Il Vicoletto

Il Vicoletto is a small, well-liked restaurant tucked into the narrow lanes of Stresa, the elegant resort town on the Piedmontese shore of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Set just back from the busy lakefront, it offers a more intimate, locally favoured alternative to the larger terraces along the promenade, focusing on fresh fish, both from the lake and the sea, alongside Piedmontese dishes. The cooking reflects Stresa's position between the Alps and the water, with signatures such as risotto made with lake fish, tajarin and a selection of local cheeses, prepared with care and served in a cosy, characterful dining room. The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, well suited to a relaxed dinner away from the crowds, with friendly service and a wine list that draws on Piedmontese and northern Italian bottles to match the menu. Prices sit in the comfortable mid-range, reasonable for a resort town and good value given the quality and the intimate setting. Because the dining room is small and Stresa is a popular destination, especially in summer and around the Lake Maggiore music festival season, reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner and weekends. Its tucked-away location makes it a pleasant find for visitors staying on the lake, easily combined with a stroll through Stresa's old centre or a boat trip to the Borromean Islands.