A guide to the best restaurants in Sirmione

Excellent food by the lake at The Speranzina Restaurant

Speranzina is mentioned in the Michelin Guide for its carefully prepared and creative dishes. This classy restaurant has a beautiful conservatory decked in white and a large terrace, both overlooking the lake. Expect the food to be as beautifully presented as it is delicious, whether you sample one of the tasting menus or something from the a la carte menu, such as lobster, duck and Chateaubriand.

Michelin star style at La Rucola 2.0

This Michelin-starred restaurant is in a prime location in the centre of town, across the water from the castle. Stylish yet rustic décor is offset with contemporary cuisine, which you can expect to see served on anything from intricate silverware to chic slate platters. There’s lots of seafood on the menu, and although pricey, you get complimentary courses including a pre-dessert dish.

Pizza by the beach at Lido delle Bionde

The northern-most of Sirmione’s restaurants, Lido delle Bionde is set outside of town at the beach of the same name. This pizzeria and lounge bar is all about the location, with views across the rocks and water. They serve a selection of fresh-baked pizzas alongside risotto, spaghetti and other Italian classics.

Chic outdoor setting at Tancredi Restaurant

Head south towards the base of the peninsula and you’ll be met with the elegant charms of Tancredi. Credited in the Michelin Guide for its ‘contemporary and occasionally creative cuisine’, the outdoor lakeside seating area includes white-tablecloth-laden tables as well as comfy sofas. Dine on linguine with scallops or braised Iberian suckling pig.

Made to order burger choices at Leo's Hamburgeria

There aren’t many restaurants in Sirmione that stray from pasta and pizza, but Leo’s is one of them. Feast on a burger of your own making by selecting whether you want local beef, Aberdeen Angus and more unusual options like boar or wagu. Choose the size and toppings, then have drink while you wait. It’s worth booking in advance to get a seat.

No frills seafood at Ristorante Al Pescatore

This charming little restaurant is in an unassuming position, but makes up for it with a classic menu of well prepared dishes. And with a name meaning ‘fishermen’ you can bet there’s lots of seafood on the menu. Fish, like grilled sea bass, is cooked to perfection and you can also try the likes of steak and prawns gratin or gnocchi with scallops.

Streetside dining at Osteria Al Torcol

Sit on Osteria Al Torcol’s flower-trimmed outdoor eating area and enjoy meals prepared using local ingredients. Here you can spend your Italy holidays sampling tender duck breast or monkfish with polenta, and zabaglione to finish. They also have a beamed dining room for indoor meals, but note that they only open for dinner.

A wine bar come dining room at Ristorante Risorgimento

Another Sirmione restaurant in the Michelin Guide, Risorgimento gets a mention for being an elegant restaurant with outdoor dining, as well as for its first floor wine bar with a big display of bottles. With the classy surroundings and exquisite food comes higher prices, but you’ll get to eat sumptuous dishes like deer loin, turbot with caramelised onions or sea bass sashimi.

Romantic meals at Restaurant L'Orangerie

Large windows give you a view of the lake no matter whether you’re sitting inside or out at L’Orangerie. Part of the Grand Hotel Terme, it’s a perfect spot for romantic dinners, feasting on meals like baked calamari or fillet of beef then on to selections from the expert pastry chef.

Where the locals eat at Trattoria La Fiasca

With reasonable prices and big portions it’s no wonder you’ll find lots of locals eating here. Food is traditional, such as rabbit ragu or large mixed seafood platters, and the pasta is handmade. You’ll dine inside a quaint stone building with heaps of character.