Del Luina - STRESA

Today the hotel cancelled my reservation for June 2024 saying that there has been a change in management. Is that a valid reason to cancel a reservation? What a silly behaviour!

We have eaten here for several years and have never been disappointed. Home-made gnocchi with aubergine and fresh perch from the lake are specialities and very good wine list, including some really top-notch wines. Slightly off the beaten track, in spite of its very close proximity to the lake but well worth seeking out. The proprietors are totally charming and go out of their way to look after you and are happy to offer suggestions on local wines and dishes.

We went here having walked out of another restaurant for appalling service, our experience could not have been more different! Excellent service, food and wine!

The place is full of flies that are very disturbing and unpleasant. In a desperate fight with the flies, or maybe for other purposes, they burn a super stinky incense combined with the fact that the restaurant is located in a small alley, it is impossible to sit there for long, breathing normally. The food is very mediocre, not to say less. I ate hum cuts and my wife had a lake fish fillet. Both were tasteless, without any seasoning. The hum was also non chewable at most. Even the bruschettas were not tasty, how for god sake someone can ruin a bruschetta? The dishes are unreasonably very expensive, with the poorest price to quality ratio I've seen in life. Yes, in life. 2 stars and not 1 only because the hosts were pleasant. But that's not a good reason to come back ever again.

Looking for a good lunch at a reasonable rate after a long tiring late arrival we found this place offering a fixed meal of 2 courses for 12 euros including a bottle of water and a coffee. We had a plate of pasta, one with tomato and basil the other with garlic, pepper and oil with parmeasan and2 types of bread and grisstini , both were delicious. Followed by 3 lamb chops (very unusual in Italy as its usually reserved for Xmas and Easter only) and roast potatoes and a pork slice with green beans, again beautifully cooked. The wine was 6 euors a half ltr and light and refreshing. We were amazed this place wasn't full to bursting but we did arrive late, about 2pm but were greeted with smiles and good service. The evening rates are slightly higher but still good value.