Andrea Monesi - Locanda di Orta

The story

Andrea Monesi - Locanda di Orta, Pettenasco: Michelin-Starred Dining on Lake Orta

Andrea Monesi – Locanda di Orta

On the shores of Lake Orta, in the historic heart of Orta San Giulio, Locanda di Orta brings together refined cuisine, an exceptional wine selection, and warm hospitality. Chef Andrea Monesi, who earned a Michelin star in 2018 and has maintained it ever since, leads the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in the recovery of authentic flavours and the creative use of innovative techniques.

Monesi’s passion for cooking began early, inspired by the warmth of his family. His culinary journey balances the rediscovery of traditional Italian recipes with a modern sensibility, using high-quality local ingredients. Each dish, he believes, should tell a story and forge a connection between diners and the territory. The restaurant’s cuisine is contemporary yet grounded in country cooking, and the result is a sequence of plates that surprise without losing their sense of place.

Gourmet Menus and À La Carte

The Michelin-starred restaurant offers three tasting journeys. The Origini menu (€140) features dishes such as smoked eel with oyster and caviar, rice and frogs, guinea fowl with chard and toasted seeds, and a floral dessert of magnolia, litchis and violet. I Classici (€160) includes the “Sea Carbonara,” the scallop that wanted to be “au gratin,” tonnato rabbit, fresh tagliatelle with 37 yolks, duck ragù and orange, dry-aged veal with beets and mustard, and a Gianduja dessert. For those seeking the fullest expression, the Carta Bianca (€180) is a seven-course discovery of the chef’s cuisine. Wine pairings are available for each menu, curated by sommelier Sara Michela Orlando.

A Wine Experience Curated with Passion

The wine list, overseen by Sara Orlando, spans over 400 labels from Italy and beyond. Each wine is chosen to create harmony with Monesi’s dishes, turning every pairing into a sensory journey. The selection reflects constant research and a deep respect for production traditions, making the wine list as much a part of the experience as the food itself.

The Setting

Locanda di Orta sits in the picturesque borgo of Orta San Giulio, a short walk from the lake. The restaurant’s elegant interior and attentive service create an atmosphere where warmth and refinement coexist. Guests can also stay at the on-site B&B, a charming refuge that extends the Locanda’s hospitality beyond the table.