Lake Garda is the single largest lake located in Northern Italy bordering Trentino, Verona and Brescia. This beautiful region was formed by melting glaciers from the Alps during the last Ice Age and has now become a popular tourist destination for Europeans.
Most of the restaurants in Lake Garda specialise in traditional Italian homemade cooking and in virtually every town surrounding Lake Garda you will find many delicious ice cream parlours serving literally hundreds of different flavours of ice cream and frozen sweet treats!
If you're spending your holiday in the northern part of Lake Garda it's highly recommended to eat in the town of Malcesine, whilst if you're staying in the south you can enjoy a romantic meal in one of the many restaurants at Sirmione or Desenzano Del Garda.
Italian
It's no secret Italians cook some of the finest food in the entire world! Whilst staying in Lake Garda don't forget to try some of the favourites including Pizza Margherita (topped with tomato and mozzarella) and Pizza Romana (topped with tomato, mozzarella, capperi and anchovies). Or tuck into some delicious pasta dishes including Spaghetti Carbonara and Ravioli. However, a lot of dishes in Italy are different in each region and Lake Garda tends to specialise in olive oil, lemon liqueur and Merlot wine, so don't forget to have a taste of these specialities whilst staying in Lake Garda.
If you're staying in the northern region of Lake Garda in Malcesine and are planning a wedding, La Voglia is the perfect place to have your reception. This is the perfect romantic setting as it is set by the lakeside and the food is not just delicious but visually stunning. However, if you have always wanted to learn how to cook authentic Italian style head to Ristorante Le Gemme di Artemisia in Torri del Benaco with Chef Andrea, or sit back and tuck into a variety of seafood and steak dishes in this hillside villa.
For a small and intimate setting try Osteria al Pescatore in Brenzone. The kitchen here prides itself on using ancient recipes with a selection of seafood caught locally including trout, sardines and carp. Another option to think of if you are staying in Torbole is Aqua Restaurant & Lounge Café situated by the lakeside, boasting stunning views over the rolling mountains in the distance. Tuck into some grilled scallops here or feast on some succulent veal chops.
Another place to try whilst staying in Malcesine is Ristorante Al Gondoliere, which serves mouth-watering pasta and seafood dishes on an open air roof terrace overlooking the picturesque courtyard below. Whilst if you're staying in the romantic town of Sirmione you must visit Trattoria Clementina which serves the finest Italian pasta and a variety of cheeses to take your pick from. However, it is advised to make a reservation before heading here as it is very popular with tourists and locals during the summer season.
You can't get any more authentic than Al Cardellino in Bardolini. This rustic restaurant is set by a wine cellar and romantic Italian garden. It's advised to pick one of the main meat dishes, as they are cooked in a large wooden oven to make them even more succulent and mouth-watering. However, if you're staying in the small town of Garda then it's advised to grab some lunch or dinner at Trattoria Bella Venezia and try some of the antipasti on offer.
Choose from a vast list of over 1600 wines at Ristorante Eplanade in Desenzano Del Garda and tuck into a variety of Italian dishes using fresh products and ingredients from the local area. Whilst if you're staying in Gargagno and looking for a romantic setting, look no further than Ristorante Sostaga located on the hill tops. The views from here are simply stunning and the food is to die for!
Ice Cream Parlours
You can't go to Lake Garda without trying some of the delicious authentic ice cream, some of the best you will find in the whole world!
If it's a hot summer's day and you're walking around Riva Del Garda then you must stop off at Gelateria Flora. For over twenty years this attractive little café has been serving a variety of ice cold sweet treats from sundaes and milkshakes to delicious authentic Italian ice creams. Another place to try some ice cream is at Cristallo Caffe Gelateria near the harbour. Take your pick from a variety of flavours including anything from pistachio to strawberry, or sit back and enjoy some sports entertainment at one of the widescreen TV's at the bar.
If you're staying at Malcesine you must head to the quirky little Gelateria Cento Per Cento, situated right next to the castle. Why not try some of the cheesecake flavours such as banana, hazelnut and strawberry. Or there's Gelateria Cantonati also in Riva Del Garda. This more modern ice cream parlour serves a variety of ice creams, cakes and refreshments in a busy central location.