Villa Pizzini

Most bizarre place. I tend not to give negative reviews so will give a short but, in my view, fair assessment. The rooms are clean but that’s about it. The location is uphill and not very easy to find. The rooms are very basic and decor is highly questionable. Painted tiles on the floor and metal doors don’t add to the warmth of the place. We didn’t feel at ease there. Seems like a place from a horror movie, if I am honest (it may just us). The host was alright but not too friendly, at least to us. We had dinner there and the menu was surprisingly expensive for what you get. I didn’t realise it was a bit of a fine dining (but for that the place needs to work on ambience and at least have tablecloths) but the portions were quite tiny. Breakfast was alright but again not hing to fancy (not a single vegetable?)… I wish them well but won’t be returning for sure.

I visited here in October 2023. I came across this place purely by accident. I had just arrived at Milan Malpensa and was on my way to my B&B lower down in Lago d’orta. We were early, so decided to take a trip up to Mottarone. My 2 daughter’s fancied lunch. Low and behold. We saw signs for this Restaurant. Parked the car and walked to the Restaurant. We were dressed in jeans and shirts. When I arrived at the door. I thought no chance of getting in here. Looked liked really fine dining. Very posh. Well a gentleman from inside approached me at reception. I asked if we were dressed appropriately. He said. No problem. We don’t judge you on how you look. Your here to eat. Please come in. Well I swear to God. Great view from the table. It was a Gastronomy of Food and Wine. We decided to have the Tasting Menu. With paired Wines. It was truly mind blowing. Every plate of food and wine was explained with great importance of were the food came from and were the grapes of the wine were grown. Mostly local. Each plate was truly married with a great glass of wine. We appreciated every great taste of the food and how delicately each plate was presented and made. The waiter was fantastic, with the choices of wine with the different food courses, we had ordered. Even if it was a tasting menu, The portions were, value for money. This place was an extravaganza. I am sure we will revisit. Many Thanks for such an enjoyable experience.

We spent a Sunday lunch time here and felt as if we were in paradise! Ivan - the most gracious host. We had not booked properly by accident but, despite being fully booked, he accommodated us. The service was impeccable - Ivan was attentive, knowledgeable and funny without being overbearing. The atmosphere was dreamy. Relaxing music on a beautiful veranda with spectacular views of Lake Maggiore. The food really was so delicious- we had three courses on the a la carte menu. Each dish seemed well balanced and imaginative but at the same time like comforting home cooked Italian food! Several/maybe all the dishes were created with local produce. The perfect blend of creativity and comfort. A very local dish in this part of Italy is ‘Vitello tonnato’ (veal with a tuna sauce). Being British - this is a strange combination to us and so I was a little apprehensive to try it but as they say - ‘when in Rome!’. It was so delicious and according to Ivan it really is made the ‘proper’ way at Villa Pizzini’. Suffice to say - top restaurant and made for the most magical afternoon. Can’t wait to return one day. Thank you Ivan!

Almost unbelievable location - it is on top of a mountain, 1400m above sea level. The views are incredible; you can look down and see all the towns around the lake, a god-like view. Beautiful dining room, tastefully decorated. Impeccable service. Inventive, creative food - I highly recommend "The Path" tasting menu, which contained at least two dishes I would rank as "the best things I have ever eaten" (and I have eaten many things in many places). Each dish is fascinating - Ivan explained where each item came from in detail (each dish represents a specific height up the mountain, with the ingredients being from that height). The non-alcoholic pairing was outstandingly creative and stayed away from simply "mocking" alcoholic drinks - I won't spoil it, but you should absolutely order it. Villa Pizzini should have a Michelin star - right now, it's "only" recommended, but that seriously undersells the skill, creativity and sheer joy of food on display here. If you love food, do not miss this place.

My husband and I stayed at Villa Pizzini with our 2 young boys (a 10 yr old and a 2 yr old). We enjoyed every minute. The views are breathtaking, and the amenities are great. Lots of outdoor space for the children to roam around safely. We had dinner on our first night and the experience was true bliss. The continental breakfast was always very fresh, homemade and nicely displayed. All the staff at villa Pizzini provided us with a holiday to remember fondly

We stayed here for one night on a walking trip between Lakes Maggiore and Orta. It has an extraordinary position with fantastic views from the terrace and rooms. The rooms we had shared a bathroom between them, were comfortable, relatively simple and perfect. The small restaurant is very special. Great care has been taken in every aspect and the result, certainly for the vegetarian tasting menu we enjoyed, was absolutely superb. And breakfast too was memorable, again with such care given to sourcing local produce. Despite arriving soaking wet, and then leaving the next morning in puring rain, we wouldnt have missed it.

Amazing place! From the moment you park your car, you get into an incredible restaurant. I was welcomed by Ivan, the man knows and lives service. So professional and yet not pretentious. As for the food- it was an unique experience from start to finish. So delicious! Definitely one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. I hope they’ll soon get their Michelin star, they are well deserve it!

Great food undermined by less great hospitality. The food is excellent and service is generally attentive. The views over the lake are nothing short of stellar. However they have a lot of rules for what and how you can order, and how you can eat it. They even went as far as denying my request of a fork instead acting in service of the guests and adapting. Quite expensive for what you get and my expectations for costs were not adequately managed. The cover and the antipasto were unexpected costs that amounted to roughly €40 extra per person, even for kids.

We set out like Frodo on a quest to find an exceptional Italian dining experience, so we drove to Villa Pizzini -- tucked away, high up in the scenic beauty of Mottarone overlooking Lake Maggiore. And like Frodo, we came away as experienced journeymen, having been better and wiser for the wonderful culinary experience. Villa Pizzini has only a few tables, so it may be best to ensure seating is available. But given that the menu is seasonal and locally sourced, you're in for a delicious treat.