Lake Garda is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. The local cuisine reflects the region’s unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean influences, offering fresh, seasonal flavors rooted in tradition.

Start with lake fish like trout, perch, and whitefish, often grilled or served in light olive oil-based sauces. The lake’s extra virgin olive oil, one of the northernmost produced in Europe, is delicate and fragrant—perfect for drizzling over salads or fresh pasta.

Don’t miss the local risotto dishes, especially those made with lake-caught fish or flavored with saffron. In the hills around Bardolino and Valpolicella, you'll find excellent wines, from light reds to rich Amarone, paired perfectly with meats and cheeses.

The region is also known for its lemon-based dishes and liqueurs, a legacy of the old lemon houses in towns like Limone sul Garda. And for dessert? Try a slice of Torta di Rose, a sweet, rose-shaped pastry often served with a dusting of sugar.

Dining in Lake Garda means enjoying simple, high-quality ingredients in breathtaking surroundings—whether at a lakeside trattoria or a mountain-view terrace.