Italy’s Lake Garda has long been celebrated for its dramatic mountain scenery, charming lakeside villages, and exceptional cuisine. This summer, Grand Hotel Fasano is adding even more reasons for food lovers to visit with the debut of Bistrò 1888, a collection of immersive culinary experiences, and an inventive new cocktail program inspired by the region’s history, flavors, and landscapes.
Located on the western shores of Lake Garda in Gardone Riviera, the family-owned luxury hotel continues to build on its reputation as one of northern Italy’s premier gastronomic destinations, blending local traditions with contemporary creativity.
A New Garden Bistro Celebrating Heritage
The centerpiece of the hotel’s summer offerings is Bistrò 1888, a relaxed yet elegant dining venue nestled among the property’s lush lakefront gardens.
Named after the year the property was originally built as a hunting lodge for the Austrian royal family, the bistro embraces the hotel’s rich history while offering a contemporary all-day dining experience. Guests can enjoy leisurely lunches, afternoon cocktails, sunset aperitivi, or homemade gelato surrounded by Mediterranean gardens with glimpses of the sparkling lake beyond.
The menu, created under the direction of Executive Chef Valerio Dallamano, features fresh seasonal salads, light gourmet dishes, classic Italian favorites, and elevated beachside staples, all complemented by an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails.
Learn to Cook Like a Local
For travelers who want to take home more than memories, Grand Hotel Fasano now offers an intimate culinary experience in the nearby hillside village of Tresnico.
Hosted inside the home of local chef Fabio, guests spend the day discovering authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations of Lake Garda families. Rather than simply watching demonstrations, participants prepare handmade pasta, regional specialties, traditional sauces, and seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
The experience concludes with a leisurely lunch accompanied by regional wines, a traditional Garda-style Spritz, and homemade lemon verbena liqueur, providing visitors with a genuine taste of local hospitality.
A Cocktail Journey Around Lake Garda
One of the hotel’s most creative new additions is The Seven Wonders of Lake Garda, a cocktail collection developed by award-winning Bar Manager Rama Redzepi.
Each handcrafted cocktail pays tribute to one of the lake’s iconic towns, combining regional ingredients with imaginative mixology to tell the story of the destination in a glass.
Highlights include drinks inspired by the citrus groves of Limone sul Garda, the olive oil and saffron of Riva del Garda, the celebrated rosé wines of Moniga, and the famous truffles of Malcesine. Local olive oil, Garda lemons, regional wines, basil, and other distinctive ingredients feature prominently throughout the menu, creating cocktails that reflect both the flavors and landscapes of the region.
Served at Rama’s Lounge Bar and La Terrazza, the collection reinforces Grand Hotel Fasano’s reputation as one of Lake Garda’s premier destinations for lakeside aperitivo culture.
Seasonal Menus Showcase Lake Garda’s Finest Ingredients
The culinary evolution continues throughout the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants.
At Osteria Il Pescatore, Executive Chef Valerio Dallamano’s new summer menu highlights the freshest fish from Lake Garda alongside seasonal vegetables and artisan ingredients sourced throughout the surrounding countryside.
Nearby, Magnolia offers lighter seasonal fare served beneath the shade of magnificent 200-year-old magnolia trees, creating one of the hotel’s most picturesque dining settings.
For those seeking an elevated gastronomic experience, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Il Fagiano continues to impress with refined tasting menus featuring dishes such as lemon, burrata and licorice risotto alongside innovative interpretations of regional cuisine. Vegetarian tasting menus and thoughtfully paired cocktails further enhance the experience.
Discovering Lake Garda
Perfectly positioned between Milan and Venice at the foot of the Dolomites, Lake Garda remains one of Italy’s most captivating destinations.
Visitors can spend their days exploring medieval villages, sailing across the lake, cycling scenic mountain roads, touring nearby vineyards, or simply enjoying the relaxed pace of lakeside life. Charming towns such as Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda each offer their own distinctive atmosphere, making the lake an ideal destination for slow, immersive travel.
A Legacy of Hospitality
Grand Hotel Fasano has welcomed distinguished guests for more than a century.
Originally built during the late 19th century and transformed into the Grand Hotel Fasano in 1962, the property has hosted notable artists, writers, royalty, athletes, and designers over the decades while carefully preserving its historic character.
Today, with 86 elegant guestrooms and suites, a recently expanded wellness center, Michelin-starred dining, and a growing collection of curated experiences, the hotel continues to honor its heritage while embracing contemporary luxury.
A Culinary Destination Worth the Journey
For travelers planning a visit to northern Italy, Grand Hotel Fasano’s latest additions offer much more than exceptional dining.
Whether learning family recipes in a local village, sipping cocktails inspired by the lake’s iconic towns, enjoying lunch beneath Mediterranean gardens at Bistrò 1888, or savoring Michelin-starred cuisine overlooking Lake Garda, guests are invited to experience the region through its rich culinary traditions.
It’s an approach that transforms a stay on Lake Garda into something far more memorable—a true celebration of Italian hospitality, local culture, and the timeless pleasures of sharing great food by the water.
