Al Sorriso
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a village
At the foot of the Alps, close to Lake Orta - one of the most romantic places in the Padan Plain - Luisa Marelli has created a stellar reputation with her celebrated cuisine. This self-taught former humanities student has forged her own culinary culture by scouring recipe books and experimenting along with her husband, Angelo Valazza. Incredibly gifted, she could now write the books herself! She describes her style as “a combination of Piedmont, Mediterranean and international influences, brought together as a tribute to the mountains where I love to walk”. The high-altitude ingredients - the white tartufi d’Alba , Funghi porcini and Wildernes - are the heroes of this celebration. ...Read more
Italy, Soriso

Villa Crespi
Hotel and restaurant on a lake
Just a few steps from the enchanting Lake Orta, Villa Crespi is a spectacular Moorish villa built in 1879. The |villa’s arabesque architecture, stunning gardens and the hospitality of Grand Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinzia| mingle to make a stay here magical. Antonino's superb innovative Mediterranean cuisine is deeply influenced by the places and flavours experienced during his professional journey. One of the menus is an itinerary from southern to northern Italy, starting with a brochette of scallops and scampi and ending with main course of pigeon and foie gras. The period bedrooms with their canopy beds and marble bathrooms enhance the romantic atmosphere. Villa Crespi is an excellent base from which to explore this beautiful corner of Italy, particularly the medieval village of Orta and the Island of San Giulio, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sacro Monte, and the ancient town of Varallo. ...Read more
Italy, Orta San Giulio