Lake Maggiore Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lake Maggiore

March 11, 2018 Jana Sager

On the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. Since the climate is mild year-round, the area is filled with Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants. Lake Maggiore was featured in Ernest Hemingway's infamous novel, A Farewell to Arms, when the protagonist and his lover must row across the lake in order to escape the Italian Carabinieri (think police in military uniforms). Here's hoping you won't have any run-ins of that nature.
Things to do in Lake Maggiore

1. Il Vicoletto

Vicolo del Poncivo 3, 28838, Stresa, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +39 0323 932102
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Il Vicoletto

Reviewed By GoLiz71

Went as couples tonight. The food was creative, tasty and well presented. However, when we asked about side dishes; as there were none on the menu, we were told our mains came with vegetables. They did and they were good, but they were so minimal. We needed more to complete the meal. Desert of panacotta was also small and not up to par.

2. Ristorante Piccolo Lago

Via Filippo Turati 87, 28924, Verbania, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Mediterranean, European, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +39 0323 586792
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 561 reviews

Ristorante Piccolo Lago

Reviewed By Oz L - Tel Aviv, Israel

We came to have dinner in that two Michelin star restaurant with high expectations as we've eaten in Picola Lago 6 years ago and it was back then an unforgettable experience.
The restaurant is beautifully designed, the stuff is,friendly and professional. The problem is the food.
First - the menu ofers tasting menus (5, 8, or 11 courses) - without me tioning the dishes. Surprises are nice but as we are not eating red meet,it's hard to do a blind order.
So we went to a la cart. There they offer 6 different courses.
The election is very limited.
We had 4 dishes. All dishes were average or below, missing inspiration and missing flavored.
We had one desert ( out of 2 choices) which was tiny and not tasty.
Overall, major disappointment

3. Ristorante Grotto Sant'Anna

Via Sant'Anna 30 | Traffiume, 28822 Cannobio, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$243 - HK$534 +39 0323 70682
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 356 reviews

Ristorante Grotto Sant'Anna

Typical restaurant with a cuisine revisited with the use of simple but high-quality products We always recommend booking

Reviewed By FQTV_Switzerland - Zurich, Switzerland

A short hike from Cannobio, this restaurant is a gem hidden in the forest. The atmosphere is lovely, and staff very friendly and attentive.
Lunch (3 courses) was delicious, and beautifully presented.
Would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a little excursion, great food combined with an easy hike.

4. Ristorante Serenella

Via Quarantadue Martiri 5 | Frazione Feriolo, 28831 Feriolo, Baveno, Italy Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Vegetarian Friendly HK$243 - HK$487 +39 0323 28112
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

Ristorante Serenella

Traditional Italian cuisine , pasta , lake fish , sea fish , meat and wonderful desserts . The inside restaurant is very comfortable and new and the dehors is very quite and wonderful to relax during lunch or dinner

Reviewed By Papaleadfoot - Cave Creek, Arizona

This fine dining restaurant is related to the nearby Hotel Carilllon which is definitely a place you'll want to stay.
The food is exceptional and well presented.. Their terrific antipasto is almost a full meal. Their entrees are well portioned. tasty, and worth the prices. It is not inexpensive, so check prices if that could be an issue.
I urge you to eat at the Serenella!
Late submission due to extended overseas travel April-July.

5. Ristorante Amelie

Via Primo Maggio 17 | Piazza G. Mazzini, 28831, Baveno, Italy Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +39 339 875 2621
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 513 reviews

Ristorante Amelie

Dear Guests,the starting idea of this restaurant embodies one of the themes from the popular movie Amelie (Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain) directed by Jean Pierre Jeunet in 2001, that is to keep a curious eye on the world and take pleasure in the simple things ... we tried to carry this idea through in the meals, offering a mixture of flavors, fragrances and also feelings to free the spirit ... and ...fly ...The restaurant Amelie is a place where you can taste good food and learn small tricks for your own well-being . The first of which being a return to simplicity, that to Paolo (Chef Patron) and Miky (Naturopath) means in first place to live according to the pace of the seasons. This simple and primary secret is translated in the seasonal menu based on the ingredients that Nature offers us only in their own season. For this reason the courses will vary according to season availability.Amelie wants to make people aware that we are what we eat.Paolo, who is rational, calculating and practical and Miky, who is instinctive, ethereal and sentimental , want to share their views so that you can share yourselves with many more people the pleasures of good eating and well-being on your own and with others.That's why for example we use pure oils, essences of flowers and leaves, and fruits and berries in the environment and in the food.At the end of the meal, if you want you can learn more about our choice of products and oils, at that time of the year, and can smell the essence used, and maybe make it your own.Paolo and Miky wish you all to have a good time.WELCOME ... in Amelie wonderland!

Reviewed By Lotsofpeppers - South Pole

Based on the reviews on Tripadvisor I booked this restaurant months beforehand, the first time in my life I’ve ever done that.
Unfortunately we were a little disappointed. Not because they do not try, perhaps they try too hard. The dishes are not balanced, some odd tasted come out.
The fact that the cook comes out of the kitchen to greet guests when they come in and when they leave is surely meant well but comes across slightly forced and awkward.
The atmosphere is nice, service is good, it is just not our cup of tea I guess.

6. La Sacca

Via Sempione Sud 50, 28838, Stresa, Italy Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean Lunch, Dinner HK$196 - HK$581 +39 0323 31165
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 214 reviews

La Sacca

Restaurant with lake view free parking

Reviewed By Caroline S - Richmond

Followed tripadvisor and booked here for 5 for dinner. Charmingly attentive staff made us welcome with a nice table. The menu is not particularly extensive, but it is quite ambitious. A really good mozzarella and tomato amuse bouche, great grissini and lovely breads started us off. Two of us went for the meat menu. The 12 year old shared some foie gras, which was superb. The ravioli starter with truffles was outstanding. The spaghetti with shrimp and anchovies was ok, perhaps a little "fishy" but the veal was great. Desserts - cassata, hazelnut ice-cream or a strawberry and coconut confection all disappeared. The wine list was good and the recommendation was thoughtful and not self serving. The ambiance is nice - the view of the lake is slightly obscured and there is a bit of noise from the road but the food was the best we have had in the region. It is definitely worth the trip outside Streza, and with parking on site, easy-peasy. Our party was a senior, two adults, a teen and a 12 year old, and all enjoyed it greatly. Thoroughly recommended.

7. La Casera

Piazza Daniele Ranzoni 19, 28921, Verbania, Italy Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Mediterranean, Wine Bar, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks +39 0323 581123
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 690 reviews

La Casera

the large-scale retail trade for the attentionto quality and innovation, rather than to the brand or the fashions, Eros transformed his shop into areal amplified space constantly looking for new flavors, renewing and enlarging it with the creationof a maturing cellar in the centre of Intra and the recent creation of a tasting area of its bestproducts. And this is the magic circle, that single area in which the customer can immergethemselves with all five senses, to live a unique emotion that they are the protagonists in everyprocess of production. As they say, from the producer to the consumer without intermediaries.Under the arches of Ranzoni Square, in the heart of the historic centre of Intra, “La Casera” has nowbecome an institution among the food and wine lovers. The choice to specialize in refining localproduce results to be a winner. The cheeses chosen with care by Eros are seasoned in the naturalcellar, with attention to the nuances of aromas and flavours as in the case of “Robiola Incavolata”, afresh cheese that is matured in cabbage leaves for 20 days,or “Blue Vin Santo”, aged in oak barrelsfilled with esteemed Tuscany wine. “Robiole”,Tome Ossolane and Piemontesi “Taleggi, the famous“Bettelmatt” produced from raw milk of the“Bruna Alpina Piemontese” breed , are just a fewexamples of the wide range of products typically related to these areas, which you can find,taste,buyon the premises of "The casera“The shop with tables" This is how Eros presents the tasting area within the company. Because"TheCasera",since 16 March 2012 gives also the possibility to taste the best products in-store. Theproposal of the best brands also extends to wines, strictly belonging to the tradition of Piemonte,with the exception of “Prosecco of Biancavigna”, particularly appreciated by customers in the ritualhour of the aperitif."Bread and various fillings" of local producers are served on the tables . Eventhe dessert is carefully selected from the best recipes of traditional Piemontese pastry.

Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

La Casera is a little restauant and shop of artisanal products of the region, the key of the recipes, is the simplicity, the colours and flavours of old tradition and the most authentic ingredients; plates with excellent ham, cheese of many sorts, salami, and excellent wines,
grappa, olive oil etc. This stay, brings warm memories of Italy.

8. L'Angolo delle Fate

Via Torino 5, 28831, Baveno, Italy Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$141 - HK$290 +39 346 419 7776
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 210 reviews

L'Angolo delle Fate

A magical setting for a live experience to the table that value to food. The best of Italian cold cuts, cheeses and wines

Reviewed By Tristan B - London

Read a lot of the previous reviews about the owners' passion for food but unfortunately they speak little English and we speak no Italian.
The restaurant itself is small and cute with a fairy theme.
The cold cut meats and cheeses were nice but not exceptional with the best ones being the freebies at the start and between courses.
Unfortunately cold cut meats and cheeses are not enough for us for a meal but it was worth a try.

9. Estremadura Cafe

Via Paolo Troubetzkoy 142 | Lungolago Di Suna, 28922, Verbania, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Bar, Cafe, Pub, Italian, Vegetarian Friendly Late Night, Drinks +39 0323 504282
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 258 reviews

Estremadura Cafe

Reviewed By cosybabes - giussano

I had never seen such a vast selection of cocktails before coming to this wonderful bar. The choice really is endless and it's too hard to try just one or two!! The waiters were also keen to explain us what certain cocktails consisted of. It's easy to understand why the place is always packed. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in the area.

10. Ristorante Cardini

Via Dei Mulini 8, 28838, Stresa, Italy Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Mediterranean, European, Delicatessen, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +39 349 141 9052
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Ristorante Cardini

The Restaurant "Cardini" is located in Someraro, on the hills of Stresa, and overlooks the Lake Maggiore with a charming view on the Borromeo Isles and the surrounding Mountains. The restaurant has a large dining room with 70/80 seats and a Terrace where the view is the perfect backdrop for relaxation, tasting our local products and enjoy our homemade cakes. At 80 meters from the restaurant there is a road leading to Mottarone and from there to Lake Orta, places of great tourist interest. Not far you can find as well hiking and biking trails to reach the top of this mountain and stop to visit the Alpinia botanical garden.We look forward to seeing you!

Reviewed By CarolB353 - Baveno, Italy

This family run restaurant is run by a husband and wife who seriously care about making the dining experience very personalized. There is a varied menu with fresh fish from the lake, house made pastas, veal, and something for every taste. The view over looking the Borromeo Islands is lovely and the quality of the food is excellent. If you are in Baveno and looking for a beautiful (although uphill) walk, it takes about 30-35 minutes. It is well worth the trip. We can't wait to go back in May when we are back in Italy!

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