I'm on the big countdown for Italy, leaving Friday! Forgot my brother-in-law's birthday on Saturday. Can anyone give me restaurant suggestions in Stresa for a nice place for a birthday dinner. I'm thinking 3 stars out of 4 price-wise. He has basic tastes but I don't so maybe someplace that can accommodate two ends of the spectrum.

OP, we stayed on Isola dei Pescatore off Stesa. The only place we ate dinner was our hotel, Hotel Verbano. It's the only restaurant open at night on the island and you would need to hire a private boat to take you, as the public boat services ends at 7pm. I thought the restaurant was very good, with an excellent vino selection, of course. Nice view of Lago Maggiore & you would need reservations.

There is a wonderful place on the hill above town called Al Rustico. It has been 12 years since I ate there but it is a fixture in the area. You may find it at www.stresa.net. Another good place is something like Papagallo--if you don't like the food you can buy some shoes---just kidding.

Thanks so much for the ideas--either sounds like a great place to turn 40 something. I'll print out your suggestions and take them with me. ciao

We ate at Papagallo also and enjoyed it. It is not a fancy place but is very popular with the locals. It seems to be mostly a pizza place.

Ristorante Pescatore, Via Anna Maria Bolongaro. Ate dinner there in 1995, very good! Tel. (0323)31986.

I was desperately trying to remember the name of that restaurant - Al Rustico, thank you BOB - up the hill at the first big bend in the road, where we had two wonderful meals. I heartily recommend it. <BR>Is Papagallo the place with the parrots in cages? Now THAT was an experience! Lots of locals, and yes, good food, but so BUSY!!!

Glad to see you on the forum again StCirq. The parrot place sounds like a blast. I am getting really psyched...

I also like the restaurant at the Verbano, on the island. Food, service, wine and view are great. Transportation is easier during the day, I think the public boats stop at about 7pm, though.