuisine here is varied and wide-ranging, both on the set menus and the à la carte, plus there’s an excellent choice of wines featuring labels from around the world.

🕐 Mo-Su 12:00-15:00,19:30-01:00

Ciani Lugano

€€€Mediterranean Cuisine

Located between the Palazzo dei Congressi and the Ciani Garden, this modern and cosmopolitan venue is a true gem. Renowned regional chef Dario Ranza focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with skill and precision to guarantee delicious flavors. Among his specialties: Lostallo salmon “Caini style,” a variety of risottos, sole meunière, and salt-crusted sea bass, filleted directly at the table. The selection of exclusive wines and Champagnes is truly remarkable.

Al Braciere

€€Mediterranean Cuisine

Situated just above Ascona, about 1km from the town centre, this friendly hotel boasts panoramic views of Lake Maggiore, the surrounding mountains and the island of Brissago. Enjoy modern, carefully prepared cuisine in the comfortable dining room or on the idyllic outdoor terrace in summer.

Capuccina

€€Italian Contemporary, Piedmontese

A new chef brings fresh energy and ideas to this excellent restaurant housed within a 16C farmhouse that is surrounded by countryside and which has been restored in elegant style. The chef focuses on top-quality ingredients (including vegetables from his own kitchen garden) and contemporary recipes with a classic flavour, as well as personalised recipes created with just a few ingredients for which he uses a mix of classic methods (“express” cooking) and modern techniques (such as whipping siphons) in order to achieve comforting, classic flavours. With the exception of a few champagnes, the wi

Le Vie del Borgo

€€Country cooking, Contemporary

In a renovated building in the historic center of the picturesque village of Toceno, in Val Vigezzo, a young couple passionately presents recipes from the region and beyond: dishes showcasing modern technique, excellent seasonal products, and an interesting wine list. The restaurant comprises several intimate dining rooms in Alpine style. In summer, the pleasant outdoor terrace with limited seating must be reserved well in advance.

Badalucci

€€€€seafood

A historic restaurant with its roots in Italian cuisine. Originally from the island of Procida in southern Italy, the chef here focuses mainly on fish-based dishes, although the menu also features delicious meat options and vegetarian recipes for each course – whatever you order, seasonal ingredients are to the fore in this urban-style eatery situated slightly away from the centre. The wine list highlights the owners’ passion for champagne via highly respected labels from interesting small-scale producers.

Arté al Lago

€€€€Modern Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine

A classic setting with a touch of modernity and romance, this venue offers a breathtaking view of the lake. The cuisine follows the seasons: the menu features Mediterranean influences, while the two tasting menus are more regional in character.

al lago

€€€Italian Contemporary

Housed in a type of winter garden with a charming terrace (the jewel in the crown!), this restaurant serves dishes that combine modern influences with more classic touches, all prepared using ingredients of the best quality. Make sure you try the risotto made from Carnaroli rice with red pepper, green sauce and Cantabrian anchovies, as well as the Guanaja chocolate mousse and ice cream with mixed berries. An excellent selection of wine and young, friendly service complete the picture.

Riva

€€€seafood

Perhaps the only true fish restaurant in Ascona where fish specialities are nothing short of exceptional, but meat lovers will not be disappointed either. Situated inside the Seven Boutique Hotel, Riva offers a maritime atmosphere with colourful touches that recall the blue expanse and a tasty cuisine declined in tasting or à la carte menus, from ‘I Crudi’ with oysters & co. to ‘Sogliola alla mugnaia with lettuce, capers and spring onion’. Definitely a great address!

Seven Toc Toc

€€€Mediterranean Cuisine

The views extend from the lake to the mountains in this informal restaurant, where windows into the kitchen allow guests to watch the chefs busy at work. The menu features creatively reinterpreted, classic-style dishes, with the option of choosing between meat and fish, while the delicious bread comes from the Bottega del Gusto in Porto Ronco. At lunchtime, there’s a bistro-style menu with lighter but equally delicious options such as salads, antipasti and primi, hamburgers, club sandwiches, baked seabass and grilled Tomahawk steak. There’s also a lounge bar plus a wine bar of the same name, t

Osteria Del Centro

€€€€italian

This small, very friendly restaurant offers a successful mix of tradition (the setting is an old house in the centre of Comano), minimalist furnishings and modern cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a surprise tasting menu (five or seven courses) which is almost entirely vegetarian, with the option of choosing your main course. 95% of the ingredients are organic and the owner-chef will be happy to discuss his philosophy on organic food during the course of your meal. The elegant, original dishes include options such as beef wellington with kohlrabi, chimichurri and mushrooms, accompanied by artisan

Hide & Seek

€€€International, Mediterranean Cuisine

Ayurvedic philosophy inspires a special section of the menu, where Mediterranean cooking styles and ingredients merge with chef Francesco Leone’s colorful and joyful vision. His cuisine, not without international influences, finds its ideal setting in this refined restaurant inside the “Giardino” hotel. In the warmer months, dining on the magnificent terrace overlooking the garden with its pond and floating flowers is unmissable: a corner of priceless tranquility and beauty.

Radici Osteria Contemporanea

€€Modern Cuisine

In the heart of the pedestrian zone, yet with convenient parking close by, the restaurant also offers lighter, more affordable options at lunch. The menu takes a modern approach, with particular emphasis on meat dishes, though complemented by sound fish alternatives and vegetarian options. The recipes reveal a good degree of personalisation, without losing sight of the balance of flavours. All is served in a welcoming setting with deliberately evening tones, lit by large windows overlooking the street, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Ristorante della Stazione

€€regional

There’s a change of guard at this Ticino dining institution where young couple Eloa Geiser and Yanick Walker have taken over the running of both the kitchen and front of house service. Eloa, the charming female half of the partnership, is also a qualified sommelier and takes very good care of her guests, while Yanick, adds his classic-French culinary stamp without neglecting his Valois roots, although he is not averse to adding some Mediterranean flair to his cuisine. In addition to its usual menu, on Tuesdays guests can order the “Stazione” veal liver, and on Saturdays the special braised bee

🕐 Mo-Su 08:00-23:00

Vecchia Osteria Seseglio

€€€regional

Chef Ambrogio Stefanetti presents a menu of traditional recipes, flavorful and well-crafted, using local and seasonal ingredients. Among his offerings, the pike with crispy skin à la meunière, carrots and green asparagus, or the savarin soaked in yuzu limoncello, lightly sweetened white chocolate ice cream, and finished with raspberry flakes. This place has a genuine soul – it’s impossible not to fall in love with the region in summer! – and the wine list (featuring Italian and regional selections) is truly appealing!

Ristorante con enoteca Origini

€€Italian Contemporary

On the doorstep of the Breggia Gorges and just a few miles from the border, this former mill framed by greenery paints a picture postcard snapshot of peaceful countryside with a garden to relax and wind down and three cosy dining rooms, where the stage is set for a cast of bold, wholesome flavours to take the limelight. Traditional down to its core, the menu stars dishes like fork-tender sweetbread, served in a succulent jus and enhanced by crunchy cashew nuts and fresh scallions. The wine list pays tribute to Ticino with some 200 labels, including a traditionally crafted sparkling wine not to

Menzaghi

€€Modern Cuisine, Seasonal Cuisine

In a small dining room decorated in traditional style, the Menzaghi Restaurant is now run by the fourth generation of the family, who passionately carry on its long-standing traditions. The owner is a great wine enthusiast, and the informal but professional service helps create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. The cuisine is hearty, with a strong focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. It is also worth taking a look at the daily specials, which are often particularly interesting.

Locanda Locarnese

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Traditional Cuisine

Hidden away in a little alley, this pleasant, modern-style restaurant offers Mediterranean and traditional cuisine made with excellent ingredients. Among its unmissable dishes are the honey and mustard pork belly, thyme-roasted eggplant with cherry tomato cream, and the chocolate fondant with passion fruit sauce. The large fireplace gives character to the setting, while the warm and friendly service makes guests feel as if they are visiting a private home.

🕐 Mo-Su 07:00-23:00

Da Valentino

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Traditional Cuisine

Although it is the beautiful terrace that first catches the eye at this restaurant, the friendly welcome and attentive service offered by Valentino in the kitchen and Sabine front of house add to the appeal. Mediterranean specialities and traditional classic dishes feature on the menu, while an open fireplace creates a warm ambience in winter.

🕐 Mo,Su off; Tu-Sa 11:30-14:30,18:30-23:30

La Fontana Restaurant & Bar

€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Seasonal Cuisine

Splendidly located inside the Hotel Belvedere, at an altitude of approximately 240m, this elegant south-facing restaurant boasts a splendid terrace and a lounge space. Depending on where you sit, watch the chef at work in the kitchen or enjoy the impressive views through La Fontana’s ground floor picture windows overlooking its verdant surroundings. The culinary focus here is on modern and seasonal Mediterranean cuisine without neglecting the region’s gastronomic roots. In addition to the classic menu, you can also choose the 4- or 5-course tasting option as well as the restaurant’s signature

Osteria del Centenario

€€€Mediterranean Cuisine

A restaurant that has been renovated in contemporary style, in complete harmony with its attractive setting overlooking the scenic lakeside promenade. Talented chef Egon Bajardi conjures up interesting Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on creative technique and the occasional exotic touch. Don’t miss his selection of desserts, including Crema Catalana with pumpkin, orange and bay leaf gelato.

🕐 Tu-Sa 11:30-24:00

t3e terre

€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Regional Cuisine

Owned by the Meneganti family, this beautiful house is home to a restaurant with an attractive dining room and stunning terrace that provide the backdrop for delicious Mediterranean cuisine. A charming hotel with welcoming guestrooms (additional rooms are under construction) adds to the appeal.

Centovalli

€€Regional Cuisine

This attractive restaurant boasting rustic yet modern dining rooms and a beautiful terrace shaded by a pergola has offered the same format for over 20 years – a single risotto-based dish (the house speciality) served with a delicious meat option, nearly always lamb fillet, and very few fish dishes. Reasonably priced, with everything of an excellent quality.

Da Enzo

€€€international

This Ticino-style stone house boasts a sun-blessed, verdant setting and a beautiful garden-terrace. Take a seat at one of its typical granite tables, either crowned by stone vaulting or shaded by trees, where you can savour exquisite Mediterranean on several tasting menus (including vegetarian) and an à la carte that includes daily specials. Other features include a well-stocked wine cellar and two romantic rustic-style guestrooms. Open for over three decades, Dan Enzo is now run by the second generation of the family.

La Meridiana

€€Seafood, Classic Cuisine

In business for over 50 years, this long-established, centrally located restaurant has changed its look over the years and is now a modern bistro with an attractive outdoor summer space overlooking the magical town centre. Here, the owner-chef serves fish prepared in two different ways, either in typical Italian tradition or in a style inspired by his native Spain – his paella is definitely worth sampling! The front of house is overseen by the owner’s friendly wife, who is also at hand to help with your wine choices.

Il Portico

€€italian

Chef Lopriore returns to his native region with this new restaurant which offers an original format – the lunchtime menu focuses on single course options, while in the evening the tasting menus comprise an interesting combination of imaginative fish, meat and vegetable dishes which can be combined as you wish. Cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal market ingredients where locally sourced produce takes pride of place.

Casa Celesia

€€€Italian Contemporary, Seasonal Cuisine

Nestled in the heart of Oleggio, beneath the portico that opens onto the charming main square with its historic bell tower, Chef Corrado Lombardo showcases his extensive expertise. The restaurant offers an understated entrance and a warm, inviting dining space, complete with intimate tables and a delightful ambiance. The menu masterfully blends culinary skill with traditional flavours, paying homage to seasonal produce and highlighting the finest ingredients with well-judged seasoning and subtle contrasts of aroma. This is all paired with impeccable yet approachable service, creating a refined

Casa Perrotta Restaurant

€€€Italian Contemporary

This small, welcoming restaurant with a hint of minimalism and just a few tables serves personalised meat and fish dishes which aim to offer something a little different, with a choice of three tasting menus and an à la carte. Having previously gained experience outside the area, the young family team from Campania runs the restaurant with enthusiasm and a real love for the region’s cuisine.

La Veranda

€€€€Italian Contemporary, Modern Cuisine

In summer, the terrace by the lake offers a splendid view and is the perfect setting for dishes that highlight Italian tradition but also satisfy the most cosmopolitan palates. The foie gras escalope served with parsnips, apple compote and pink grapefruit, for example, is excellent. If the weather's not so great, you'll be just as comfortable in the elegant indoor dining room overlooking the lake (the most popular) or the garden. The evening dress code is elegant (we are, after all, inside the luxurious Villa d'Este hotel).

La Piazzetta Lake Como

€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Italian

Tucked among the picturesque streets of Cernobbio, this modern, inviting bistro blends retro charm with contemporary furnishings and personalized touches. At the entrance, a cozy lounge with a bar counter beckons guests to linger over aperitifs and signature cocktails, while in summer the outdoor terrace offers moments of pleasure amid the lake breeze. In the kitchen, a young, dynamic team reinterprets Mediterranean flavors through contemporary recipes that are both authentic and aromatic. Not to be missed: “Pappa e Gambero,” crusted shrimp atop tomato and basil pappa, and “Tagliolino ai tre p

I 5 Campanili

€€€Modern Cuisine, Seasonal Cuisine

Contemporary cooking with an emphasis on Mediterranean fare in tune with the seasons is to the fore in this elegant restaurant occupying a 20C building with an attractive veranda to the rear. Fish takes pride of place on the menu, with a particular focus on raw dishes and shellfish, but the splendid desserts are also worthy of note, such as cherries in sour cherry juice with fior di latte ice cream.

Comi 107

€€€italian

Situated near the lake at the entrance to a narrow street dotted with various shops, this small contemporary-style restaurant boasts an equally tiny outdoor space for summer dining and is run with skill and professionalism by a young couple. The friendly, welcoming wife oversees the front of house, while her husband creates dishes full of character in the kitchen.

Ma.Ri.Na.

€€€€Seafood

The classic and timelessly elegant Ma.Ri.Na restaurant has been a bastion for fish and seafood enthusiasts for decades. The menu features classic Italian specialities alongside more creative options, including a good selection of raw dishes as well as delicious seafood pastas and risottos. The wine list is also impressive and includes an array of wines by the glass.

Osteria la Lanterna

€€Country cooking, Traditional Cuisine

Situated on the road leading to Lugano in Switzerland, this charming restaurant with elegant furnishings and a rustic decor boasts bright dining rooms and a pleasant terrace for summer dining. The dishes are prepared with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and are inspired by traditional recipes reinterpreted in contemporary style.

La Veranda

€€italian

Situated a few metres from the lake in the centre of the village, this welcoming and long-established family restaurant boasts a dining room that transforms into a veranda with outdoor dining in summer. The cuisine here is traditional, with generous portions of fish from the lake and sea.

Cucine Nervi

€€€Modern Cuisine, Creative

Inside the Cantine Nervi, a contemporary restaurant where the kitchen is totally open, you can choose to eat on the large counter or at more classic tables. The young chef Matteo Piana delights in a contemporary and creative style. If it seems obvious that there is no lack of meat dishes, you will be pleasantly surprised by the presence of some incursions from the sea (try the raw tuna to dip in different tasty sauces, some of oriental inspiration). There is a good wine selection, naturally the house wines are the most represented: many also served by the glass.

Marconi

€€Traditional Cuisine, Classic Cuisine

In the heart of the picturesque town that serves as a gateway to Val Formazza stands a welcoming establishment where familial warmth blends with a touch of contemporaneity. In the kitchen Denis, joined in the dining room by his wife Sabrina, knows how to pamper guests with a series of dishes that evoke tradition while being reinterpreted with imagination and modern sensitivity. Not to be missed is their signature “Walser Beef Filet,” a true house specialty, though the “venison ossobuco with cream of potato and blueberry compote” also merits a taste.

Koinè

€€€Contemporary, Italian Contemporary

Whether you dine in the modern dining room at this centrally located palazzo or in the small courtyard in fine weather, Alberto Buratti offers a choice of tasting menus (including the vegetarian “1MQ d’orto”), alongside a concise à la carte. His cuisine includes a combination of local dishes (from classic risottos to breaded veal) and more creative fare.

Soul Restaurant

€€€Creative, Contemporary

Having spent a long period of time gaining experience abroad, the enthusiastic couple at the helm of this restaurant have returned to Italy where they delight their guests with imaginative and creative cuisine that focuses on top-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation. They serve three tasting menus, with the additional option of choosing courses à la carte style. Special mention should be made of the warm welcome, excellent service and skilful wine selection, all of which make the dining experience here even more enjoyable.

Gnocchetto

€€Regional Cuisine, Classic Cuisine

This long-established family-run restaurant (opened in 1926) with an updated contemporary decor continues to serve cuisine that is classic and generous in style yet adapted to modern tastes. Individual dishes take pride of place on the menu at lunchtime, although you can also order from the À la carte if you wish. There’s also an outdoor space for summer dining.

Cravero - Osteria Contemporanea

€€Classic Cuisine

Warm colours such as teal and ochre give this restaurant a cosy and welcoming ambience. The cuisine here is authentic and traditional in style, with dishes based on top-quality local ingredients accompanied by a choice of regional wines. There’s also an outdoor area for summer dining.

Filo

€€€Italian Contemporary, Mediterranean Cuisine

From the splendid lakeside position, the view extends to the opposite shore, Comacina Island, and Villa Balbianello. An enchanting terrace overlooking Lake Como, surrounded by greenery with hills as a backdrop like a painting, is where you can savor Mediterranean-flavored dishes. Choose from three tasting menus ("Freestyle," "Classics," and "Vegetarian"). Or opt for the à la carte menu, with offerings such as purple prawns with goat cheese cream, berries, and bisque: an explosion of flavors!

Olio Fishbar

€€Seafood, Seasonal Cuisine

A modern bistro in the heart of Saronno, where guests leave their cars in nearby parking areas to settle into well-appointed tables (reservations recommended, even for lunch) and savor generous dishes, primarily seafood, though not exclusively. Fresh aromas, clean flavors, an abundance of raw preparations, and a few meat options, curiously without any pasta courses. We particularly enjoyed the “fish and chips” featuring coalfish, crispy and golden, and the Sicilian cannolo “our way,” indulgent and fragrant. The wine list is concise but thoughtfully curated, while both ownership and kitchen bea

El Primero

€South American, Grills

Situated in a building with a striking appearance (the Uruguay Pavilion at Expo 2015), this restaurant boasts stunning views of the mountains in the distance. Inside, the large dining room acts as a backdrop for South American cuisine with a focus on grilled meat dishes and a barbecue grill in full view of guests. Sourced from recognised and certified Uruguayan farms, the meat here is subject to rigorous controls throughout the supply chain. The “parillero”, the chef at the barbecue grill, uses all his skills to enhance the flavours of the top-quality meat and maintain its tender texture. The

Locanda del Villoresi

€€Mediterranean Cuisine

What was once a post station is now a renowned restaurant overlooking the Villoresi canal. Although the attractive dining room has retained some of its historical features, the decor here is more contemporary in feel. The Mediterranean-style cuisine focuses mainly on fish and is beautifully presented, with dishes such as fried artichokes with red prawns and bottarga on the menu in season. Raw fish dishes are also occasionally available.