La Vecchia Scuola - Lesa

Our second year of going and we were delighted to find that it's maintaining its high standards. It's south of the the main centres of Verbania and Stresa, you have to work a little to find it but it's more than worth it. These are young people trying to pep up Italian food a little, without ignoring or betraying the great traditions, so you'll find plenty of familiar dishes as well some with modern twists which work superbly. They're on the side of the lake so fish features prominently the perch being especially fine, as well as a superb fritto misto and a pasta with baccala and pomodori that was remarkable. But their veal was cooked to perfection, contorni were fresh and just right and there was still room for a proper Piedmont bonet for dessert; just the right amount of bitterness cutting through the chocolate. The wine selection is excellent, through the price ranges, the setting is lovely and the staff couldn't have been more helpful or friendly. It's always good to see the same people as the previous year, they are really invested in their wonderful restaurant.

The staff is very friendly, we had a nice antipasti based on fish from the lake and delicious Perch fish with sauge and butter. The dessert were also really good, especially the Bonet

We had a fish dinner with a tasty catch from the lake. Good Service and price! Nice place but no view on the lake unfortunately. Still a recommended place to go.

Lovely Italian restaurant close to Lake Maggiore. Excellent menu with a number of dishes using local fish from the lake. Wine list was perfectly good whilst not being massive (personally I like this as it limits the time needed to make a decision). My wife had a lovely asparagus tart as an anti pasta (asparagus being in season) whilst I (unknowingly) had a beautiful vegetarian lasagne. The lake fish of the day was beautiful. All accompanied by a bottle of Gavi.

Had a main course (ravioli al persico) and they were so good... service is pretty lovely too.. would recommend for a night out with a date but please make sure to book the garden!