Where to eat on the Brescia side of Lake Iseo: the 11 best places chosen by Gambero Rosso

Lake Iseo, particularly its Brescia side, is a true paradise for sports enthusiasts. They can engage in water sports such as SUP, swimming, rowing, windsurfing, sailing, and more, as well as land sports, especially cycling. This area is rich in artistic beauty and excellent products, from extra virgin olive oil to mountain cheeses, game, and freshwater fish, which become the stars on the tables along with good wines, primarily Franciacorta sparkling wines.

Where to eat on the Brescia side of Lake Iseo

Iseo (BS)

Da Nadia at Relais Mirabella

Nadia Vincenzi, a true celebrity among the gourmets of the province, continues her work with undiminished zeal, serving fish and seafood lovers. The offering remains unchanged, much to the delight of her loyal customers: starting with superb ingredients and resulting in often simple but extraordinarily delicious dishes, such as her fish soup or "scarpetta" with burnt wheat tagliolini. The tasting menu is recommended. The spectacular panorama (one of the best views of Iseo) enhances the experience, along with a good wine cellar.

Da Nadia al Relais Mirabella – frazione Clusane via Mirabella, 34 – 030 9898051 – www.ristorantedanadia.com

Osteria ai Nidrì

Named after the ducklings that populate the lake, Daniel Gallizioli offers creative and well-executed recipes that leverage the seasonal products of the area, with a menu that changes frequently. Some highlights include lake fish tempura with lime and ginger mayonnaise, snails with sweet potato cream, borage chlorophyll, and crispy scallion leaves, eel gricia, char kataifi, and cauliflower. The wine list focuses on local wines, and an adjacent wine shop highlights the area's wine production. Lunch menu at 22 euros.

Osteria ai Nidrì – via Colombera, 2 – 030 9177054-329 8971042 – www.osterianidri.it

Radicì

A young and dynamic establishment that has revitalized the lake’s offerings. Located under the Oldofredi Castle in a 17th-century cellar, it features a modern and atmospheric setting, ideal for enjoying a cuisine rooted in the territory with a contemporary approach and a global outlook. There are three tasting menus, and the menu changes seasonally. For example, the terrine of tench stuffed with Montisola sardines and foie gras is noteworthy. The wine list is excellent, and the outdoor seating is very pleasant.

Radicì – via Mirolte, 53 – 392 9206145 – www.radiciristoranteiseo.com

Marone (BS)

Trattoria Glisenti

While the lake is the star at this comfortable traditional restaurant – which also has a more casual bistro offering – carnivorous specialties and a structured vegetarian menu are also available. The elaboration of Iseo’s basket of offerings is the highlight of this family-run establishment. Expect dishes like trout tartare with avocado and ginger, spaghetti with river prawns in saffron sauce, and baked whitefish with wholegrain polenta. In short, a happy and solid local reality with a suitable wine cellar and a beautiful panoramic terrace.

Trattoria Glisenti – frazione Vello – via Provinciale, 34 – 329 7377524 – www.trattoriaglisenti.it

Pesce fritto da Piccioli

A visit to Marone isn't complete without a quick stop at Piccioli, where, as the name suggests, fried fish reigns supreme. It's a simple kiosk facing the lake, with a long counter showcasing aluminum trays brimming with various types of fried fish, available for takeout to enjoy hot while strolling or to consume on-site at indoor or outdoor tables, in an informal and lively atmosphere. During high season, there may be a line, but it’s worth it for the quality at a reasonable price.

Pesce fritto da Piccioli – via B. Cristini, 2 – 338 7346691 –www.facebook.com/p/Pesce-fritto-da-Piccioli/

Monte Isola (BS)

G.Lab della Locanda Contemporanea

Reservations are essential to secure one of the tables with a view at this establishment, which is not just another tourist restaurant but a center of gastronomic culture and a constantly active idea lab, attached to a romantic 3-star hotel with comfortable rooms and suites. Here, zero-kilometer sourcing and seasonality are laws, making dining here an experience. The bar-bistro Senza Senso is available for treats and snacks from morning onwards, and there’s also a private beach.

G.Lab della Locanda Contemporanea – località Sensole, 10 – 366 2556924 – sensole.it/ristorante-g-lab-monte-isola/

Paratico (BS)

Patanegra

This establishment has two faces in perfect harmony despite their differences. The bistro is informal and welcoming, with a well-tended outdoor area and a menu dedicated to Iberian traditions, from hand-sliced Pata Negra ham to tapas, paella, and crema catalana. It’s also a great spot for a relaxed aperitif. The restaurant, with elegantly minimalistic rooms, offers dishes like pumpkin tortelli with blue cheese and ginger, prawns with salted flowers, pack choi, and grapefruit gel, and pigeon with seasonal vegetables. The wine cellar is well-stocked.

Patanegra – via XXIV Maggio, 49/A – 035 911541 – www.ristorantepatanegra.it

S.Mart San Martino

Housed in a historic building once belonging to the State Railways, not far from the lake, this is a multi-functional address. There are 4 rooms, pleasant outdoor spaces, contemporary furnishings, and a special atmosphere. You can come here for an aperitif, with cocktails, wines, and craft beers accompanied by tasty bites, opt for a "serious" pizza with long fermentation and quality toppings, or dine at the restaurant, which satisfies all tastes with meats, lake fish, and excellent risottos.

S.Mart San Martino – via Roma, 17 – 035 0400033 – www.sanmartinosmart.com

Pisogne (BS)

El Lac dell’Hotel La Pieve

Near the Pieve di Santa Maria in Silvis, this restaurant offers comfortable panoramic spaces and a lovely outdoor area with lake views. The cuisine, while primarily using local ingredients, also offers successful variations. You won’t be disappointed by the eggplant tartare with buffalo mozzarella, confit tomatoes, and basil, snails in broth with white polenta, spaghetti with Montisola sardines, nettle risotto with ricotta and anchovy foam, or liver with onions stewed in Madeira. The drink selection is good.

El Lac dell’Hotel La Pieve – via Don G. Recaldini, 1 – 0364 209011 – www.ellacristorante.it

Sale Marasino (BS)

Villa Kinzica

Inside a charming 4-star hotel with lake views, nestled in a lush garden, this refined restaurant is also open to non-hotel guests. The interesting menu spans several directions with well-presented and well-executed dishes that satisfy and please. Examples include their marinated mackerel with white cauliflower and vanilla, Gragnano pennoni with cacio e pepe and sea urchins, melting pork cheek with Curtefranca red wine, juniper, and potato foam, and tart with lemon cream and burnt meringue. The wine cellar is adequate.

Villa Kinzica – via Provinciale, 1 – 030 7284104 – www.villakinzica.it

Sulzano (BS)

Trattoria Cacciatore

It’s well worth the short trip from the town center to this solidly family-run establishment boasting over 60 years of activity. The splendid panoramic location pairs well with a cuisine aimed at highlighting local products, particularly freshwater fish (don’t miss the fried dishes). The wine list isn’t vast but well-suited to the menu. The lunch menu is super affordable, and on Sundays from 6 to 9:30 pm, there’s an aperitif scene. There are also three comfortable rooms available for those who don’t want to travel back.

Trattoria Cacciatore – via Molini, 28 – 030 985184 – www.trattoriacacciatore.it