Where to eat in the southern part of Lake Garda
IN ITALY, DREAMS ARE MADE OF…FOOD!
Where to eat in the southern part of Lake Garda?
There is nothing to debate about: Italy is homeland of the greatest food ever.
It’s scientifically proved that if you eat well, you will always feel at your best. Didn’t you know that Feuerbach was used to say that we are what we eat? Maybe we should trust him, don’t you think?
Nevertheless, whenever I have to choose, it ends with me being uncapable of taking a decision. I am quite sure this is because of the endless variety that you can find in our country… That’s why I have been recently thinking about creating a little guide of the Italian gastronomy. If you were asking yourself where to eat in the southern part of Lake Garda, keep reading to discover what it could be the best for you.
Here, you will not only recognize both Venetian and Garda flavours. This is the best thing about Italy… Anywhere you may go, you will never lose the chance to taste the real pizza or some fresh sea fish. Furthermore, the Brazilian and Japanese tradition are very appreciated by the local people. Have you ever tried a “Carbonara di Lago”? Or the “Brazilian Sushi”?
If your answer is no, well, maybe all you have to do is dig just a little bit deeper. Not all the best ones are located in the town centre. Sometimes, to find the best quality, it’s better to look in the most hidden places. Therefore, there are also the luckiest ones, with an irreplaceable view.
You could also get the chance to explore the best places to visit on Lake Garda, in its southern part.
I am going to tell you each one of them. I am aware there are many options to choose but remember: you can read this article any time you will need it!
WHERE TO FIND TRADITION: TRY A “TRATTORIA”
At first, I should begin with a place that never gets me disappointed and where you will feel like home. I am 100% “arilicense”, hence Amici Miei is my favourite “tipicoteca”. Ps: if you don’t know what it means, you should check the related article. It is a trattoria and pizzeria, only a few minutes away from the historical centre of Peschiera del Garda. If you would like to explor the Venetian tradition, you are in the right place.
Just in case you are wondering, they created the famous Carbonara di Lago. Anyway, I also suggest you the “Luccio in Salsa” and the “Trota”. If you are in the mood for something else, try the horsemeat. However, what about gnocchi? If you love them, you have to go on Friday, for a delicious handmade lunch.
I know, it seems impossible to choose where and what to eat in the southern part of Lake Garda…However, we just begun!
Let’s start with this hypothetic scenario: you are late, and you have to eat as soon as possible. You would like something of a great quality, without spending a lot. The best option for you is the Osteria in Strada, right in front of the main harbor. Meat and fish burgers, fish and chips and much more…You are spoilt for choice! If you didn’t try Mozzarelle in Carrozza with anchovies or Lake Mixed Fried, you don’t’ want to miss it, trust me! Secondly, not far way there is the classic Osteria, where the daily menu changes almost every day.
Let’s move to the “hinterland”, to another place to visit on Lake Garda: Colà di Lazise.
In the Corte dal Castello, you will be more than welcome. It is an enchanting agritourism located in the peaceful silence of this little town. Any suggestion for a traditional itinerary among the local flavors? Well, you have absolutely to try the Tortelli al Lavarello, with grains of pistachios and olives in case you would like a first course. On the contrary, you could also taste the Petto d’Anatra with citrus. Anyway, I recommend you the vegetables, as starter or as side meal. It’s Marco’s mum special recipe. In the waiting time, enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
BAKERIES AND MORE…
Is there any better feeling than the fragrance of some homemade bread? It doesn’t matter if you are looking for an easy outdoor breakfast or a quick takeaway. You will never be empty-handed by choosing the bakery Panificio Brizzolari. Fresh bread, brioches and many typical Italian cakes. As arilicense, I can tell you that the “Brizzo”, that’s how we are used to call it, is always a saving grace whenever you are in the mood for pizza. Personally, I love the Erbazzone: a delicious Reggio Emilia specialty, made of chard. During my hard workdays at the Infopoint, I just need to taste it to recover myself.
Moreover, if you are near to Lazise, you can stop at the “Bottega di Corso Cangrande”, a little store located in the homonymous street. Here, simplicity is the key to every bakery product. It seems like going back in time, visiting an old bakery.
Once upon a time, locals were used to run into the nearest bakery to buy the first handmade bread of the day!
Anyway, you are lucky: here, every day they prepare bread, pizza and many kinds of cakes and bakery products. Whatever will be your choice, it will always be a genuine one.
Let’s come back to Peschiera: not far from the historical centre, there is a real pastry heaven. If you are not a morning person, don’t worry: the Torta della Nonna croissants last endlessly. It’s unbelievable, but anytime I come to this place I usually take a lot to choose. You will find artisan ice creams, also lactose-free and gluten-free, pastries, pancakes… Is it somebody’s birthday and you haven’t bought anything yet? Well, here they bake many original cakes: trust me, it’s a very appreciated gift, especially in Italy. They have just opened another bakery in the centre, “ArilicBakery“, where to have brunch surrounded by the impressive Fortress Walls.
100% ITALIAN TASTE!
Shifting from the sweet to the savoury, we meet Zia Pizza!
Zia Pizza is always a fact. A take-away pizzeria in San Benedetto di Lugana whose delicious pizzas are made with a soft dough. They always come up with new unexpected ideas, such as “Fiore di Carciofo” or “La meravigliosa”. A question that many people ask themselves is: where to find real Neapolitan pizza on Lake Garda? If you prefer it takeaway, Zia Pizza is the answer. Otherwise…
…At the Restaurant and Pizzeria La Rocca, located in the wonderful side of the Canale di Mezzo of Peschiera del Garda. While the delicate sound of the anchored boats is breaking the silence, you can enjoy the view of the renewed Officials’ Pavillon. If you are curious to try some of the South Italy traditional food, I suggest you the Scialatielli.
THE REAL BURGERS KING
Moving away from the old town, we finally meet the Kingdom of Burgers : the Klesh Pub&Beer! Burgers, Dutch fries, steaks and top-quality beer and gin for an evening of fun… with taste! Here you can also have fun playing foosball, darts or table football.
AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY TO BRAZIL
Another of the place to visit on Lake Garda is Sirmione, in particular the Temakeria Satya.
I could not talk about sushi without including this Brazilian Temakeria in our gastronomy guide. Fresh ingredients and quality are the secret of their success, together with the commitment of the owners. The original flavours of their cuisine and creative dishes they have invented, made me fall in love with this place. Once you have tried it, you will never forget it. I could never have imagined that a Brazilian Sushi existed… What a “yummy surprise”!
LOVE & FOOD: THE PERFECT MATCH
Our gastronomy tour is taking us to the top of the places to visit on Lake Garda, also recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Obviously, I am talking about Borghetto sul Mincio.
Imagine being together, you and your soulmate, watching the sunset of a warm summer evening. On the background, the delicate sound of water running down the river Mincio. That’s how the perfect date sounds to me, in the splendid Grand Cafè San Marco. The famous tortellini di Valeggio and the most prestigious wines: words aren’t enough to describe the unique experience you will live right there. If you want to leave your sweetheart speechless, this is the perfect place. When it was the last time you did something romantic? Anyway, it doesn’t have to be for a special occasion, as a birthday or your anniversary, could be any day.
There is another location near to the silent sound of water…
It’s the Boheme, in Lazise. Your dinner will be fulfilled of emotions, tasting the elegant menu surrounded by a flourishing vegetation and small waterfalls panels. You could choose among both Italian and international courses, whether you prefer meat or fish. If you are a wine lover as me, you have to know that they offer more than 200 labels!
If you find more intimate a rustic ambience, I suggest you the Locanda Gallehus, in Pacengo. During autumn or winter season, your love will be warmed also by the old Venetian chimney located in the main room. A few examples of what you will find in the menu: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with truffles, Pizza and many typical products. Such as, the delicate Monte Veronese DOP cheese. If you are with the one you love, it will be the sweetest date. Finally, one of my favourite ones.
Now, close your eyes and dream about a fairy-tale place, where the only noise is chirping birds.
If you are a romantic person, you will completely fall in love with ArdeaPurpurea. This restaurant is located inside the wonderful Resort of Ali del Frassino, located in the natural reserve of the homonymous lake. Following the small alleys of the yard, here it is the terrace. Prepare yourself to live a delightful high-quality experience, surrounded only by nature.
ENJOY THE PANORAMA
Are you asking yourself where to eat in the southern part of Lake Garda with a dreaming view? Once you are around the lake, it makes sense that you would prefer to have a great panorama. Lulled by a gentle breeze, you can sit and relax in the nice garden of La Plume Restaurant. Food always makes everyone happy. Follow your vibes and you will never make a mistake.
Further, climbing the steps near the restaurant, you will see another beautiful one: Cafè Momus. The name may give you a wrong impression… It is not a bar! It’s a fish restaurant, recently opened, where to taste crudites and the fished of the day. Behind the foliage of the maritime pines, spot the main harbour of Peschiera and its quiet promenade.
Among the places to visit on Lake Garda we have already talked about Lazise. However, there are still some locations to discover in the town.
What should I choose among Taverna Marconi and Classique Restaurant? Don’t worry about the view if you are in Lazise. Whatever is your decision, it will be beautiful anyway. Only the prospective is changing. The first one is located at the ground floor of an ancient villa. In the past, the princess Caterina Strauss was used to park here her private boats. The Classique, instead, is at the first floor of the same villa. Over there, in a sunny day, you could be able to see the lands on the other side of the lake.
You know, I am really lucky to live near all of these places, also because I have already tried each one of them! Then, I can recommend you my favourite ones on the menu: at the Plume the pizza with what ferments; at the Taverna the rooster with barbecue sauce. What about the Classique? Don’t’ miss their Millefoglie dessert. It’s a blast of sweetness!
FOOD AND WINE TOURISM: DISCOVER LUGANA HOMELAND
Meat&Fish
Is there a better way to spend a Sunday lunch than having a barbecue with your best friends? If you don’t know where to buy some fresh meat, I will teel you the perfect place. That is the Centro Carni Colli Storici: a huge store located on the Morainic Hills, in Pozzolengo. It is not easy to find high quality meat. Nevertheless, since 1988, they produce the best one of the neighbourhoods. Moreover, they have many cold cuts, typical products such as honey and saffron; further selling the famous Lugana wine.
However, Lake Garda is also home to numerous species of fish. Indeed, fishing was once the main source of livelihood for the local population. Fresh fish markets were regularly held, where the highest quality of the day’s catch was always a given… And today? Today, you can still find the highest quality at the Pescheria, in San Benedetto di Lugana. Fish from the lake, fish from the sea and a gastronomy area with ready-made products!
Now we have talked about food. But what about wine? Let’s discover the best places to visit on Lake Garda to taste a great glass of Lugana, and more!
You are lucky to be in the southern part of Lake Garda: this is exactly where prestigious wines are made. You will not have to struggle to find them, just follow my tips.
Not too far from Colli Storici, in the vineyards of San Benedetto, you can spot Le Morette. Away from the crowd, stands the elegant winery of the Zenato Family. Their product process is sustainable in every step, so the wine is not only good, but also genuine. In addition to tasting a truly prestigious wine, you can visit the cellar, admiring the birthplace of the best white wine on the lake.
Moreover, at the Monteci Winery, modern architecture and nature come together to create a perfect location… whether for tastings under the stars or exclusive private events. The Righetti family was known in the past by the very name that represents it today. Here you can taste the best Valpolicella wines, as well as in the Cantina Rino Sartori. Founded in the 1970s, it has been producing fine wines for decades, celebrating first and foremost the Valpolicella Classico DOC wine.
Returning to where to eat in the southern part of Lake Garda, I was really surprised to have found a solution that harmoniously combines wine and traditional dishes. Indeed, Tenuta Canova di Masi offers an elegant tasting menu, accompanied by a selection of their best wines. You will leave on an imaginary journey, guided by the flavors of red and white wines, from still to sparkling wine. Don’t miss out on their Risotto with Amarone!
Some places to visit on Lake Garda are hidden and less known, but for this very reason they hide precious treasures.
What do you think about when you are immersed in the countryside? Do you also want to roll through the meadows and lie down on a check red tablecloth for a tasty picnic? The Ricchi Winery is born among the vineyards of Monzambano, a small jewel hidden in the Morainic Hills. A place to be children again, escaping from monotony. From the canoe ride along the Mincio river, to relaxation in the wellness center, to picnics organized by the chef of the nearby Relais la Casina. These are just some of the many experiences that you can live in direct contact with the Mantua area.
Finally, Poggio delle Grazie, a winery located in the countryside of Castelnuovo del Garda. The bucolic atmosphere makes this place even more magical. In the heart of the vineyards stands out a little chapel built in 1947. That is exactly where the name of the winery comes from! Also, there are many secrets hidden in this place… if you are curious one, you have just to book your guided visit with a wine tasting here.
But there is also another place, on the hills of Desenzano that I reccomend. Here the casaliva grows luxuriantly, giving the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Garda Bresciano D.O.P. a delicate velvety flavor. Mother nature really gives us so many precious resources, which can turn into the best version of themselves, thanks to love, care and technique! At Frantoio di Montecroce this happens for a very long time.
However, it seems true that if we Italians don’t eat, we talk anyway about food… Maybe I can stop here. I am sure you know now how to orient yourself perfectly when you are in the area. If not, remember that you can take a peek at the Infopoint whenever you want.
