Villa d'Este renews its culinary offerings

After last year's great success, Villa d'Este is celebrating a great start to the season that will continue through the holiday season again this year. One of the highlights for 2023 for the 5-star luxury hotel, which has always been a symbol of timeless elegance, that wink at international traditions. The Veranda Restaurant, located in the Cardinal Building, offers beautiful views of the lake, gardens and Mosaic. The retractable windows remain open in summer and, weather permitting, it is possible to eat on the lake terrace. The cuisine of Group Executive Chef Michele Zambanini and his brigade is classic-contemporary with a strong Italian influence but with an eye toward internationality. Refinement and attention to raw materials are the hallmark of Veranda, which from appetizer to dessert - skillfully created by Pastry Chef Fabrizio Bertola - make for a unique dining experience. Characteristically formal and elegant, the guest experiences haute cuisine combined with a highly sought-after wine list under the banner of attentive and personalized service. The Grill Restaurant, also gets a makeover. Located next to the Queen's Pavilion, it is a comfortable and informal place, where in summer it is possible to dine in the garden under the shade of the imposing cen - tury-old trees, enjoying the picturesque lake view. The undisputed stars of the menu are grilled meats and great seafood classics accompanied by a choice of light appetizers that marry sea and land, with specialties from the Mediterranean tradition Big news for the 2023 season is Saturday and Sunday Roast, every Saturday and Sunday lunchtime, a true classic of British cuisine revisited in a modern key by Chef Nicola Campanella. Welcome snacks and three courses: this is the menu, in which the guest can choose typical dishes such as steak tartare, made at the table in front of the customers, and Roast Beef, with the carving made directly on the terrace. For the little ones, a rich ice cream cart is available, from which they can choose their favorite flavor. An initiative with an Anglo-Saxon allure, made magical by the beautiful lake setting, which aims to become a regular weekend lunch date on Lake Como. With its location adjacent to the floating pool, the Sundeck is the ideal place in the warm months to have a light lunch or snack while sipping one of the signature cocktails. New for 2023 is the aperitif, not to be missed starting at 5:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. The pool bar environment is transformed into a Champagne & Raw Bar, where you can enjoy an aperitif enchanted by the lights of the sunset over the lake. A menu of top-quality oysters, raw and cooked fish and shellfish to experience the incredible sunset lights and Golden Hour vibes. The Platano Restaurant, located in the scenic area near the Queen's Pavilion and open only for dinner, also gets a makeover. A refined eno-gastronomic journey, for an exclusive experience with prestigious wines and attentive service. The menu, with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian inspiration, will vary on a weekly basis: eight courses with exceptional raw materials, which guests will be able to choose and combine with each other to create their own gastronomic journey to pair with celebrated wines. Refined labels, tastings by the glass, vertical offerings and themed pairings, with suggestions from around the world. Looking ahead to autumn, exclusive events include Wine Dinners at the Veranda Restaurant. Icons of international wine production carefully selected by Wine Manager Alex Bartoli meet the sophistication of haute cuisine signed by Chef Michele Zambanini. Prestigious wines and champagnes have been carefully selected for unique and extraordinary themed evenings in the wonderful setting of Villa d'Este.