A guide to the best restaurants in Malcesine

Feel at home at Casa Italia

They definitely do local food the right way here. As a superb plaza venue with the option to dine either alfresco or in the cosy interior, it’s tough to beat. The food, from pastas to chicken dishes and salads, arrive with fantastic presentation that’s equally matched by service and taste. The T-bone steak comes highly recommended too.

Homemade recipes at Vidoc

Smaller than many of its fellow restaurants in Malcesine, Vidoc makes up for its size with pure passion. Flavours here are genuine, with all pizzas and pasta made on the premises. The interior is modern and minimalistic, while the wine list takes the finest tastes of Italy and brings them to your glass.

Specialist pizzas with Da Pedro

Good pizza is easily found on holidays in Malcesine, but for a place where an extra dash of something special is added to every slice, there’s none other than Da Pedro. A good mix of toppings and cheeses ensures everyone in your party can find a little something, but what really appeals is the variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Shiver your timbers at La Cambusa

Styled inside an old-fashioned sailor’s home, La Cambusa makes the most of its waterside location. This is reflected in the menu too, where seafood takes pride of place, although not at the expense of authentic tagliatelle and scrumptious steak. With portions on the hefty side, you should aim to go here hungry for ultimate satisfaction.

Dine by the castle at Al Corsaro

For a restaurant with character, you won’t have to look further than Al Corsaro. Expect terrace dining with lakeside views that’s backed by a grand cliff. Enjoy the view of the castle perched atop, making for a dramatic place to eat. The food on offer is just as impressive, with black pasta and seafood salads.

Savour the sauerkraut at Speck Stube Malcesine

Although you’re in the heart of Italy, this place brings you the finest flavours of German and Bavarian cuisine. Skewered chickens by the score turn enticingly on the fiery rotisserie, while schnitzels, sausages and sauerkrauts round off a sumptuous menu. The scenic dining terrace makes sure that Italian charm still wins the day though.

Pick your own at Pizzeria da Gigi

Making pizza a cut above the rest is seldom easy in Italy, where everyone seems an expert wherever you dine. Yet with its lakeside views and handsome interior, Pizzeria da Gigi shines brightly. Diners here can customise every topping on their stone-baked pizza, and there are takeaway options if you’d rather eat on the go too.

Not just steak at Mignon

While the name of this pristine, airy venue sums up its steaks in all their succulence, Mignon is just as beloved for its vegetarian and vegan options. Colourful salads, crisp and nourishing, pop off the plate with their tantalising presentation. The interior of the restaurant is similarly appealing, with plenty of natural light.

Feast on gnocchi at Da Nonna Pina

Tucked in the main tourism part of town, but secluded enough to be a local secret to some, Da Nonna Pina boasts a rustic and spacious place to dine. There’s a lovely whiff of autumn about the place whatever month you visit, thanks to its warm colours and, of course, that pumpkin ravioli.

Sublime scenery at Ristorante Paradiso Perduto

Cradled by the hills, this restaurant boasts some of the finest views in all of Malcesine. Luckily, the menu is still reasonably priced despite the luxurious vibes, and the flavours on offer range from simple creamy pastas to rich smoky trout. If the terrace doesn’t entice you for you, the interior is intimate and sheltered.