Villa Pizzini

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.

Extraordinary food and wine at a great price ❤️ I visited the restaurant twice with my girlfriend, who is vegan, and we were very happy both times. We also appreciate the concept of seasonal and regional dishes!

There cannot be a more magical place to celebrate as a family. We returned for the taster menu - it is a wonderful celebration of local seasonal ingredients each cooked with care to create a magnificent menu.

We hiked from Baveno to this summit, planning to eat simple at the top. Unfortunately nothing was open except this one. We directly felt uncomfortable as we were wearing running clothes and sweating. We dared to enter and ask if we could grab something, the only questions we got were: - are you hungry ? - are you thirsty ? Then you are more than welcome to sit where you want and enjoy some food. Then it was just an amazing experience ! Thanks again to have enabled us to live this, it made our day ! The service was very accommodating, the food was amazing…everything was so perfect ! Thanks again ! Worth the visit and experience 🫶

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.

If your idea of a nice dinner is to drive extremely treacherous roads through a dense forest to arrive to the most condescending host imaginable, then this place is for you! The host/waiter is patronizing and snobbish; he did all he could to make us feel unwelcome - from criticizing our order to telling us how restaurants "normally work." Things you should know before going - you don't actually eat outside, where the view is - you eat in a stuffy dining room inside. Also, you have to walk an unlit, unpaved, kind of unsafe path from the parking lot to the villa - definitely leave your heels at home. Lastly, the menu strongly suggests (requires?) each person order at least two dishes, not including dessert, which is not only ridiculous, but also quite difficult given how limited the menu is. I would say unless you want to see just how bad service can get in a restaurant to stay away at all costs. UPDATE: All you need to do to understand what you're in for at this restaurant is to read the response from the owner below. That is exactly who he is. If you want that, you should go, by all means. If not, stay away. And for the record we ordered seven dishes, not two, some of which were actually very good, but his presence made them very difficult to enjoy.

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.

Stunning restaurant. We drove from Stresa which took just over 30 mins. Quite steep & winding roads leading you up to Villa Pizzini on top of the mountain with breathtaking views - easy to find on Google maps. The restaurant is a gorgeous property and the staff were great. Really delicious food with a great menu and you can’t beat the wine selection which offers by the glass and bottles. A true experience. Nice slow drive down the mountain after dinner! Must try restaurant if at all close by.

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.