Del Luina - STRESA

We went here having walked out of another restaurant for appalling service, our experience could not have been more different! Excellent service, food and wine!

Today the hotel cancelled my reservation for June 2024 saying that there has been a change in management. Is that a valid reason to cancel a reservation? What a silly behaviour!

We have eaten here for several years and have never been disappointed. Home-made gnocchi with aubergine and fresh perch from the lake are specialities and very good wine list, including some really top-notch wines. Slightly off the beaten track, in spite of its very close proximity to the lake but well worth seeking out. The proprietors are totally charming and go out of their way to look after you and are happy to offer suggestions on local wines and dishes.

We saw this restaurant on our morning walk so booked ours was the only booking) with the very friendly young woman who seemed to speak English. When we turned up to an almost empty restaurant we were greeted like long lost friends and they tried so hard! They could not understand our order even though we were pointing to the dishes on the menu. My husband ordered veal Milanese described on the English translation as fried meat) but the waitress insisted it was the fish misto mare) The misunderstandings continued and they then brought in an 'English speaker ' from next door who confused the staff even more. Anyway on the plus side, the bruschetta was tasty, the pasta good ordered linguine with clams, got spaghetti puttanesca) and the secondi plates were big but very average in taste and presentation. The bill for the night was €80 there was no concession for the mistakes and confusion It was all carried out with laughter and smiles. I am determined to improve my Italian speaking skills for next visit.

We came across this restaurant on our first evening in Stresa so at the time did not have anything to compare it to. Everything was ok with the food good and service satisfactory. It just didn't stand out and as the week went on we realised that it was more expensive than its peers and wasn't one to rush back to or strongly recommend.