Straddling the provinces of Novara and Verbania, Lake Orta is fortunately still immune to massive tourist influx. Not far from Milan, only an hour and a half drive, it is the ideal destination for those seeking a weekend or a holiday of relaxation and tranquillity. In the small villages that surround it, slow rhythms and atmospheres invite you to calmly enjoy the views and landscapes. For the more energetic, boat trips, water and outdoor sports await. There is no shortage of pleasant surprises for lovers of fine dining, such as the legendary Villa Crespi restaurant of chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo (already Best Service for the Gambero Rosso Guida Ristoranti d'Italia 2023).
Eating on Lake Orta. The best restaurants
Where to eat in Gozzano
Gustamante
Gourmet lunch break. Luca Corradino is the creator and the soul of this place, “gastronomia con ristoro”, a real gem. You can buy oil packed delicacies and excellent homemade products, but you can also stop at one of the tables available to enjoy what Luca prepares daily, for an aperitif or a full meal.
Gustamante - via A. De Gasperi, 68 - 373 8690150 - facebook
Zoppis
Gourmet lunch break. In addition to the shop on Via Dante, there is this address where from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. coffee, pastry and bakery products are served. Every moment is good for a break, from morning espresso to an aperitif, comfortably seated in the beautiful air-conditioned patio.
Zoppis - via A. De Gasperi, 12 - 0322 283006 - panetteriazoppis.it
Where to eat in Miasino
La Taverna della Fattoria del Pino
Trattoria.Located on a hillside, just a few minutes from the lake, it is a family-run establishment with bed and breakfast, surrounded by plenty of greenery. You can eat in cosy spaces or on the terrace, on the menu are genuine dishes made with seasonal ingredients, but you can also stop by just for a fine glass of wine accompanied by platters of cheese and cured meats.
La Taverna della Fattoria del Pino – frazione Pisogno regione Brascino, 30 – 339 5936589 - fattoriadelpino.it
Where to eat in Nonio
Osteria Rifugio del Pescatore
Trattoria.Valuable refreshment place especially for cyclists (there are recharging stations for e-bikes), it offers outdoor tables, a simple, well-kept ambience, a relaxed atmosphere, but above all home-style cooking that draws on typical local products. Generous portions, light bill. There is also a bar.
Osteria Rifugio del Pescatore – via Laghetti, 30 – 331 9246962 - facebook
Where to eat in Omegna
Alvaro Bistrot
Bistro. Just a few steps from the lake, it is the right address to enjoy good seafood cuisine, the result of natural ingredients that are always fresh which dictate the composition of the menu. For aperitif time, wine by the glass, pints, cocktails and seafood appetisers. Modern and tasteful ambience, outdoor seating, convenient parking.
Alvaro Bistrot – via Fratelli Di Dio, 85 – 333 2123735 - alvarobistrot.it
9090 Ristorante Canottieri by Omegna
Restaurant. Housed in the former headquarters of the Circolo dei Canottieri rowing club, overlooking the lake, this restaurant is dedicated to the Alessi coffee maker (whose headquarters are here in Omegna) awarded the Compasso d'Oro and exhibited at the Moma in New York. Select ingredients go into dishes that satisfy both sight and palate, paired with a good wine cellar. For an all-day pit stop there is the Foodie Café Bistrot.
9090 Ristorante by Canottieri Omegna – lungolago Buozzi, 37 – 351 9939982- canottieri-omegna.it
Where to eat in Orta San Giulio (NO)
Andrea Monesi a La Locanda di Orta
Restaurant. The young chef Andrea Monesi - aided by talented hostess and sommelier Sara Orlando - has developed a pleasant restaurant in the heart of the village, complete with romantic rooms and bistro, with a magical lake-view terrace. The cuisine, a successful mix of technique, creativity and research, seduces and convinces.
Andrea Monesi a La Locanda di Orta – via Olina, 18 – 0322 905188 - locandadiorta.com
La Motta
Restaurant. There are two souls to this reliable and gracious address in the city centre: the bistro, open for lunch with a “simpler” but tasty menu, and the restaurant proper, which serves in the evenings, with a gastronomic proposal based on seasonality and the ability to make the most of select ingredients. Good drinking options, outdoor seating.
La Motta – via Caire Albertoletti, 13 – 0322 905049 - lamottarestaurant.it
Pan&Vino
Wine Bar. Centrally located under the large portico of one of Orta's historic buildings, it is a speciality food shop and wine bar. All the products on sale can be tasted on site, paired with one of the available wines (among other things, you can take away your unfinished bottles). Always open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pan&Vino – piazza M. Motta, 37 – 393 8583293 - panevino-orta.it
L'Ustaria Cà dal Rat
Restaurant. The location and the direct view of the lake alone are worth the visit. The added value is that the food here is really good, thanks to the expert hand of chef Carlo Marforio. The menu changes very often, with the changing seasons, supported by a well-structured wine list. If you wish, you can also arrive by boat.
L’Ustaria Cà dal Rat – via Novara, 66 – 0322 066538 - lustaria.it
Villa Crespi
Restaurant. A unique experience, to be lived at least once. The uniqueness of the structure, the elegance of the rooms, the charm of the outdoor dining area, the professional service, the comfort of the rooms, and the vastness of the wine list are all part of the culinary proposal "signed" by chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, one of the most brilliant talents in Italy.
Villa Crespi – via G. Fava, 18 – 0322 911902 - villacrespi.it
Where to eat in Pella (NO)
Antica Cartiera
Trattoria. A delightful place, starting from the tasteful decor. The undisputed protagonist is the market cuisine, with mostly organic products purchased daily, prepared with respectful cooking methods and touches of fantasy that are always spot on. The various types of bread and desserts are homemade. In the cellar there are good labels and craft beers. Cooking classes and sunset aperitifs available.
Antica Cartiera – piazza Don G. Ravedoni, 1 – 347 5237170 - anticacartiera.com
Where to eat in Pettenasco (NO)
Bistrot Laqua by The Lake
Bistro. Laqua by The Lake, the brainchild of Chef Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinzia, is a resort that guarantees a stay of total relaxation and well-being, and which this year sees the inauguration of the fabulous suite La Darsena 19. At the elegant bistro overlooking the lake, you can enjoy excellent cuisine and impeccable service. Best to reserve in advance.
Bistrot Laqua by The Lake – via Legro, 33 – 0323 212121 - laquabythelake.it
Sant'Antonio
Restaurant. One comes here to eat pied dans l'eau, but above all for the certainty of eating well, thanks to a judiciously creative cuisine - between freshwater fish, sea and land - that satisfies even the most demanding palates. An extensive wine list and even a choice of mineral waters complete the picture.
Sant’Antonio – via Domodossola, 1 – 329 3823555 - ristorantesantantoniorta.com
Where to eat in San Maurizio d'Opaglio (NO)
Da Venanzio
Restaurant. For years on the map, right on the lake, it is an address for all tastes. You can stop there in the morning for a delicious breakfast, or for a nice aperitif, to eat a good pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, or finally to savour a consistently satisfying cuisine whose main ingredients include lake fish.
Da Venanzio - lungolago Sesta Brigata Nello, 34 - 0322096137 - ristorantedavenanzio.com
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