Al Borducan In Varese

I should point out that this review is for the restaurant only. We've been coming here for years, not often because this type of restaurant isn't for every day, but it's always been an option for special occasions. Last year, again around Christmas, we had a "not up to par" evening, with a plate of foie gras served still frozen inside, but we love "our" Sacromonte too much and, thinking a sabbatical had been healing, we tried again. We enter, two of us, a waitress passes by, undoubtedly busy serving tables, but a "good evening" is just polite... never mind, we think... they let us sit and, as always, kindly store our jackets for us. On Saturday evenings there's a special menu; we try meat and fish, but we're not up to par... we only save the dessert, but not too much; It's a real shame because we remember dishes from a few years ago that left us speechless, and unfortunately a tasteless broth with two, yes, two mussels and half a broccolini doesn't have that effect, especially since the bill always comes to the same amount. Excellent wine list. Worth considering for an aperitif; we'll try again next year for the restaurant!

Aperitivo is a treat, in a location that transports you back to the 19th century. Must try.

I'm giving it 3 stars only because the quality of the products remains high and the location is always worthy. Unfortunately, however, I no longer think it's sufficient. We went to Borducan for a snack during the Christmas period, and like every year for the past four years, we went for our anniversary dinner this year in July. The first disappointment came in July. Unfortunately, the restaurant had a mix-up due to a chimney fire. We decided to keep the reservation anyway, to support the restaurant, which offered "aperitifs" with cold dishes. We never imagined spending more than €50 per person for an "aperitif" with two cold dishes (without wine). A few days ago, we went for a Christmas snack instead, and it was completely disorganized. We ordered three macchiatos, one hot chocolate with cream, and one plain hot chocolate, and they brought us three hot chocolates with cream and nothing else; We were brought panettone different from the ones we ordered, and a small plate of cookies we ordered never arrived. To top it off, when we paid the bill, we asked to split it in half... €45 divided by two miraculously became €25 each. For a place that offers itself at that level, unfortunately, I think the service is unacceptable. The management should pay more attention to the service in the dining room instead of abandoning young waiters to their fate.

The Elixir, a poem of flavors... We recommend a visit to the Sacro Monte di Varese and, above all, a stop at this historic site with its timeless charm...

Recommended by friends and finally tried after purchasing their products at the Varese Christmas markets last year. Let's just say that time has stood still at Borducan...and that's not always a good thing. Large, eco-friendly cars don't fit in well with the place. But here it's my fault for not carefully reading the correct information on the website. As soon as you walk through the door, you enter another world and everything seems truly perfect, from the decor to the plates and glasses, to the tablecloths. The food, unfortunately, was the sore point of our experience. Nothing special, nothing that will leave you speechless and make you want to return. For what you pay (and it's not cheap), you can expect more. There are other restaurants in Varese, without that view and atmosphere, that's undeniable, but where the food is decidedly better and at less expensive prices.

Fantastic atmosphere and view, good dinner

I had dinner at this restaurant and had a truly pleasant experience. The atmosphere is welcoming, the staff friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The dishes were well-prepared, with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. The service was quick and organized, and the quality/price ratio was very good. Recommended for a quiet evening and for those looking for tasty, well-prepared cuisine.

Unfortunately it was closed and anyway they kindly showed me the fantastic restaurant

We had an overnight in Oct 2025. Great hotel, excellent restaurant and great place. Would repeat this any time soon!

Great hotel. Excellent breakfast with a fantastic view.