We travel to the villa every year as a family and have got to know some of the best places to eat in the area, making many friends in the process. The people of Arolo and the surrounding areas are very approachable.
It's worth mentioning that we also regularly eat on the villa terrace overlooking the lake and buy supplies from the local shops - so we've included details of where to go if you'd like to dine-in as well.
1. Il Sole di Ranco
Great for: couples
We highly recommend this contemporary restaurant with lovely views across Lago Maggiore. Dine on the terrace, or in the beautiful winter garden. There’s a strong focus on using locally sourced ingredients, to create a decent range of traditional as well as modern flavours.
Address:
Piazza Venezia, 5 – 21020, Ranco (Varese)
(0331 976507)
2. Camin Hotel Luino
Great for: couples
The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel, and you have the option of dining on the garden terrace when the weather is great. They pride themselves on using fresh seasonal ingredients and offer a modern and colourful twist on traditional Italian food.
Address:
Viale Dante 35 - 21926 Luino (VA)
(0332 530118)
3. Locanda Pozzetto
Great for: couples
A family run restaurant offering creative dishes and a romantic setting. Choose from Italian or international cuisine.
Address:
Via Montecristo, 23 Laveno Mombello (Va)
(0332 667648)
4. Conca Azzurra
Great for: families
Conca Azzurra is a Michelin recommended restaurant thanks to its fresh and quality ingredients. Enjoy an interesting selection of dishes, including traditional Italian food, food inspired by the countryside, and a variety of seafood options.
Address:
Via Alberto 53, Ranco
(0331 976526)
5. Ristoranti Via Roma
Great for: families
In the summer months, Ristoranti Via Roma opens their atmospheric and peaceful internal courtyard to diners. You can enjoy a range of seasonal dishes here, from homemade pasta, meat plates, and sea and lake fish dishes, followed with some rich and unique desserts.
Address:
Via Roma, 19 28921 Verbania Intra (+39 0323.402759)
6. Il Chiosco di Cerro
Great for: families
A quality family restaurant with panoramic views of the Borromean Islands and Lake Maggiore. It specialises in high-quality fresh seafood dishes.
Address:
Lungolago Perabò, 2,
21014 Laveno-Mombello VA
(0332 629050)
7. Al Piccolo Moro
Great for: families
A family restaurant in the centre of Laveno with a lovely veranda overlooking the old Lavenese port. Serves traditional cuisine with a modern twist.
Address:
Via Labiena 18, Laveno
(0332 668120)
7. Personal chef / teacher at the villa
If you're looking for a more unique dining experience, why not try out a cooking class, or just have someone come and cook an amazing dinner for you at the villa? We can vouch for Marco Perocco's 'Personal Chef & Cooking Class' services. Marco speaks a variety of languages and specialises in traditional Italian cuisine - from North to South Italy - and uses fresh seasonal ingredients.
Address:
Via Ronco, 10, 21018 Sesto Calende VA
(0332 668120)
8. La Fredda Tentazione Gelateria for ice cream
Ice cream is a necessity in the warmer months - especially if you're travelling with children! We highly recommend La Fredda Tentazione Gelateria who offer a fabulous range of flavours to suit all tastes!
Address:
Via Marconi 19, 21020 Bardello
(+39 0332 746731)
9. Buying your own food
There are plenty of places to pick up food supplies near the villa. I've listed them below in order of distance from the house:
Leggiuno (1,8 km)
There is a fruit shop with very nice fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a bakery and a small supermarket for essentials
San Giano: (1 km)
Great for fresh meat
Laveno: (4,7 km)
Two food stores 'Coop' and 'Tigros'
There's also a local market here on Tuesdays
Ispra: (5,2 km)
You'll find a 'Tigros' and Carrefour
Sesto Calende: (15 km)
Three food shops to choose from. An upmarket supermarket called Esselunga, and a Lidl and large Carrefour.