Como
The 'Corner of Silence' lives up to its name with a succession of dining rooms and a fine rear garden. Locals mix with the occasional celeb hoping to pass…
Must-see restaurants in The Italian Lakes
Lake Iseo
Behind Gös' nondescript front sits a gleaming microbrewery where happy locals tuck into meat-rich, homemade pasta dishes – try the beef, butter and cheese…
Lake Garda West Bank
At this intimate osteria guarded by hydrangeas a constant stream of hearty meals heads into a dining room lined with antique mirrors and weathered stone…
Pavia
This frescoed riverside mansion has a glassed-in winter garden and courteous, old-school service. It serves up traditional dishes such as risotto…
Lake Garda West Bank
This titchy restaurant occupies an ancient building in the centre of Limone and serves a menu of Italian standards as well as locally inspired dishes…
Lake Orta
About 1.5km north of Orta on the main road, this family-run place has a winning combination of lakeside tables and simple, no-nonsense cooking. Not…
Duomo & San Babila
Big, delicious and well priced, GB’s panini are stuffed with gourmet fillings including smoked swordfish, pulled pork, top-quality Lombard cheeses and…
Bergamo
The rooftop restaurant of the Hotel San Marco offers exquisitely prepared dishes against a sweeping panoramic view over Bergamo. Dine on black ink…
Agriturismo Cascina Casareggio
The Italian Lakes
A spruced up agriturismo serving regional cuisine in a lovely rural setting. The food is expensive for the area, but well executed. Expect regional…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
Concerted queuing is often required at this famous gelateria. Its range of ice-cream cakes and liquorini – layered gelati or sorbet with fruit or nut…
Central Lombardy
In the charming setting of Crespi d'Adda, some 20km southwest of Bergamo, Osteria da Mualdo is the place for high-end cooking with a menu of both regional…
Lake Garda
The excellent, if somewhat pricey food at this local harbourside trattoria is served by very attentive staff in a simple, undistracting dining room. The…
Lake Iseo
When peckish in Iseo you could always do what the locals do: grab a huge but supremely thin and crispy pizza from this bustling takeaway, then stroll a…
Lake Maggiore West Bank
Tucked away in the mountain village of Crodo, Marconi serves outstanding haute cuisine, with a changing menu of creative seafood, slow-cooked beef and…
Bellagio
They do the simple things well here – think pizza, pasta and other Italian staples served on an agreeable open courtyard.
Verbania
Osteria dell'Angolo is less than 50m from the Verbania Pallanza ferry. It was undergoing renovations at last visit.
Milan
Perfectly located with a tree-framed view of the Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio, this bistro-style restaurant serves a classic menu with a particular focus on…
Milan
A rare treat in Milan is this tapas bar pioneered by Alice and Matheus. Plates of piquillo peppers stuffed with salt cod, garlicky Galician prawns and…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
Is this the ultimate in Milan-style Japanese dining? The dramatically designed space puts the spotlight on the kitchen which prepares traditional sashimi…
Como
For something a little different, head to this congenial, easy-going spot near Como's waterfront. Famed far and wide for bountiful, creatively topped…
Lake Como West Bank
The appeal of this lively restaurant in the centre of Cernobbio is the lake view from the verandah and the possibility that some of Como's Hollywood crowd…
Bergamo
Marta and Stefano oversee this welcoming place with its intimate, old-world dining area and fine seafood-dominated menu. Dishes include lobster medallions…
Cremona
Centrale has been feeding happy diners since 1960, and the place has an appealingly old-fashioned feel. You'll often find locals playing card games in the…
Lake Garda
Despite its roadside situation, Al Capital features a lovely shady garden, a warm rustic interior and serves a commendable Veronese menu. Lake fish are…
Mantua
Step into this traditional deli and feel the clock turning right back. Hanging hams and salami, stacks of pungent local cheese and see-through vats of…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
A bright, modern interior by the studio of Radical Design-guru Alessandro Mendini sets the scene for a pan-Asian menu that includes Chinese and Japanese…
Bergamo
Inventive takes on modern Italian cooking make this a fine pick among the Città Bassa restaurants. Try the gnocchi with basil and clams or the thyme…
Lake Garda
The best ice cream in Bardolino has been scooped at this family-run parlour since 1969. Choose your flavour before joining the fast-moving queue as the…
Lake Garda West Bank
Surprisingly good thin-crust pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven. Enjoy them lakeside beside the weeping willow, but watch out for the pushy, pizza…
Como
Fresh fruit, vegetables and delicacies abound at Como’s food market outside Porta Torre.
