The Lake Garda Restaurant Guide

The Vecchia Malcesine

Via Pisort 6, Malcesine (VR)

Phone: 0457400469

For more restaurants, visit our Venice and Lake Garda restaurant guide.

A Meal to Remember at Vecchia Malcesine

Where the view is divine, the food unforgettable, and the heart of Lake Garda comes alive on your plate.

Contemporary Mediterranean cooking—that’s how chef Leandro Luppi describes his cuisine. Traditional dishes kissed with a modern twist, full of heart and invention. The kind of cooking that doesn’t just fill your belly but fills your soul too.

The word is out, though—far and wide. People now travel from hundreds of miles away just to experience a meal here. And believe me, they’re right to do so. You’ll need to book in advance, especially in summer. But it’s absolutely worth planning for.

Chef Leandro Luppi is one of the most talented chefs in all of Veneto. His passion is unmistakable—in the way he selects his ingredients, reimagines age-old recipes, and, most of all, in the way he and his lovely family welcome you into their restaurant like old friends.

🌿 The Setting

Before I tempt you with the food (and oh, I will), I need to set the scene. Vecchia Malcesine is tucked inside a 17th-century villa overlooking Lake Garda. The views? They’ll stop you mid-sentence.

Sit by the window on a warm summer evening, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean. The golden light of the setting sun dances across the lake, wine glass in hand… And suddenly, you’ll feel like life just got a little more beautiful.

🍽️ Now, the Food…

And then comes the food, and my goodness—if life was good before, now it's bordering on euphoric.

If you love seafood, start with the lake tasting menu. It’s like a love letter to the lake itself—a stunning array of flavors and textures pulled fresh from its waters.

Don’t miss the “Lake Garda ”Tuna”—not tuna at all, but carp, transformed by Leandro into something light, delicate, and truly unique. You’ll never think of freshwater fish the same way again. I won’t spoil the presentation for you, but let’s just say… it’s memorable.

Prefer something heartier? Try the “menu del territorio”—a ”celebration of local classics like creamy polenta, handmade gnocchi, and even snail for the brave (I love it—Maria… not so much!). This one’s a fantastic value too.

🥄 Other Dishes to Watch For

The menu changes often with the seasons, so not everything is always available. But if you spot any of these gems, don’t hesitate:

• Risotto al Pesce Persico: Creamy risotto with delicate perch, straight from the lake—pure comfort.
• Baccalà Mantecato: Salted cod whipped into velvety heaven, usually paired with grilled bread or soft polenta. Divine.
• Casoncelli alla Bergamasca: Stuffed pasta pockets with meat and herbs, bathed in butter and sage. If you’re not sighing with joy by the end, I’ll eat my sunhat.
• Filetto di Manzo al Pepe Verde: A juicy beef fillet, seared just right, with a rich green peppercorn sauce. Classic, elegant, and deeply satisfying.

📍 Getting Here
Vecchia Malcesine is located at Via Pisort 6, Malcesine, just a short stroll from the lake’s edge. The town itself is small and easy to explore on foot, so if you’re staying nearby, just enjoy the walk and soak up the atmosphere.

If you're driving, parking can be tricky in the historic center—best to use one of the main lots just outside and walk in. Taking the ferry? Even better! Malcesine is well connected by boat to other Lake Garda towns like Limone, Riva del Garda, and Garda town itself. The ferry dock is just a few minutes’ walk from the restaurant.

So go on… treat yourself.
Whether it’s your first time at Lake Garda or your fiftieth, a dinner at Vecchia Malcesine is something truly special—one of those experiences you’ll carry with you long after the plates have been cleared and the wine glasses drained.

Buon appetito! And tell Chef Leandro Andrew & Maria sent you!