The cuisine of Lake Garda is simple and authentic: lake fish, olive oil, lemons, seasonal vegetables, Valtenesi wines. Within a few kilometres of the Relais you will find restaurants, trattorias, wineries and markets where you can discover the best of the area. On this page you will find our recommendations.
Where to eat
In Moniga and nearby villages the offer is varied: from the fish restaurant on the harbour to the traditional trattoria, from the pizzeria to the more modern venue. Some of our favourite areas:
- On Moniga harbour — lake fish restaurants, harbour views, perfect for a sunset dinner (3-minute walk from the Relais)
- In the historic centre of Moniga — traditional trattorias, pizzerias, taverns with Lake Garda cuisine
- In Desenzano and Sirmione — starred restaurants and upscale venues (20-30 minutes)
- In Salò and Gardone — lakefront restaurants, perfect for a full day (30-40 minutes)
- On the hills of Valtenesi — farmhouses with country cuisine and vineyard views (10-15 minutes)
Wineries and tastings
Valtenesi is wine country, and the local wineries open their doors for tastings with views over the vineyards and the lake. Some are within walking distance from the Relais, others just a few minutes by car. Experiences to try:
- The wineries of Moniga — Turina, Costaripa and Montecicogna are within walking distance from the Relais and organise wine tastings with views over the vineyards and the lake. An unmissable experience, especially at sunset.
- Walk among the vineyards — many wineries offer guided tours through the vines, explaining cultivation techniques
- Experiential harvest — in September some wineries open to visitors to take part in the grape harvest
- Dinner in the winery — some estates organise dinners with a typical menu and paired wines
Chiaretto — Rosa Valtenesi
Moniga is considered the cradle of Chiaretto, now recognised with the Rosa Valtenesi designation. It is a rosé wine made from Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese and Barbera grapes, vinified as rosé. Pale pink colour, floral aroma, fresh and savoury flavour: perfect with lake fish, fresh cheeses and starters.
Chiaretto is drunk young, within 1-2 years of harvest. In the wineries of Valtenesi you will find the most recent vintages and can buy directly from the producer. Ask us at reception for a list of wineries that organise tastings.
Local products
In addition to wine, Lake Garda produces gastronomic excellences worth taking home. In markets, shops in the centre and directly in the winery you will find:
- Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil — delicate, fruity, perfect raw
- Lemons of Lake Garda — highly fragrant, protagonists of liqueurs and desserts
- Valtenesi cheeses — including Nostrano, Bagòss and fresh ricottas
- Honey and jams — locally produced, excellent for breakfasts and gifts
- Lake fish — whitefish, lavaret, tench, eel: in restaurants and fishmongers
Weekly markets
Every village on Lake Garda has its weekly market, where you can find fresh produce, cheeses, cold cuts, clothing and small artisans. The most convenient from the Relais are those of Moniga (Monday morning, in the centre), Desenzano (Tuesday morning, one of the largest in the area) and Salò (Saturday morning). An authentic way to experience the area like a local.
In summary
- Restaurants on Moniga harbour: 3-minute walk from the Relais
- Valtenesi wineries: some within walking distance, others 5-10 minutes by car
- Chiaretto / Rosa Valtenesi: the symbolic wine of Moniga, to try in the winery
- Local products: DOP oil, lemons, cheeses, honey, lake fish
- Weekly markets in Moniga, Desenzano (Tuesday) and Salò (Saturday)
Discover the other experiences Lake Garda offers you.
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