Dto the suggestive atmospheres of The Secrets at Castel Hörtenberg in Bolzanoup to the panoramic elegance of Precious Gourmet at Castel Fragsburg above Meranothe common thread is the search for quality and unforgettable locations.
In Brianza, Lait A.Mare surprises with a refined dialogue between land and sea, while on Lake Garda Natiia interprets the agricultural tradition with contemporary sensitivity. Finally, on the coast Marche, the Giacchetti restaurant since 1959 it preserves authentic flavors between sea and memory.
A selection that combines landscapes, stories and dishes capable of leaving their mark.
A stone’s throw from the beautiful historic center of Bolzano, there is this magical corner, both from a historical, environmental and gastronomic point of view. We are in the Secret, the ancient sixteenth-century cellars of the castello. Having gone down steep stairs, you find yourself in a large space with a vaulted ceiling, with stone walls and ceiling; the cuisine is refined without excesses of “nouvelle cuisine”.
The matrix is local raw materials from neighboring areas, with attention to seasonality. And so here are excellent dishes, very well presented, such as: Trentino salmon trout; pork belly in beer; tagliolini with black Appiano truffle; barbecue pumpkin – splendid!; the grilled alpine brunette fillet; the cellar is marvelous with 190 labels. After dinner it is worth taking a look at the castle: the rooms, the beautiful spa, the suites.
Excellent and friendly service, around €80 excluding drinks.
The Secrets, Hörtenberg Castle
Via Monte Tondo 4, Bolzano
Tel.: 0471 180 0355
Info: https://www.castel-hoertenberg.com/
Prezioso Gourmet, Castel Fragsburg – Merano
“Nomen nominis” you have to climb the hills above Merano to find, among vineyards, woods and apple orchards, a seventeenth-century castlepart of an older structure, from the 14th century. And here we find Prezioso, one of the two restaurants of what has become the charming hotel, Fragsburg Castle.
You dine in the glass loggia or in the gourmet lounge on the wooden terracewith breathtaking views of Merano and the mountains that surround it. The cuisine is managed by chef Egon Heiss, who after a long international experience has returned to his places; and offers creative cuisine linked to its territory: from game to freshwater fish and mushrooms. Among other things, many of the products come from the Fragsburg Soul Garden, the Castle’s “vegetable garden”.
Must try: whitefish with cauliflower and pink grapefruit; poached eggs with celery, cheese and autumn truffle; duck leg with potato dumpling and semolina. The wine list is admirable where, obviously, the excellent local wines triumph. Prezioso has a Michelin star.
Perfect but smiling service. Around €200
Prezioso, Fragsburg 3 – Merano (BZ)
Tel.: 0473 244071
Info: fragsburg.com
Lait A.Mare – Lesmo (Monza)
Are we in Paris or Brianza? The beautiful, large villa from the early 1900s, the well-kept garden, and then the large living room with the splendid crystal chandeliersthey would suggest Paris, but then the smile of the welcome and a look at the menu take you back to Italy. You dine in a lounge that feels the hand of an excellent architect; on well-laid tables with Bohemian crystal glasses and porcelain plates.
Moving on to the kitchen, managed by‘excellent Neapolitan-Genoese chefEmilio Solano, we return to the binomials: alongside classic dishes of Italian-Lombard cuisine, there is a wonderful “card” dedicated to the sea, with the type and selection of dishes that are difficult to find in Italy.
And so here’s the tradition: sliced beef fillet or veal topside with tuna sauce. But it is on fish and seafood that the cuisine “goes wild”: Catalan lobster; seafood plateau; roasted octopus with chorizo and plankton mayonnaise; Cantabrian anchovy cream and squid ink stick. All served in a spectacular and creative way. Great wine list.
About €80 drinks not included, for so much beauty and goodness
Lait A. Mare
Piazza Roma 1, Lesmo (MB)
Tel.: 039 606 4482
Info: https://laitamare.it/
Natiia, Lazise (VR)
On the shore of Lake Garda, a farmhouse that blends elegance and agricultural tradition with a view of the lakethrough the flower garden. In the beautiful modern room, with large windows, a “homemade” lunch and a “gourmet” dinner are served. It is a choice desired and appreciated by a loyal clientele. A guided tour, with a series of tastings, for lunch: broccoli fondue with melted cheese, mixed salad and mandarin vinegar; salted meat with radicchio and rhubarb; tagliatelle with black cabbage pesto. But the dishes change depending on the seasons and what the area offers.
In the evening the music changes: attentive service and the chef, Andrea Vitali, offers dishes such as: trout with salted lemon, smoked lard and geranium; or the truffle ravioli, with mushroom broth, nasturtium and almond oil; braised meat, seeds, celeriac and hazelnut butter. The wines of Villa Bottona are excellent.
The price also changes: €35 drinks included at lunch and 85 drinks excluded in the evening.
Natia
Via Fossalta 17, Lazise VR
Tel.: 045 824 0690
Info: https://natiia.com/
Giacchetti restaurant since 1959, Portonovo (AN)
At Giacchetti, in the picturesque Portonovo Bay, tradition and sustainability meet in an authentic gastronomic experience. Chef Enrico Giacchetti’s culinary proposal enhances the flavors of the Marche region with a menu that ranges between sea and land and a selection of over 150 wine labels. Among the specialties, the moscioli from Monte Conero and the brodetto stand outAncona-style stockfish together with typical dishes such as chicken in potacchio.
To complete the experience, refined desserts such as lavender panna cotta with Varnelli apple and ice cream with sour cherries (pictured). Guests can choose to sit in the elegant internal rooms or enjoy the terrace overlooking the sea where the view helps to make the experience even more memorable. A sincere and identifying cuisine, capable of describing the territory with taste, respect and passion.
Excellent and welcoming service. Over €60 drinks not included.
Da Giacchetti restaurant since 1959
Località Portonovo n.171 – 60129 Ancona
Tel.+39 071 801384
Info: www.ristorantedagiacchetti.it
