Il Clandestino

I had the “Degustazione Moderno” tasting menu and it was an exceptional experience. Even without a reservation, they gave me a table in the cave, where I was the only gues, a truly unique setting. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared by Chef Franco, from the sashimi and baby squid with tuna flakes, to the lobster and red shrimp ravioli, the perfectly cooked seabass fillet, and the rich, flavor-packed dessert. The food really highlights freshness, where seafood is served with minimal spices so its natural quality shines through. Service was world-class. Jo and Malika were attentive, kind, and professional throughout, which made the evening even more memorable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Stresa.

We had a wonderful taste menu lunch. We chose the modern option and got interesting interpretation of the lively chef. We like the fact the chef was serving the dishes explaining and having a small talk. We learnt the fishes source is mainly Sicily and not the lake. Over all the food was tasty, we got several techniques of the same fish which was nice. We were lacking a bit more of everything the toppings and the sauces to make the dishes and flavours more rich. For the cold starter we got lumberjack sashimi which was fresh and good but could enjoy more olive oil and tomatos. For the warm starter we got cuttlefish with Katsuobushi (dried Japanese fish) it was a refreshing topping to the delicate cuttlefish, again a bit more sauce would make it better. For the secondi we got sea food ravioli which was very delicious. The main dish was beautiful fried lumberjack which was very tender. For desert we got a delicious apple pie with ice cream. All the pleasure with a nice local wine and tip was 100 each.

What a DELIGHT!! From start to finish, Franco, the chef owner created an experience of a lifetime!! We started with the in house made, fresh Lobser Stuffed Ravioli. It was DIVINE. The light lemon/olive oil drizzle was a palate pleaser. The Langostino, from Sicily, was fresh and DELICIOUS!!! Our wine was a PERFECT PAIRING!! Of course, we could not pass up on the “Franco made Tiramisu”!!! Two spoons, one dessert!! The best grand finale!! Franco thank you for creating a most memorable dining experience in Stresa!!!

Fantastic food, excellent service and wonderful atmosphere in the restaurant made our family dinner for 9 people memorable. The chef is an experienced maestro in the kitchen who explained the menu options in detail and catered to our individual needs. The staff was very friendly and attentive and the food was absolutely delicious. Thank you for a wonderful evening!

What an amazing experience. The chef, who is also the owner, came to take our order and explain his dishes. Service was simply impeccable. Menu is based on what they receive freshly caught from the sea. A seafood only establishment. Expensive but certainly worth it. The breadsticks served on the side were also delicious, I could have eaten the whole basket. Their tiramisu won a pastry award in 2015. Try it and you’ll understand why.

Our best meal in Stresa! My husband overheard a random local store worker telling his customer this was the best restaurant in town. We couldn’t find an available reservation, so we walked in a few minutes before opening on a Wednesday and got lucky with a spot an hr later (keep in mind this was October so not high season). Service was impeccable. We tried the chef’s tasting menu and it was delicious. All fish, my husband asked for more raw fish, I asked for cooked fish dishes. Both worth it. My favorite part was the calamari appetizer and the dessert! Dessert didn’t look like much, but possibly the tastiest Ive ever had. Thank you for a great experience!

Everything was beyond amazing. Since when does a chef take my order and explain my dishes? Every chef should do this. The absolutely impeccable service was still outshined by the main star of the show...the food! Now everything is made based on what they get fresh caught from the sea. Seafood only at this establishment. So what I ate, you may not have available unless you run here today (which I highly recommend). Seriously, dishes change daily. Started with a lobster and red shrimp ravioli with lemon. Absolutely delicious. No cheese, just flavors of the seafood. This was scrumptious. We had an amazing Sauvignon Blanc. Next was the main course. For my wife fresh amberjack, for myself blue lobster with fois gras. If there is anything I have learned on this trip to northern Italy is that I need to use fois gras more often. My lobster was scrumptious, delicious and I wish I still had more right now. The amberjack was equally amazing, but unfortunately I only had one bite. My wife was enjoying too much to try to take more. The sommelier gave us amazing pairings from Cinque Terre and a Pinot grigio that perfectly matched wife's fish. Both were perfectly paired. Cannot say enough about how pleased we were with the service and the experience overall. Make a reservation.

We had a really good experience. Interesting thematic restaurant, where the chef is also the owner! Chef came to welcome all the new visitors, explained the menu, adviced if needed. We choose menu semi cooked semi raw. All the dishes were perfectly done.

Amazing food, service and ambiance we loved it. The staff and chef are totally professional and very modern Italian with a great wine list.

Excellent Italian restaurant with a great kitchen and great service. You should trust the recommendation they provide. This is truly an outstanding place. If you like food this is a must.