Savoring Lake Garda: the gastronomic guide
Where to eat on Lake Garda
If you’re looking for a gastronomic guide to help you choose where to eat on Lake Garda, you’re in the right place! This region, rich in authentic flavours and multicultural influences, offers a wide range of culinary options, from Venetian traditions to international dishes with a local twist. Not all gastronomic treasures are central; often, you need to search in the most hidden places to taste true quality, while others boast an enviable location.
Where to eat on Lake Garda? Keep reading to discover the finest gastronomic destinations in this beautiful area!
1. Trattorias: Where Lake Garda tradition reigns supreme
2. Gourmet burgers: Culinary excellence at its peak in the center of Peschiera del Garda
3. Top Locations: Gastronomic Excellences of Lake Garda
4. Cozy atmospheres: Intimate settings on Lake Garda
5. Pizza and desserts: Some irresistible delights on Lake Garda
6. A culinary journey around the world
Trattorias: Where Lake Garda tradition reigns supreme
If you’re seeking an authentic and familial culinary experience on Lake Garda, trattorias are the perfect choice. In Peschiera del Garda, Amici Miei Tipicoteca is a cozy retreat that celebrates Venetian culinary traditions. Located just a short walk from the historic center, this trattoria-pizzeria offers genuine dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. Here, you can savor the famous “carbonara di lago” and other specialties such as mixed fried lake fish and “bigoli” pasta with anchovies.
If you prefer to stay within the historic center of the town, L’Osteria is ideal. In this familiar and welcoming environment, you can taste dishes like “tagliatelle bisi e tastasal” and the famous “bigoli” pasta with sardines.
Let’s now move to the nearby and beautiful Lazise, the first Municipality of Italy, to discover two more culinary gems in the area.
In Lazise, Taverna Marconi broadcasts all the liveliness of the lake through their menu and magnificent windows with a view. Here, you can delight in “luccio alla gardesana” with polenta and “spaghetti alla chitarra” with pumpkin cream, “tastasal”, and chopped pistachios.
In Colà di Lazise, Corte del Castello welcomes you to an enchanted setting, immersed in the silence and tranquility of this small village. Run with love by the family, this establishment offers dishes from the local tradition prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Savour some of their specialties, such as “tagliatelle al tartufo nero del Monte Baldo” and wild boar stew.
Gourmet burgers: Culinary excellence at its peak in the center of Peschiera del Garda
If you’re seeking an extraordinary culinary experience, Osteria in Strada is the perfect place for you. Located at the intersection of the two main streets in the historic center of Peschiera del Garda, this osteria resembles an ancient village shop transformed into a true paradise for gourmet food lovers. Here, you can marvel at their signature Street Food offerings.
Their original and tasty sandwiches are prepared only with the finest Italian ingredients and the freshest prime materials. But the surprises don’t end there! At Osteria in Strada, spectacular burgers await you, made with the best Italian meats and freshly caught fish. Accompanied by exquisite cheeses, crisp vegetables, and delightful sauces, these burgers are a celebration of flavor that will leave you speechless.
Top Locations: Gastronomic Excellences of Lake Garda
In these prestigious locations, a dinner, a lunch, or an event becomes magical and relaxing experiences, immersed in an enchanting setting meticulously curated in every detail.
La Plume is renowned for offering an unforgettable culinary experience, thanks to its meticulous attention to the selection of raw materials. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from excellent meat sourced from dedicated farms to its exquisite freshwater and sea fish dishes, to Mediterranean products.
Pavillon Restaurant Café, the new gem of Peschiera del Garda, enchants its guests with a unique blend of art, food, and history. Every detail, from Italian cuisine to international influences, has been carefully curated to offer an extraordinary culinary experience. The rich and varied menu caters to every taste and preference, while the elegant and welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect setting for a memorable evening.
The top locations to eat on Lake Garda don’t end here! Are you ready to discover two restaurants where you’ll feel like you’re dining right on the water?
Ardea Purpurea, the prestigious restaurant located in the Le Ali del Frassino Resort, stands out for its elegance and refinement. The dining room, suspended over the waters of the small lake, offers a unique and evocative atmosphere.
Located a short distance from the Lazise boat stop, Classique treats its guests to breathtaking views of Lake Garda from its marvelous panoramic terrace. From breakfast to dinner, guests can indulge in a rich menu that also includes some raw dishes such as the Marzara red shrimp tartare and seafood first courses, among which I recommend the “cavatelli al cartoccio” with fresh yellowfin tuna, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
Now, let’s take a moment away from the waters of Lake Garda and follow the Mincio River to the picturesque village of Borghetto.
Nestled in the enchanting medieval village of Borghetto sul Mincio, Trattoria San Marco awaits you with its breathtaking panorama, which includes the picturesque Mincio River and the majestic Visconteo Bridge. From the classic “nodo d’amore” pasta to the delicious grilled lavarello, every dish is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the area. Additionally, within the establishment, Gran Café San Marco welcomes guests for a delightful aperitif!
Cozy atmospheres: Intimate settings on Lake Garda
The restaurant La Bohème in Lazise welcomes its guests with a new panoramic veranda that offers a breathtaking view of Lake Garda. The garden with cypress and olive trees remains unchanged, ensuring guests an experience immersed in nature. A large window, soft lighting, and water features adorn the environment, while the kitchen offers high-quality dishes and pizzas, with particular attention to grilled dishes and fresh lake fish.
Another not-to-be-missed venue is Locanda Gallehus, a charming restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake and four rustic dining rooms, the result of the renovation of an ancient farmhouse. Here, guests can delight in traditional dishes wrapped in the warmth of an ancient Venetian fireplace, creating an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.
Pizza and desserts: Some irresistible delights on Lake Garda
Zia Pizza is always a sure bet. It’s a takeout pizzeria in San Benedetto di Lugana whose delicious pizzas are made with a soft dough. They always offer new unexpected ideas!
At Ristorante e Pizzeria La Rocca, located in the beautiful area of Canale di Mezzo in Peschiera del Garda, while the gentle sound of moored boats breaks the silence, you can enjoy a delicious Neapolitan pizza. If you’re curious to try some traditional dishes from Southern Italy, I recommend the “scialatielli”.
Moving on to some sweet delights, I have three excellent suggestions to absolutely include in the list of places to eat on Lake Garda.
Whether you’re looking for a simple outdoor breakfast or a quick takeout, you’ll never leave empty-handed when choosing Panificio Brizzolari in Peschiera del Garda. Fresh bread, brioches, and many typical Italian sweets. As a local, I can tell you that “Brizzo,” as we commonly call it, is always a lifesaver when you’re craving pizza.
Furthermore, if you find yourself near Lazise, you can make a stop at Bottega di Corso Cangrande, a small shop located on the street of the same name. Here, simplicity is the key to every baked product. It will feel like stepping back in time, visiting an old bakery.
Back in Peschiera, for a great breakfast, you can’t miss Pasticceria Pavon! This is my favorite place to enjoy excellent brioches, which they also offer in vegan or whole grain versions. Finally, don’t miss their brunch, available every day from 8:00 to 15:00.
A culinary journey around the world
In the picturesque setting of Lake Garda, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy culinary delights from around the world. Among the various options, some stand out offering authentic international gastronomic experiences. Japan House in Peschiera del Garda represents a true corner of Japan on the lake, where you can immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture through traditional dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and ramen, expertly prepared with mastery and authenticity.
For lovers of Hawaiian cuisine, poke is a must-try option. Both in Peschiera and Lazise, you can find Poke Gardaen, which offers this fresh and tasty specialty made with marinated raw fish, served with rice, vegetables, and seasonings.
If you’re looking for a culinary experience that combines Japanese and Brazilian flavors, Temakeria Satya in Sirmione is the ideal choice. Here, you can indulge in Brazilian sushi, a creative and delicious interpretation of the classic sushi, prepared with fresh and innovative ingredients.
You truly have plenty of choices among the many locations where to eat on Lake Garda. Have you decided which will be your destination?
