The 10 Best Restaurants On Lake Iseo Italy

Most people have heard of the stunning lakes of northern Italy – particularly Como, Garda and Maggiore. Yet Lake Iseo remains a lesser known spot despite its natural beauty that rivals any of the other nearby waters. There are a number of fantastic restaurants arround this lake that offer everything from delicious locally-sourced fish to classic Lombardy grilled meat dishes. Here’s our guide to 10 of the best.

Ristorante Locanda al Lago

Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean

As far as location goes, you simply cannot do better than Ristorante Locanda al Lago. It’s located on Monte Isola – an island in the middle of Lake Iseo. Since 1948, the Soardi family has been running this restaurant which specializes in seafood from the fresh alpine waters all around. Order the antipasto di lago platter to try a variety of fish dishes such as trout carpaccio, seared whitefish fillet, and sardines with polenta.

Ristorante Le Margherite

If you’re looking to try more local fare that comes straight from the lake, head to Ristorante Le Margherite in Clusane, a lakeside town known for the popular dish tinca ripiena al forno. Tinca, or tench, is a fish related to carp that is found in abundance in Lake Iseo. At Le Margherite, it is baked in the oven and served along with polenta.

18B

If you’re looking for an alternative to pasta, pizza and local seafood then 18B is where to go. Here, you can create your own burger with an assortment of different buns and fillings to choose from. If burgers aren’t your thing, there are other options to choose from – even sushi. Make sure to enjoy a cocktail and the scenic view, as 18B is located right on the edge of the lake.
Address & telephone number: 18B, Via Lungolago Guglielmo Marconi 18/b, Iseo, Italy +39 030 2033093

Il Castello Restaurant

Restaurant, Italian

Originally an ancient wine cellar, Il Castello Restaurant is a traditional trattoria with a warm and inviting atmosphere located in the historic center of Iseo. In the winter, sit inside and enjoy the heat of the wood-burning fireplace. In the warmer months, take advantage of the restaurant’s beautiful garden and dine al fresco. In short, Il Castello is a serene escape from Iseo’s busy city center, offering some truly fantastic food.

Cascina Doss

Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean

Food meets art at Cascina Doss where the dishes are elegantly prepared and plated. The restaurant is located a short distance from the center of Iseo and its menu features many delicious dishes including crepes with cheese, ham and béchamel sauce; gnocchi stuffed with saffron and veal ragout; and a seafood platter consisting of red prawns, tuna, bass and scampi. Save on the cost of wine by bringing your own bottle (a small corkage fee applies).

Ristorante Relais Mirabella

Chain Hotel, Hotel

The restaurant at the Relais Mirabella hotel is a hanging garden set high above Lake Iseo. The panoramic terrace overlooking the lake is a fantastic spot for a romantic dinner. Freshwater fish is the star of the menu but there are other options too: try the manzo di Rovato all’olio, a beef dish seasoned with local olive oil.

Azienda Agrituristica Cinque Abeti

Azienda Agrituristica Cinque Abeti is set high in the dell’Alto Sebino hills above lovely little Lovere on the northern end of Lake Iseo. This rustic agro-tourist stop-off is famed for its fine home-made cheeses and earthy Lombardy pasta dishes. All food is made using organic, locally-grown ingredients. It’s not the easiest spot to reach, nestled between the fir forests and undulating fields of the Bossico plateau, but diners here are in for a real treat.

Trattoria al Porto

Restaurant, Seafood

Trattoria al Porto in Clusane has been a part of the town since 1862. Located right on the water, this restaurant offers fresh seafood. In July it holds a special week of tinca al forno,when you can get an order of fish, dessert, coffee, and half a bottle of wine for a bargain price.

Trattoria Gös

Restaurant, Italian

Between the selection of grilled meats and beers made in-house, Trattoria Gös seems more like a restaurant you’d find in Germany than in Italy. Highlights from the grill include a meat spread for two (beef tenderloin and pork), duck breast, and ribs. Meat isn’t the only option here: the home-made pastas – gnocchi, tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, and ravioli to name a few – are excellent too.

Vulcano Village

Hotel

Nestled on a small cobbled piazza just meters back from the water’s edge in the sleepy and charming town of Castro, this dimly-lit, romantic bistro and B&B offers a romantic and unforgettable dining experience. The menu touts a range of Lombardy pastas and risottos, infused with seafood and freshwater fish cuts, along with trademark artichoke and mushroom dishes and crispy pizzas. There are also fantastic, reasonably-priced dry house wines.

About the author

Jonathan Stern

A native of Washington, DC, Jonathan has lived in Capitol Hill going on eight years. After studying psychology and Italian as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, he spent several years working at an ophthalmology practice in DC. An interest in all things Italian led him to return to school to pursue an MA in Italian Studies at Georgetown University. Jonathan has had the opportunity to study in the beautiful towns of Perugia and Ferrara and travel extensively throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily. He hopes to return again very soon.