City dining guide

Best restaurants in Pella

5 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 3

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

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 100 reviews

Located in Orta San Giulio, Villa Crespi offers creative Mediterranean cuisine under Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Reviews highlight its enchanting setting, impeccable yet warm service, and artistic dishes, particularly praising the itinerary menu and cheese selection. However, some guests criticize the value, noting bland flavors, insufficient portions, or uninspired pairings. While a minority found the experience lacking in taste compared to presentation, the overall consensus remains positive, making it suitable for diners seeking a high-end, visually stunning culinary journey.

Suitable for fine dining enthusiasts who prioritize ambiance and visual presentation over traditional flavor profiles.

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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

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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.

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Other guide picks 2

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.

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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.

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews

Giardinetto in Pettenasco is noted for its stunning lake views and spacious terraces, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Most reviews praise high food quality, with refined dishes and a recommended cheese cart. Service is generally described as friendly and professional. However, value is a mixed theme; some find it expensive relative to expectations. Negative feedback highlights occasional service disorganization, pacing issues, and a reported drop in quality, including overcooked pasta and inconsistent preparation. While the location and ambiance are strong points, diners should be aware of potential variability in service reliability and food consistency.

Suitable for travelers prioritizing lake views and refined dining, with advice to verify menu options and check recent reviews for service consistency.

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