February, 12 2021 ( Updated December, 15 2023)
A charming lakeshore town on the northern end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is an elegant jewel with an upscale lakefront and atmospheric alleys lined with cute shops and high-end boutiques. The town is an excellent base to explore the whole of Trentino-Aldo-Adige region, with natural beauty like Lake Tenno and the suspended-in-time medieval village of Canale di Tenno making for memorable excursions and the climbing capital of Italy, Arco, offering adventurists the perfect dose of adrenaline.
But what tops it all is Riva’s one-of-a-kind dining experience that offers a diverse culinary experience with a focus on cheeses and wines. In fact, when visiting Riva del Garda, exploring local markets and dining in traditional trattorias can provide an authentic taste of the regional cuisine. So, here we are rounding up the best restaurants in Riva del Garda where you can have a quick bite to eat while visiting the town or enjoy a romantic dinner with your other half!
The enchanting Riva del Garda at night
If you are new to lake cuisine, then you must know what food is eaten in Riva del Garda to not miss out on something special. Here are some of the typical ones to make space for on your dining tables!
1. Carne Salada: This is a specialty in the Alto Garda region. It's a type of salted and air-dried beef that is often served thinly sliced. It's a popular antipasto or part of a cold platter. Another common cured meat is Luganega.
2. Olive Oil: The region is known for its olive oil production. Local olive oils are often used in cooking and drizzled over salads or bruschette.
3. Lake Fish: Being close to Lake Garda, the area is known for its fresh fish. Trout and perch are commonly found on local menus, prepared in various ways, such as grilled or in pasta dishes. Some typical dishes are Sarde in Saor, Bigoli con le Sarde and Luccio e Polenta.
4. Polenta: A staple in northern Italian cuisine, polenta is often served as a side dish or as a base for various toppings and sauces.
5. Formaggio (Cheese): The region produces a variety of cheeses. Look for local cheeses like Trentingrana, a hard and aged cheese, the soft and creamy Tosella, the aromatic and fruity Casolét and the strongly flavoured Puzzone di Moena and Puzzone di Malga.
6. Pasta and Risotto: Italian cuisine wouldn't be complete without pasta and risotto. Local variations may include ingredients like lake fish, seasonal vegetables, and regional herbs.
7. Strudel: A popular dessert in the region, apple strudel is a delicious pastry that reflects the Austrian influence in the area's history.
The delicious strudel, one of the typical desserts of Austrian influence in the region
8. Wines: Lake Garda is surrounded by vineyards, and the region produces a variety of wines. Look for local wines such as Bardolino and Trentino wines such a Teroldego Rotaliano, Nosiola, Trento DOC and Marzemino.
9. Gelato: Italy is famous for its gelato, and you'll likely find lots of gelaterias in Riva del Garda offering a variety of flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.
And now it’s time to share our clusive addresses! Buon Appetito and don’t forget to reserve a place!
The lovely waterfront of Riva del Garda on a sunny day
Here’s our selection of restaurants recommended by the Michelin guide:
If a sophisticated and romantic restaurant is more to your liking, then you should visit Al Volt, a restaurant that brings together traditional flavours of both sea and land. The ambiance is very intimate, refined and warm with a rustic feeling, just like the cuisine on offer.
Address: Via Fiume, 73, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 552570
La Berlera is a restaurant that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The place has an old-world charm with vineyards and plenty of greenery around the villa, serving traditional and innovative cuisine with an emphasis on wines. Its interior space is carved from rocks and the name of the restaurant is inspired by the berlera, a type of centuries-old plant that adorns its courtyard.
Address: Località Ceole, 8/B, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 380 760 3263
Discover the contemporary kitchen of Antiche Mura that draws inspiration from local ingredients and the sea. The menu features delightful options like scampi carpaccio with yuzu, smoked ricotta, crispy lake fish, and succulent suckling pig with a side of fluffy polenta. Guests can enjoy the welcoming outdoor seating during the summer.
Address: Via Bastione, 19, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 556063
Villetta Annessa, nestled on the outskirts of Riva's historic center, is a true gem. Imagine a cosy atmosphere and a delightful outdoor space perfect for summer meals. Their menu features regional, seasonal delights and the real star is the sizzling grill, showcasing their house specialty – a warm welcome awaits you the moment you step into the dining room!
Address: Via Monte Oro, 9, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 552335
Cosy street full of restaurants and cafes in Riva del Garda
Experience a relaxing atmosphere at I Momenti, starting with an aperitivo and continuing with a delightful Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Indulge in a particularly delicious salmon pizza, flavorful tuna, and perfectly cooked calamari but also vegan and vegetarian options. The well-prepared dishes include a tasty tiramisù and flavorful semifreddo. The establishment's extensive wine selection includes a particularly good Pinot Grigio or a fine Champagne and Sherry. The cosy ambiance complements the friendly staff, contributing to the overall pleasant service. With reasonable prices, "I Momenti" ensures a satisfying culinary experience.
Address: V.le Giovanni Prati, 4/C, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 520540
Ristorante Osteria La Contrada in Riva del Garda is perfect if you want to try the local cuisine. The restaurant promises a satisfying experience with flavorful dishes in a stunning environment. Guests can enjoy a delightful evening in the beautiful outdoor spaces, and for cooler weather, the heated terrace provides a special atmosphere.
Address: Via Bastione, 1, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 521695
Trattoria Acetaia del Balsamico Trentino welcomes guests to a spacious and bright room with large windows offering panoramic views of Riva del Garda and the lake, less than a 10-minute drive. During the warmer months, diners can enjoy lunch or dinner on the expanded outdoor terrace, providing a special dining experience for both the palate and the eyes. The menu reflects not only family traditions but also the rich culinary heritage of the Trentino region. The restaurant takes pride in serving dishes with ingredients produced in-house, including cheeses, vegetables, and notably, the local specialty Carne Salada from Alto Garda. Don’t miss their delicious homemade aceto balsamico!
Address: STRADA DI SAN ZENO, 2 Cologna di, 38060 Tenno TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 550064
Nestled on the historic Via Fiume, La Caneva Bistrot stands out as an exceptional Italian restaurant. With a focus on in-person dining, this restaurant provides five-star service, showcasing politeness and helpfulness at every turn. Indulge in a delectable array of seafood, pizza, and pasta dishes. Start with oysters, shrimp croquette with mozzarella tartar, or poached egg with leek and potato pie. The main menu boasts mouthwatering options like spaghetti with black truffle, lemon taglioni, ravioli with blue goat cheese, and more. Save room for inventive desserts like basil and lemon ice cream or the delightful twists on Italian classics. The extensive wine and champagne selection, coupled with the charming decor, make La Caneva Bistrot a must-visit destination.
Address: Via Fiume, 40, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 088000
Finally, the Locanda Restel de Fer is a family-run restaurant where you can spend a few hours feeling almost at home. The scene is set to perfection with the fireplace, a good glass of wine and the typical dishes of the lake and Trentino tradition. If you are looking for a family restaurant, this is the right one!
Address: Via Restel de Fer, 12, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 553481
For what concerns these restaurants the term “fast food” refers only to their quick service, the quality of their food is indeed excellent!
Enjoy a traditional Italian aperitif in Riva del Garda
If you are looking for a place where you can taste authentic products from various Italian regions, Panem is the place to go. Here you will find sandwiches named after the various regions of Italy with ingredients typical of each area. It’s a great option for a quick and tasty lunch or a lovely aperitivo!
Address: Viale Roma, 11, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 088066
Located in the heart of Riva del Garda, Officina del Panino offers a beautiful setting inspired by tradition with modern and refined touches, just steps away from the lake. Guests are welcomed in both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for a year-round dining experience. The menu changes according to the seasons, and the open kitchen allows diners to witness the chefs at work. The restaurant in Riva also features a counter where patrons can purchase the carefully selected raw ingredients. Emphasizing clarity and 100% quality, their hamburger earned the title of the best sandwich in Italy in 2018.
If you are running late, they have also a quick pass and grab stand a few steps from the lake.
Address: Viale Dante Alighieri, 94, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 331 678 7758
Kapuziner am See
Kapuziner am See is a popular restaurant among German-speaking visitors seeking their own comfort food. It offers outdoor seating for people-watching. The menu includes Bavarian favorites such as schnitzel, pork knuckle, dumplings, and a variety of sausages. The wait staff, dressed in traditional attire, add to the authentic experience. Guests can complement their meal with a traditional maß or weizen beer.
Address: Viale Dante Alighieri, 39, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 559231
Arcade in the center of Riva del Garda with cute outdoor cafes around it
Bar Pasticceria Dante 1265 is a haven of goodness, renowned for its top-tier artisanal pastries crafted with traditional recipes and premium ingredients. A cozy spot for a sweet breakfast, a tranquil lunch break, or a delightful aperitivo with friends, Dante 1265 offers a diverse selection of the finest pastries to accompany your coffee or hot chocolate. In their artisanal workshop, they create daily cakes and delights, customisable to accommodate lactose-free and gluten-free preferences.
Address: Viale Dante Alighieri, 21, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39.0464.664898
Bar Gelateria Flora is the place to be if you want to taste one of the best ice creams in Riva del Garda. The bar offers a selection of cocktails, sundaes and artisan gelato flavors with lots of vegan and vegetarian friendly options in a contemporary venue with indoor & outdoor seating. Enjoy their generous size gelato close to the lake!
Address: Viale Rovereto 54, 38066, Riva del Garda TN
Phone: +39 0464 551671
Calling all vegan friends visiting Riva del Garda! Rejoice at Officina Verde, the resort's best vegan restaurant. Known for creative and delicious specialties, even your meat-eating pals will love it. Located in San Giacomo, a 20-minute walk from the lakeside, it might not offer a lakeside view, but it's a fantastic choice for vegetarians, vegans, or those seeking something different from the touristy historic center. The entirely organic menu features items sourced from local producers or homemade, including delightful seitan. Must-tries include the mixed starter platter, seitan in curry sauce, and the array of raw vegan cakes. A must try!
Address: Località S. Giacomo, 6, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 791012
A must try when in Italy: Italian pizza and a glass of wine
If you want to enjoy a good pizza, Leon d'Oro is the place for you. It is more than a pizzeria serving quality pizzas. It is also a restaurant with a lot of different things to offer. It serves dishes from the land to those of the sea with special attention to the choice of ingredients. You will also find some typical local dishes on the menu.
Address: Via Fiume, 28, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 552341
Ristorante Pizzeria Bella Napoli offers an extensive 19-page menu with traditional Italian delights. Highlights include the simple and delicious toasted bread with garlic, tomatoes, and nduja sauce. Indulge in homemade pasta dishes, a variety of pizzas (including gluten-free options), and a selection of meat dishes like grilled trout and breaded chicken. Great news for vegans—the vegan pulled BBQ hamburger is a standout, featuring no animal-derived ingredients. Whether you're a traditionalist or looking for vegan options, Bella Napoli has you covered!
Address: Via Diaz, 29, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Pizzeria RivaMia offers guests the choice of indoor seating, bathed in natural light from large half-moon windows, or the option to dine outdoors. The diverse menu features various pizza options, alongside seafood and meat-based dishes, all emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. An intriguing addition is groestl, a Tyrolean meat and potato hash typically found in mountain huts, served with toppings like steak or a fried egg. Noteworthy are the pasta dishes, particularly the homemade gnocchi, which received high praise for their deliciousness!
Address: Viale Dante Alighieri, 49, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 567099
If you're seeking a Lake Garda restaurant with a view, look no further! This family-run gem, Agritur Calvola, alongside Acetaia, offers epic views down to Lake Garda and serves up delicious traditional fare. A favorite among cyclists, hikers, and road-trippers, it's renowned for its carne salada platter, local cheese, and salads. Indulge in regional delicacies like roasted rabbit with rosemary, beans, polenta, and grilled mountain cheese. The restaurant buzzes with locals and often hosts large groups, making it a top choice for savoring local Trentino cuisine with a stunning view of Lake Garda. ️
Address: Via Villa Calvola, 62, 38060 Ville del Monte TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 500820
Riva del Garda and its surrounding area offer a range of activities and attractions for visitors.
Riva del Garda old town and medieval tower Torre Apponale early in the morning
Here are some things to do in and around Riva del Garda: explore the town and the historic Piazza III Novembre and Apponale Tower; enjoy water activities such as sailing, windsurfing, or simply taking a boat ride; visit Varone Waterfall a spectacular natural attraction; tread on hiking and nature trails such as the Ponale Trail; savour wine tasting the region is known for its wine production, and you can enjoy wine tastings in local cellars or discover Monte Brione with well-marked trails suitable for various skill levels.
Whatever it is that you are seeking, Lake Garda will find you. Discover the full range of holiday houses for rent in Riva del Garda!
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