Al Vicolino In Varese

The food was great and the staff was incredibly kind and helpful in handling our reservation for twenty people!

After hearing about Vicolino's Elephant Ear for years, we finally decided to go last night. My girlfriend, my friend, his girlfriend, and I booked a table a few days in advance. I'd never been here before, but I have to say my already high expectations were exceeded! Let's start with the signature dish, the Elephant Ear. "Huge" doesn't quite do it justice. It arrived at the table like a veritable monument, but every bite was a revelation: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and despite its impressive size, it wasn't heavy—perfect balance. We washed it all down with two bottles of wine, and the atmosphere immediately warmed up. But the real star of the evening? Milo, the waiter who looked after us from start to finish. A young man with a smile that immediately puts you at ease and an uncommon kindness. He never missed a thing, was incredibly helpful, and joked with us without being intrusive. His attention to detail and desire to make guests feel special from the start are the little things that make all the difference. 10 points to him alone. Without him, it would have been a good dinner, but with him, it was unforgettable. In short: exceptional food (try the Orecchia, you won't regret it), well-matched wines, and service that transforms an evening with friends into a moment to remember. Al Vicolino isn't just a restaurant: it's an experience. And if there's one reason to return, besides the menu, it's definitely seeing Milo again. Thank you for making us feel at home!

Very good cutlet, very varied choice.

I discovered this place by chance, and I have to say it's quite good. The menu is extensive, the ingredients are high-quality, and the portions are generous. The off-menu options are also excellent. The staff is young and helpful, and the prices are average for restaurants in downtown Varese.

I've known this restaurant for years, and it never disappoints. The staff is attentive and friendly, and service is prompt, even during busy periods. The restaurant, divided into small rooms, can be a bit noisy at times, but it's a great place to enjoy the excellent food. The menu offers high-quality meat dishes, carefully presented and cooked, with interesting combinations of various ingredients, never overdoing it, while maintaining the harmony of the dish. Reservations are definitely recommended. The quality/price ratio is adequate for the restaurant's quality.

A historic restaurant in Varese, famous for its 500-gram elephant ear pasta or its smaller version, orecchietta (250 grams). I recommend ordering only these and avoiding appetizers or desserts because the portions are very generous and you risk not finishing the dish and not enjoying it. I prefer the simple version, without any other ingredients on top that overwhelm the flavor. The meat is tasty and is clearly their signature dish. For me, the orecchietta was very generous and I struggled to finish it. Everything else I tried, aside from the tartare, which was really good, wasn't very good... the bruschetta and panna cotta were very bland. The service was quick and friendly, but a little clumsy at times. I remember the waiter opening the bottle of wine slamming it on the table, spilling the wine on a colleague's shirt. Nice atmosphere. I was here for a dinner with colleagues, but if I had to choose a dinner myself, I wouldn't return; there are much better options.

Good elephant ear that never ends... but they make you a doggy bag to take it away...

Excellent restaurant in the center of Varese. Excellent elephant ear. Good and plentiful, perhaps too much so. A family-friendly yet refined atmosphere.

Safe and with a wide selection of gluten-free options (I'm celiac). The food is excellent and prepared according to AiC guidelines. The portions are generous. The atmosphere is comfortable and pleasant. The staff is friendly and helpful. The prices are a bit high (€42 for an appetizer, a first course, and a bottle of water), but I don't mind paying a little more for quality service and safety.

I went for the first time, and I'd definitely go back. The food was excellent, and everything was excellent. Highly recommended.