Al Prato In Varenna

Restaurant recommended by a resident of Varenna, it turned out to be an excellent medium/high level restaurant that appropriately combines traditional ingredients with less usual and, let's say, innovative cooking methods. I recommend the lamb chops cooked at low temperature: soft and tasty.

Al Prato Restaurant in Varenna, Italy, truly surpassed all expectations! The menu, a delightful showcase of local cuisine, brought flavors and dishes that were both innovative and deeply rooted in traditional culinary excellence. The staff's attentive and friendly service added to the overall exceptional experience.

Ottimo, super, fantastic, incredibly good, big favor

What a lovely place with superwelcoming staff.The food is to die for - we went lunch and dinner and tried the risotto,blueberry pasta with porcini and pumpkin,ossobucco,tiramisu and cheesecake.All delicious,especially the risotto,and plated exquisitely.Fine-dining experience in an unpretentious setting and atmosphere.

The eggplant parmesan in tomato sauce was great. The coffee creme brulee and tiramisu were also amazing. All dishes were very nicely plated. The lasagna with fish ragu was with a white sauce, not a red one. Because there was too much sauce, I did not enjoy the taste that much. The plate with grilled fish was ok, some fish had a lot of bones and were hard to eat. Would've appreciated it a lot more if it had more vegetables. The service was great and the atmosphere was lovely and quiet.

The grilled fish had a lot of bones and it was difficult to eat. It also came with very few vegetables as a side dish. The coffee creme brulee and tiramisu were very good.

What a great experience we had, we're here in Varrena for 2 nights and ate here both of them. Service outstanding and so friendly, drinks were glorious and food was exceptional, couldn't not recommend it enough.

We stayed in Menaggio during our visit and came across on the ferry just to dine at this restaurant. This little gem was such a great find!!! The food was delicious. The service was impeccable. No views of the water. But I was too busy eating and savoring the food to even care! Everyone around us was commenting on how delicious their orders were. We will be back again, and again! and agin! Update: I listed the food at this restaurant as one of the reasons that made me fall in love with the area lol. The drinks are great too! Don't eat at this restaurant. It will make you want to buy a house. I still come over for lunch!

We were really keen to eat here and when we rang for a table on the Friday, it took several tries to get through. They were full that night and the following, but had space on the Sunday evening. It was well worth the wait. Lovely atmosphere inside and a good varied menu with additional specials on a blackboard. We shared the local lake fish platter which was beautifully presented and explained to us - including which order we should eat it for the best taste. Lovely yoghurt dip to cleanse the palate before the next course. The tuna was cooked as requested - rare - it was a large portion with tasty citrus dressing. The lamb cutlets were large, moist and absolutely gorgeous. We were so full but found space to share a tiramisu which came in a jar and was moose-like. Wow. Stunning. A great night with fabulous service.

Al Prato is on a quiet street just beyond the ancient port of Varenna. My wife and I have had the pleasure of dining here twice, on our recent stay in Varenna and five years ago. This restaurant does not disappoint and deserves all the accolade it receives. The welcoming husband and wife team serve outstanding Italian cooking in a cozy setting, with seating indoor and on an outdoor verandah. Reservations are a must but must be made in person. I tried calling weeks ahead, but the calls went unanswered. And as others have noted, they do not respond to emails. If you have the opportunity, you must try Al Prato. You won't be disappointed. (Suggestion – walk to the restaurant the day you arrive in Varenna, ensuring it is open, and make a reservation during your stay.) Bon Appetit!