Malcesine Restaurants

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I was hungry after wandering around Malcesine, and I wanted a salad (I'd had my fill of pizzas and pasta etc!), but I could only find Pizzerias or fast food. There was a strong smell of frying and burgers lingering in the air :-(

I was about to give up - I had just over an hour until the ferry left for Brenzone- when I came across a small square with tables outside an Osteria.

I perused a menu - there was a selection of salads - and an absence of cooking fumes!!

I had to wait quite a while to be served - there was only one person serving and preparing the food, and he'd disappeared for a while, so I ventured inside, ready to place my order. I was completely bowled over- a dark cellar like room with a very well stocked bar of wine and beers, and a food area with salads, anti pasto, cheeses etc - I couldn't resist taking a couple of pics.

I ordered a salad and a beer, and sat in the sun under a parasol, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my food.
It was well worth waiting for - an attractively arranged salad, fresh brown bread, balsamic vinegar and olive oil -

I don't know if the waiter/chef was the owner - (Since my return home I've found there is a web page, which says Hella Nods is the owner of this place - it doesn't sound like an Italian name, and he didn't look typically Italian) He was a bit of a dour character, but I'd much rather come to a place with great food and atmosphere, where the staff aren't falsely cheerful - I think he let the food speak for itself!

This was the hi-light of my visit to Malcesine! If I return to Lake Garda, I'd return to Malcesine just to visit this traditional authentic Osteria - A Great find!!!!

Favorite Dish: My salad was just what I wanted- Good Quality, a variety of fresh ingredients, and attractively served.

The accompanying fresh brown bread, balsamic vinegar and olive oil was a bonus - I love bread dipped in these 2 condiments!

My salad was Lettuce, tomato, olives, radish, sweetcorn, grated carrots, onion all served in a bowl.

My draught beer was good too - cold and crisp - a German pilsner.