Osteria del Vecchio Fossato In Sirmione

Stumbled upon this place as a recommendation from our hotel for the first night we arrived on the Garda Lake area. We arrived very late due to travel issues but despite the late time (10pm!), the owner still received us and fed us an absolutely scrumptious meal. Being our first meal in the area, we weren't sure if the experience was the norm but after a few days, we can safely say this place is an absolute gem. The menu highlights local ingredients and stays away from the touristy offerings. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. And the service was so warm and hospitable. They set the bar very high for our trip and still remains one of our favorite meals after exploring around Garda Lake for a week!

Incredible. One of the best meals I have ever eaten. Supurb food quality, with local knowledge and recommendations from the staff. I was genuinely gutted when the meal was over. 10/10 would go again.

We ate very well, from the wine to the appetizer, first course, and dessert. Friendly staff, an evening that can be explained, thank you.

Great. Everything was absolutely excellent. Highly recommended. Best regards Arsov

The food was wonderful it is the kind of meal you would remember for a very long time. Everything was cooked perfectly and flavors are creatively mixed. Salmon tartare was amazing and fresh. The truffle turbot and lobster pasta were delicious and perfectly cooked. I can tell that everything is made with care, high quality ingredients, and with love. Highly recommended.

The food is very, very good and the servers are very friendly. I recommend it.

We've eaten at this restaurant a total of 3-4 times in the past few years – each time about two years apart during our vacation in Sirmione. This allowed us to closely observe and evaluate the restaurant's development over a longer period of time. First, the positive: The quality of the food was – as in previous years – generally good. The service remained attentive and friendly. However, that's to be expected in a restaurant in this upscale price range. Unfortunately, on our last visit, we discovered that the quality has declined slightly compared to the past. The dishes are no longer as sophisticatedly presented as they once were, and the portion sizes, in particular, have become noticeably smaller over the years – in contrast to the prices, which have increased significantly. For us, this price increase no longer bears any relation to the value offered. A specific example: The salmon tartare as an appetizer was decent, but neither exceptional in its preparation nor in its flavor. The salmon was relatively coarsely chopped, and the seasoning was simple. We feel that €25 per person for this small portion is excessive – especially compared to similar or better dishes in larger cities like Munich, where they charge significantly less. The main courses were also priced in the range of €30. I had grilled octopus and calamari: three small octopus arms, four calamari, a bit of green sauce on the plate, and six small fried potatoes – solid in taste, but no special composition, no culinary refinement. Here, too, the value for money simply wasn't right for us. Another drawback: While the wine list is quite extensive, there are no descriptions of the wines on offer. You only get the name and producer – no information on the grape variety, flavor, or region. Any advice from the wait staff? Unfortunately, none. You're rushed to order relatively quickly – a shame for a restaurant that clearly sees itself in the upscale segment. The impression is rounded off by a detail that, for us, symbolizes the overall impression: With a bill of around €180-200 for two, it's almost a tradition in Italy to get at least a small glass of Limoncello or an Averna on the house. Here? Nothing. And even if that's not mandatory, it would have at least rounded off the overall impression in a human way. Conclusion: The restaurant remains solid in terms of quality and service, but the value for money is no longer right for us. We see no reason to return at these prices – especially when there are many alternatives in the region that are less staged, but more honest and coherent. Unfortunately, we no longer recommend it.

Pasta with lobster meat was lovely. Followed by tiramisu which was the best I’ve ever had. Fantastic service.

Really excellent food and very professional, friendly and welcoming staff.

Excellent pasta, which can be hard to find in tourist traps such as Sirmione! The Cacio Pepe in particular was excellent! A little pricey, but to be expected at this location!