The best restaurants in and around Varese
In and around Varese, dining out blends elegance, tradition and creativity.
Around Varese, and particularly along its lake, lies a surprising landscape where unspoilt natural beauty meets a rich cultural and culinary tradition. Free from the glitz of Lombardy’s more famous lakes, Lake Varese holds a quiet, unpretentious charm ideal for anyone seeking authenticity and quality. Amid green countryside, romantic views and small lakeside villages, you will find restaurants that celebrate local flavours, such as freshwater lake fish, with creativity and respect for tradition. Here are the five best restaurants in and around Varese, chosen by Flawless.
Ristorante Hotel Colonne
Via Fincarà, 37
Set in the greenery of Sacro Monte di Varese, Ristorante Hotel Colonne is helmed by chef Silvio Battistoni and sommelier Nicola Cavalieri. The kitchen follows the rhythm of the seasons, guided by culinary instinct and carefully sourced ingredients. Lunch offers a relaxed bistro mood, while in the evening the elegant dining room turns to a more creative menu. The cellar houses a rich selection of bottles from across Italy, paired seamlessly with the chef’s dishes. Rounding off the setting is a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Varese, ideal for enjoying a quiet, timeless moment of good food.
Ristorante Tana d’Orso
Via Mottarone, 43
Surrounded by the greenery of the charming village of Mustonate, overlooking Lake Varese with Monte Rosa on the horizon, Ristorante Tana D’Orso is a peaceful haven just a few kilometres from the city, set within an expansive equestrian estate. The kitchen reinterprets Italian classics with flair and meticulous quality, spotlighting regional flavours. Highlights on the menu pay tribute to the Varese area, with a choice of mountain game, alongside traditional freshwater fish dishes, whether pickled in carpione or smoked. The elegant rooms suit every occasion: from an intimate dinner to a wedding, corporate events or gala evenings.
La Perla
Via Carrobbio, 19
Right in the heart of Varese, on picturesque Piazza della Motta, La Perla welcomes guests into a historic palazzo with an internal courtyard that offers quiet elegance. Refined dining spaces, immaculate table settings and attentive, discreet service create an intimate, relaxing atmosphere, ideal for dinner for two or special celebrations. In the kitchen, the balance between tradition and creativity shapes meticulous dishes built around carefully chosen seasonal ingredients, mostly from the sea alongside a few land-based options. A well-stocked cellar featuring over 250 Italian and international labels and an excellent spirits list complete the experience.
Alla Corte Lombarda
Via Edmondo de Amicis, Via Cadore, 13, Mornago
At Alla Corte Lombarda, the kitchen pairs tradition with innovation, blending culinary heritage with modern techniques in dishes that champion quality ingredients, selected from local specialities and international favourites. Two spirits coexist in the kitchen: one thoughtful, one instinctive, meeting in dishes rich in personality and flavour. It all takes place in a charming restored Lombard farmhouse, where the warm, welcoming atmosphere treats guests to an authentic, memorable dining experience.
