Lake Como West Bank
A five-minute uphill walk from the waterfront along a jasmine-perfumed residential lane, this hotel restaurant sits atop a little rise. Inside, the timber…
Must-see restaurants in The Italian Lakes
Stresa
The street profile isn’t a knockout and the interior isn’t particularly exciting either, but a quick opinion poll of local tastes will reveal that…
Lake Maggiore & Around
Many folks make the sacrifice of climbing up in the evening for a romantic evening meal at the stile liberty (Italian art nouveau) Al Borducan. Inside is…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton is one of Milan's most decorated, and his namesake restaurant sits in a futuristic glass tower amid the skyscrapers of…
Lake Como West Bank
With its shady terrace jutting out over the water, this is about the most romantic spot you could choose to eat around the Cadenabbia area. Marianna cooks…
Cremona
For a break from risottos and pastas, this elegant Japanese spot makes a fine destination. Amid vaulted brick ceilings and flickering candles, Kandoo…
Bergamo
Things have changed little since the original wine dealer started here in 1848. Elegant tables with delicate wrought-iron-backed chairs, globe lamps and…
Lake Maggiore
If you like fresh lake fish then this is the place to come. Set right on the lake and surrounded by greenery, this hotel-restaurant serves up a mix of…
Lake Iseo
On the southern shore of the island, this perfectly located spot serves a mouthwatering plate of mixed grilled lake fish as well as trout ravioli with…
Central Lombardy
A sprawling yellow 18th-century farmhouse, La Coldana seats its guests in bustling dining rooms or out in a quiet garden. The kitchen is a cauldron of…
Lake Maggiore West Bank
Widely praised by locals, L'Imbuto is a modern, convivial lakeside restaurant that serves up creative, expertly prepared dishes that are excellent value…
Lake Como West Bank
The jet set loves this elegant eatery high above Cernobbio, and for good reason. Book a front-row table and you'll have unobstructed views of the lake…
Central Lombardy
The Bigio family invented the archetypal Bergamese dessert, polenta e osei (cakes filled with jam and cream, topped with sweet polenta and chocolate birds…
Milan
Those hankering for home-cooking by a real Italian nonna need look no further. In a rustic farmhouse in the gritty Corvetto area, Signora Isa cooks up…
Como
When the (acclaimed) specialities of the house all involve truffles, you know you're onto a good thing. They're all over the menu here, including truffles…
Milan
Il Baretto's cosy, clubby atmosphere and top-notch, no-nonsense Milanese menu keep its wood-panelled dining rooms packed with silver-haired foxes and…
Brescia
Near the Piazza della Loggia, La Vineria serves up delectable regional cuisine at al fresco tables under a portico or in a classy dining room with vaulted…
Orta San Giulio
Cross the threshold from the sunny street to the dark stone and wood interior of this suitably lived-in old cantina where a bar the size of a residential…
Lake Como
Set along a narrow pedestrian lane in the upper part of Varenna, Il Cavatappi is an intimate spot with just seven tables set amid arched ceilings and…
Cremona
Behind the dilapidated facade lurks a diamond in the rough. Some of the vaulted rooms come with ceiling frescoes, dark timber tables come with ancient…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
Friendly staff serve superb sashimi, ponzu-marinated carpaccios and a full range of rolls at this elegant Japanese restaurant, which earnt the first…
Bergamo
In the upper town, tucked close to the Venetian walls, La Tana remains exceptionally popular for painstakingly prepared Bergamesque dishes served in a sun…
Lake Garda West Bank
Despite its homey appearance Michelin-starred La Tortuga serves a sophisticated menu without undue pomp and ceremony. Appreciative diners at its handful…
Lake Maggiore West Bank
This Ticino-style grotto (traditional inn) overlooks the thundering gorge that is the Orrido di Sant’Anna. Granite tables and benches located under a…
Milan
Service in La Veranda’s lovely but formal dining room within the Four Seasons hotel is disarmingly warm. The menu sings with smart, modern Mediterranean…
Milan
This Slow Food osteria (tavern) with its Liberty-style ballroom is a piece of Milanese history, built as a club for railway workers at the nearby Stazione…
Milan
The king of Neapolitan pizza has taken Milan by storm with his organic, slow-levitation dough and divinely simple toppings of tomato, mozzarella, basil,…
Milan
Navigli’s osterie (restaurants/bars) can often disappoint on the food front, but Al Pont de Ferr lifts the game. Its casual charm can make you wonder if…
The Italian Lakes
Located a few kilometres from Santa Maria della Versa is the 18th century home and restaurant of Elena Grigoroi and chef Giorgio Lutrini. It serves two…
Verbania
Its 100-plus years of history run like a rich seam through this enchanting osteria, where archive photos and bottles line the walls in a display of…
Como
Set outside Como's pedestrianised core, Enoteca 84 is a snug local restaurant carrying a well-curated list of local wines. It serves a handful of…
Central Lombardy
Tucked down a narrow lane a few blocks from the Duomo, Botero has earned wide acclaim for its sophisticated menu, excellent service and elegant but not…
Como
Although it's a bit of a trek (4km southeast of Como's centre), the delectable Slow Food cooking at this characterful crotto ('grotto') makes it well…
Pavia
Located in the Borgo Ticino, the menu at this rustic osteria (think gauze curtains, a terracotta tiled floor and pink silky napkins) is well-rooted in the…
Bergamo
Run by two accredited wine sommeliers who have worked for Gualtiero Marchesi in Erbusco, this is a great place to sample regional wine by the glass. The…
Lake Garda West Bank
If you’re a considering a date night, Antico Brolo is the place for you, with seating in an intimate walled courtyard or better still on a tiny balcony…
Como
Come the weekend and you’ll be hard-pressed to squeeze into the grotto-style dining room of this burger joint where young comaschi come to down Baladin…
Milan
This award-winning gelateria focuses on organic ingredients such as yoghurt from the alpine region of Valtellina, Bronte pistachios from Sicily and IGP…
Lake Como West Bank
A short climb above the SS340 road and Moltrasio, you'll stumble across this easygoing, family affair. 'The Pheasant' serves no-nonsense local food (fish…
Cremona
Il Violino is Cremona's timeless classy option. Smooth service is key to this elegant spot, where you can peruse a menu filled with intriguing names such…
