Leon d'Oro In Malesco

14/03/2026: Dam a Traa has been a regular stop for me for many years, and now that I live far from Verbania, it's a real pleasure to stop by for a bite every time I return to the city. Whether you're in its rustic, osteria-like dining rooms in winter or at the tables near the lake in summer, the abundance, quality, and attentive service are guaranteed. The portions are gigantic and the dishes are truly excellent; furthermore, the fact that the menu changes frequently, while maintaining some signature dishes, makes each visit a new discovery. During my last dinner, I opted for fish and left feeling full and satisfied. The paccheri with diced swordfish, vegetables, Taggiasca olives, and capers were phenomenal: perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful sauce that paired divinely with the fish. The real highlight, however, was the tuna steak: an absolute delight, tender and tasty even on its own, without the need for additional spices. Honorable mention goes to the trofie with pistachio cream and flambéed shrimp, a truly clever and successful combination. The price is incredibly fair, especially considering the excellent quality-to-quantity ratio.

22/02/2026: Birthday party. The food was average, and the portions were generous. Unfortunately, however, the experience was marred by the truly excessive wait: we waited over two hours between the appetizer and the main course, an unjustifiable wait, almost as if we were at a wedding. Meanwhile, the wine and water had run out, and no one bothered to ask if we wanted anything else or to bring us new drinks. Furthermore, the staff was unfriendly, responding rudely. I found it particularly unprofessional to witness heated discussions among staff members in the dining room. A shame, because with more attention to service, the experience would have been much better.