Where to eat on Lake Garda: the 23 best places selected by Gambero Rosso

Targeted investments, an audience with a good percentage of foreign visitors that pays off, stunning landscapes, and perfect routes for outdoor sports enthusiasts: Italy's largest lake remains a holiday destination with a thousand virtues, not least its gastronomy. Fine dining and luxury hospitality hold significant importance here, finding a particularly happy setting in such a diverse natural context. Moreover, the 2024 season opens with several interesting developments, including relocations, moves, and new openings.

But no worries for those seeking "just" char and pike with polenta and a good glass of Bardolino: quality traditional osterias, substantial agritourisms, and skilled local artisans can be found on all three shores (Brescian, Veronese, and Trentino) of this body of water, which covers nearly 400 square kilometres. Here are the best places for a tour to discover the finest Garda cuisine in all its variations.

Where to eat on Lake Garda: the 23 best places selected by Gambero Rosso

Antiche Mura

Restaurant. In the northernmost city of the lake, Davide Pombeni and his young team welcome guests to this elegant and minimalist spot, a few steps from the historic centre. The gastronomic offerings focus on local and sea products, with a friendly and knowledgeable service and a concise wine list.

Antiche Mura - Riva del Garda (TN) - via Bastione, 19 - 0464 556063 - antiche-mura.it

Aqua

Restaurant. This lakeside venue is worth a visit for its high-quality cuisine, which uses many local, seasonal products. Examples include the playful “carbonara ravioli,” barley risotto with Jerusalem artichoke and liquorice, and alpine char with vegetables.

Aqua – Nago Torbole (TN) - via Lungolago Conca d'Oro, 11 – 0464 505142 –aquaristorante.com

Aquariva

Restaurant. Located within the West Garda Yacht Club, this spot is a staple on the Brescia coast, thanks to the Favalli brothers. They offer a refined seafood menu and cater to vegetarians. Dining on the terrace in the summer is a plus.

Aquariva - Padenghe sul Garda (BS) - via G. Marconi, 57 - 030 9995814 - aquariva.it

Baita Santa Lucia da Fritz

Trattoria. An icon of the Valle di Ledro, this cosy cabin serves local flavours with dishes like goulash and polenta, freshwater fish, and some more refined regional recipes. The wine list also focuses on local options.

Baita Santa Lucia da Fritz – Ledro (TN) - fraz. Bezzecca - via Santa Lucia, 36 – 0464 591290 – Facebook

Peter Brunel

Restaurant. Chef Peter Brunel’s stunning design space offers a continually surprising experience with high levels of originality and technique. A courteous and well-prepared service enhances the intriguing wine list. Don’t miss the Classic-Nikkei menu, which fuses Japanese, Peruvian, and Trentino influences.

Peter Brunel – Arco (TN) - via Linfano, 47 – 0464 076705 – peterbrunel.com

Capriccio

Restaurant. This spot boasts one of the largest and most spectacular terraces on the lake, along with a newly designed interior. Giuliana Germiniasi and her daughter Francesca Tassi continue to deliver their beloved modern dishes, with lots of seafood and original creations.

Capriccio - Manerba del Garda (BS) - loc. Montinelle - p.zza San Bernardo, 6 - 0365 551124 - ristorantecapriccio.it

CasaLeali

Restaurant. Located in the hills of Valtenesi overlooking the lake, the Leali brothers’ restaurant in a charming 15th-century farmhouse offers a refined and mature gastronomic reflection that highlights local treasures like Garda olive oil, while also incorporating Italian influences.

CasaLeali - Puegnago sul Garda (BS) - fraz. Palude - via Valle, 1 - 366 5296042 - casalealiristorante.it

La Casa degli Spiriti

Restaurant. This stunning location offers top-notch logistics for events and a gourmet dining experience on the terrace or in the veranda. The rich wine cellar is housed within the 18th-century walls of the original building. Spiritino Osteria provides a more casual dining option.

La Casa degli Spiriti - Costermano (VR) - via Monte Baldo, 28 - 045 6200766 - casadeglispiriti.it

Il Fagiano at Grand Hotel Fasano & Villa Principe

Restaurant. This luxurious hotel offers several dining options and a renowned bar. Chef Bufi, originally from Puglia, brings a Mediterranean touch with unique personality and uncommon pairings.

Il Fagiano del Grand Hotel Fasano & Villa Principe - Gardone Riviera (BS) - via G. Zanardelli, 190 - 0365 290220 - ghf.it

Lido 84

Restaurant. The Camanini brothers’ venue is popular with gourmets worldwide. Riccardo’s incredible talent in the kitchen and Giancarlo’s versatile skills ensure memorable meals by the lake. The young and enthusiastic service team is another highlight. Book well in advance.

Lido 84 - Gardone Riviera (BS) - loc. Fasano - c.so Zanardelli, 196 - 0365 20019 - ristorantelido84.com

Vecchia Malcesine

Restaurant. This spot offers breathtaking views and a diverse menu featuring both classics and innovative seasonal dishes. Leandro Luppi’s offerings include both signature dishes celebrating local excellence and more creative “psicodishes.”

Vecchia Malcesine - Malcesine (VR) - via Pisort, 6 - 335 6377699 - vecchiamalcesine.com

Agriturismo Al Mancino

Farmhouse. Roberto Stefani has relocated to this green setting with simple, locally focused cuisine, including homemade products. Dishes include local cured meats, sweet-and-sour garden vegetables, and lake fish dishes like trout caviar.

Agriturismo Al Mancino - Lonato (BS) - via Mancino, 10b - 351 9232952 - Instagram

Osteria La Miniera

Trattoria. This old-style osteria, managed by a passionate couple, offers a great outdoor seating area in summer and cosy, rustic rooms in winter. The menu features water and mountain cuisine with dishes like "bigoi" with baccalà, seasonal fish, and excellent soups.

Osteria La Miniera - Tignale (BS) - fraz. Gardola - via Chiesa, 9a - 0365 760225 - gardaminiera.it

MoS

Restaurant. The MoS team represents one of the most interesting examples of attention to territory and sustainability, serving creative dishes that span lake, land, sea, and mountain. Young chef Stefano Zanini’s menu includes innovative items like lake carbonara and wild herbs salad.

MoS - Desenzano del Garda (BS) - via Porto Vecchio, 28 - 030 9143339 -ristorantemos.it

NIN

Restaurant. Terry Giacomello’s new venue inside the Belfiore Park Hotel offers a modern, lakeside dining experience. Known for his strong creative vision, Giacomello’s cuisine often involves pure experimentation, delivered with engaging service.

NIN - Brenzone (VR) - via G. Zanardelli, 5 - 045 7420179 - ristorantenin.it

L’Osteria dell’Orologio

Trattoria. This celebrated osteria in Salò offers a menu faithful to tradition, with dishes like pike with polenta, maccheroncini with Bagoss cheese, and roast kid in season. The extensive wine list is expertly managed by the passionate owner.

L’Osteria dell’Orologio - Salò (BS) - via Butturini, 26 - 0365 290158 - osteriadellorologiosalo.eatbu.com

L'Osteria H2O

Restaurant. With stunning lake views from its windows, this refined establishment offers professional service and contemporary cuisine. Dishes include innovative combinations like fusillo with tuna and polpo alla gallega.

L'Osteria H2O - Moniga del Garda (BS) - via Pergola, 10 - 0365 503225 - losteria-moniga.it

Qb DuePuntoZero

Restaurant. Located on the lakeside for nearly ten years, chef Alberto Bertani’s menu features both local and national ingredients with a few fusion touches. The extensive wine list includes many well-known Italian and French labels.

Qb DuePuntoZero - Salò (BS) - loc. Porta Sirena - via P. da Salò, 23 - 0365 520421 - qbduepuntozero.it

Locanda Perbellini ai Beati - Lago di Garda

Restaurant. Chef Giancarlo Perbellini’s lakeside venue offers high-quality Italian cuisine with a seasonal focus. Highlights include risotto with grilled turbot and spring menu items like grilled morone with asparagus.

Locanda Perbellini ai Beati - Lago di Garda - Garda (VR) - via Val Mora, 57 - 045 6573114 - locandaperbelliniallago.it

Senso Lake Garda in Eala

Restaurant. Chef Alfio Ghezzi’s fine dining at Eala offers spectacular lake views and a menu that interprets local and Trentino ingredients with class and originality. The bistro option provides a more casual dining experience.

Senso Lake Garda in Eala - Limone sul Garda (BS) - via IV Novembre, 86 - 0365 954613 - ealalakegarda.com

La Speranzina Restaurant & Relais

Restaurant. This lakeside venue offers a mix of experimentation and international influences, with dishes featuring vegetables, lesser-known fish, and aquatic herbs. The beautiful terrace setting adds to the prestigious experience.

La Speranzina Restaurant & Relais - via Dante, 16 - 030 9906292 - lasperanzina.it

Tancredi

Restaurant. Newly helmed by chef Vincenzo Manicone, this lakeside spot offers creative and nostalgic dishes with a focus on lake and vegetable ingredients. The impressive wine list remains a strong feature.

Tancredi - Sirmione (BS) - via XXV Aprile, 75 - 030 9904391 - tancredi-sirmione.com

Al Tramonto del relais Cape of Senses

Restaurant. This luxurious venue features a spectacular lake view, infinity pool, and extensive spa. Chef Francesco Pavan’s contemporary and research-focused cuisine ranges from lake to sea to land, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Al Tramonto del relais Cape of Senses - Torri del Benaco (VR) - loc. La Sorte - 045 4301430 - capeofsenses.com