Recommended Restaurants and Bars
Stresa and the surrounding area offer an abundance of restaurants and quaint bars. It is very easy to avoid all the usual tourist traps you inevitably find in some popular towns. A few of our favourites where the locals go are:
La Rampolina
Via Per Someraro 13
Campino Di Stresa
Tel: +39 (0)323 9224210
This is a lovely local restaurant just a two minute drive from Casa Bellavista. It is also quite walkable on a summer’s evening. Set in a large garden, down a set of steps, La Rampolina serves real homecooked Italian food at a fraction of the price of the restaurants in Stresa. Even the house wine at 6 euros a litre is very drinkable! In the summer, grab an outside table and drink in the views of the lake and mountains.
La Gallina che fuma
Via Turatti
28924 Fondotoce (VB)
Tel: +39 (0)323 586851
This restaurant may be a short drive from Casa Bellavista (about 15 minutes away, past the Baveno end of the lake), but it’s well worth making the effort to visit! A fabulous restaurant, owned by two charming girls (who happen to be identical twins), La Gallina che fuma is another one of those hidden gems that only the locals seem to know about. The exquisite food is freshly prepared and can be anything from honey roasted baby chicken to ‘melt in the mouth’ Gnocci. On your arrival you will be made to feel immediately at home with a glass of Prosecco and a beaming smile from Francesca and Marianna. Only one word of warning, make sure you go with an empty stomach!
La Botte
(just off the main piazza)
In the heart of Stresa there are many restaurants to choose from but often some of them fall into the tourist trap of overpriced non-authentic Italian food. La Botte is one of the exceptions. Just off the main Piazza, this busy little restaurant serves local food in an atmospheric environment at reasonable prices – it’s a popular choice for those who don’t want to travel far. The menu contains a good selection of regional options, as well as more general Italian dishes. Ravioli in a piedmont sauce, pasta with mint, artichokes and goats cheese….All palates are catered for.
Osteria Degli Amici
(just off the main piazza)
This restaurant is also near the main piazza in Stresa. The owners are wonderful, and will greet you like old friends. The food is great and remarkably consistent – we would recommend the risotto funghi in particular and the pizzas are also lovely. It is possible to have a quick pizza and a beer, or a more sophisticated, gourmet experience here.
Il Vicoletto
Vicolo del Poncivo, 3
28838 Stresa (VB)
Tel: 0323 932102
This is quite a new restaurant to Stresa, but is not to be missed. Serving beautiful local dishes, including fantastic pizzas, this restaurant is great value for money in a charming setting.
Al Buscion
Via Principessa Margherita 18
28838
Stresa (VB)
Tel: +39 0323 934772
Al Buscion is by far our favourite wine bar of the many in Stresa. Rather like the eighties sitcom ‘Cheers’, this is the bar where locals come to chat and talk about their day. It’s the bar where everyone knows your name and the owners, Barbara and Massimo Colla do their utmost to make you feel welcome and one of the ‘Al Buscion’ family. Massimo’s command of the English language would put many Brits to shame! Here you can choose from an enormous range of fantastic wines, either by the glass or the bottle! Not forgetting some award winning beers. Plus there are complimentary snacks and canapés to further tantalise your palette. If you find yourself spoilt for choice and unsure what to drink next Massimo always has a good recommendation…
Villa E Palazzo Aminta (hotel, spa and restaurant)
Via Sempione Nord, 123
28838 Stresa (Verbania)
Lago Maggiore – Italy
Tel: +39 (0)323 933 818
Fax +39 (0)323 933 955
This one is for a special occasion. On the shores of Lake Maggiore, Villa & Palazzo Aminta is one of the most exclusive, luxury resorts in the world. If you fancy splashing out, then why not treat yourself to a day of pampering here or a meal in the stunning pavilion restaurant I Mori that overlooks the lake and the Borromeo Islands? For 68 Euros you will be able to delight your senses with an exquisite four course banquet cooked by one of the most innovative and renowned chefs in Italian cooking.