€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Baveno, SottoSopra specializes in Italian pizza. Reviews generally praise the food quality, service, and atmosphere, highlighting dishes like trout, gnocchi, and vitello tonnato. The wine selection is also noted positively. However, some guests criticize the meal pacing, citing long waits for orders or disorganized serving times. Negative feedback includes complaints about a cold dining room, rude staff, and high prices. While one review mentions an outdated Michelin listing, the overall rating remains solid at 4.0/5. Visitors should expect generally good cuisine but be aware of potential inconsistencies in service speed and comfort.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Italian flavors who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies; booking ahead is advised.
€€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located on Isola dei Pescatori, Verbano offers stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. Reviews frequently praise the elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and visually appealing plating, with some noting high culinary standards. However, criticisms highlight poor value due to small portions and inconsistent food quality, including tough octopus and limited menu options. Some guests reported issues with outdoor seating being overrun by birds and occasional lack of table settings. While the location and service are often commended, the dining experience varies significantly, with some finding the kitchen disappointing relative to the price and setting.
Suitable for travelers prioritizing scenic ambiance over substantial portions.
€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Antica Osteria Il Monte Rosso receives mixed reviews regarding its Italian cuisine and overall experience. Many guests praise the food quality, welcoming service, and charming atmosphere, noting exquisite dishes and an excellent wine list with good value. Conversely, some critics highlight issues with value, slow meal pacing, and unprofessional service. Negative feedback also mentions misleading menu translations, inadequate ingredient preparation, and disruptive noise from a nearby bell tower. While often recommended for its idyllic setting and tasty meals, diners should be aware of potential service inconsistencies and environmental disturbances.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional Italian cuisine and a charming atmosphere, though it is advisable to avoid peak bell tower noise times and verify service details in advance.
€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Verbania, Caffè delle Rose Bistrot offers Mediterranean cuisine in a retro Belle Époque setting. Reviews frequently praise the refined dishes, professional service, and elegant atmosphere, noting the garden is ideal for pre-dinner drinks. However, some negative feedback highlights concerns regarding value for money, citing small portions relative to price, occasional service lapses, and noise issues. While the majority of guests appreciate the high-quality food and historic ambiance, visitors should be aware that experiences may vary, particularly regarding service attentiveness and portion sizes.
Suitable for diners seeking a refined, retro atmosphere and high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, with advance booking recommended.
€€€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Milano in Pallanza offers a stunning lakeside setting with romantic views and a private port. The cuisine, led by Chef Agostino Sala, blends tradition with innovation, receiving praise for meticulous preparation. Service is generally attentive and friendly, though some guests report indifference, slow pacing, or lackluster wine service. While the ambiance is consistently highlighted, opinions on food quality vary significantly; some find it exceptional, while others describe recent meals as bland, average, or lacking surprise. Value is frequently criticized, with many noting that prices for food and wine are disproportionately high relative to the quality served, leading to mixed experiences regarding overall worth.
Suitable for diners seeking a romantic lakeside ambiance and refined Italian cuisine, but those prioritizing value for money should proceed with caution.
€€€€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
€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Lo Stornello in Stresa offers Mediterranean and modern cuisine. Food quality is generally praised, with seafood ravioli and gnocchi highlighted, though some found the tartare uninspired or meals bland. Service is typically friendly and efficient, accommodating pacing requests, but occasional errors and neglect were noted. The atmosphere is pleasant, featuring a small external terrace. Value perceptions vary; some find it reasonable while others feel it lacks impact. Vegan options are limited, and staff should be informed of allergies in advance.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
La Botte in Stresa specializes in regional Italian cuisine, holding an average rating of 4.6/5 from 80 reviews. Guests frequently praise the high-quality, creative dishes featuring fresh ingredients like goat cheese risotto and Iberian suckling pig, served in a warm, family-run setting. Service is generally described as professional and attentive. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing, noting that food arrived too quickly, and mentions of flat flavors or insufficient portions. While some associate the restaurant with Michelin standards, others question the value for money. It is best suited for diners seeking authentic, inventive Italian food in a refined atmosphere, provided they are comfortable with the potential variability in service speed.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic, creative Italian cuisine in Stresa who can accommodate a faster-paced meal.
€€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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Osteria Mercato in Stresa averages 4.0/5 from 80 reviews. Food quality is a standout, with praised pasta, asparagus, and unique dishes like rabbit, though some found meals average. Service is generally friendly but criticized for slow pacing and long waits. The atmosphere is lively yet crowded, with tight seating reducing privacy and causing noise, despite a heated terrace. Value perceptions vary; while some find it reasonable, others report high costs and billing errors. Ambiance suits those tolerating noise, but those seeking quiet or quick service may be disappointed.
Suitable for diners seeking a lively atmosphere and unique Italian dishes, provided they accept potential crowding and slower service.