A guide to the best restaurants in Stresa

Classic Italian dishes at Osteria Mercato

You’ll be treated like royalty at Osteria Mercato, starting with a complimentary glass of prosecco as you arrive. The cuisine here is classically Italian, featuring all the favourite dishes you’ll grow to know and love on holidays to Lake Maggiore. In particular, you can expect tender beef gazpacho and warm butternut squash ravioli.

Romance on the mind at Il Vicoletto

It’s all about the romance at Il Vicoletto. The lights are low and dishes come paired expertly with a glass of wine to go with their Mediterranean and Italian flavours. If you want to go outside the box, you’d be wise to try the octopus, scallops and leek pudding – it won’t disappoint.

Delicious seafood at Ristorante La Stresa

For fine dinning and exceptional seafood platters, there’s Ristorante La Stresa. You can sit outside on the terrace and watch the world pass you by, but nothing will distract you from delectable plates of seared tuna mille-feuille and fried squid.

Laid-back views at Verbano

Meals at Verbano are laid-back affairs, with starters, mains, desserts and, of course a few glasses of the house wine throughout. With a beautiful location right on the doorstep of Lake Maggiore, you’ll want this Italian meal to last as long as possible.

Wood-fired oven cooking at Pizzeria Grano Duro

Italy is renowned for its pizza, and Stresa is no exception. Pizzeria Grano Duro cooks their pizzas in a traditional wood-fired oven, and you can watch as your own pizza is tossed, built and put into the glowing embers. If choosing just one topping is too difficult, you can go half and half, then pair your dish with a favourite Italian beer, Theresianer.

Pizza by the slice at Pizzeria al Trancio il Capriccio

If you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner on the go, you can head to the always friendly Pizzeria al Trancio il Capriccio for something speedy. One popular option in particular is ordering by the slice and heading outside to eat your meal by stunning Lake Maggiore.

Fantastic views at Ristorante Belvedere

For a true Stresa holiday experience, you can sit outside on Ristorante Belvedere’s terrace and look out over Lake Maggiore as you try the restaurant’s exquisite and beautifully presented cuisine. Try the veal or sliced sirloin and you’ll be blown away by the chef’s depths of flavour.

Comforting home-cooked food at La Botte

You’ll enjoy friendly service and top-notch food at La Botte. Their Italian cuisine is prepared in a traditional home-cooked style, with lavish portions and comforting food including wild boar, fish fillets and lamb chops.

American cuisine at Mad O'Buffalo

For something a little different than the normal Italian fare, you can head to the American grill Mad O’Buffalo. Meat lovers will love this joint, as US-sized steak, barbecue ribs, burgers and scrumptious desserts steal this menu’s show.

Postcard-worthy settings at Lidrovolant

Lidrovolant’s views over Lake Maggiore are second to none. The restaurant is just a five minute walk from Stresa’s city centre, and is a top place to dine if you want a romantic and picturesque setting. The menu is diverse, and features everything from pastas to salads and risotto, plus tiramisu for dessert.