Osteria Madalena in Province of Brescia

"A truly amazing small restaurant with an incredibly warm and welcoming owner. The menu changes every day, which makes each visit feel special and thoughtfully curated. Beyond the delicious food, the owner went above and beyond by introducing us to the local wine history, sharing fascinating stories and offering great recommendations on what to taste and where to go next. His friendliness and passion made the experience unforgettable. Every dish was excellent, and the atmosphere felt personal and genuine. Highly recommended for anyone who values great food and authentic hospitality."

"A Culinary Highlight on Lake Garda My partner had eaten here before and said, “we have to go back.” He was absolutely right. Osteria Madalena is the kind of place that delivers not just a meal, but an experience that stays with you. We came for lunch and, on request, the kitchen prepared their famous Calamarata allo Scoglio in Padella—a dish usually reserved for dinner and one I had spotted on their Instagram. It arrived as a pan of pure joy: perfectly cooked pasta with a bounty of fresh seafood, each bite full of the flavours of the sea. Truly unforgettable. We also ordered the beef tartare, prepared tableside with a touch of theatre. We were asked exactly how we wanted it seasoned, ingredient by ingredient, which made the dish feel personal and elevated. The result was fresh, balanced, and absolutely delicious. The owner himself recommended a wine that paired beautifully with our dishes—knowledgeable, thoughtful, and spot-on. And then, as we went to pay, he surprised us with a small glass of fennel-infused liqueur from Ibiza. It was the perfect, refreshing way to end what was already a remarkable meal. The service throughout was warm and attentive, never rushed, making us feel welcome and cared for. Reading other reviews, I can see our experience is no exception: diners consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients, the creativity of the kitchen, and the passion of the staff. If you love food, this is a must-visit on Lake Garda. The Calamarata allo Scoglio, the tartare, the wine, and the service all combine into one of the true highlights of our time in Italy. We’ll be back without question."

"Dear Alessandro and Marko, We’re so grateful we stumbled upon your restaurant during our trip to Italy! The atmosphere, the food, the service – and above all, the way you take care of your guests – were truly outstanding. It’s such a rare treasure to find in tourist places nowadays. Being there felt like visiting distant Italian relatives or close friends who welcomed us with genuine warmth and charm. It really felt like becoming part of a small circle of people who care. We wish you both endless success, inspiration, and guests who can truly appreciate your incredible talent. Alessandro – congratulations on your marriage day! Marko – wishing you Michelin stars ahead! Thank you again for an unforgettable evening. We hope to return to Garda soon Katerina & Marcus"

"A truly magical evening including fantastic food, great wine, Jack Daniel's Honey, guitar, dirty magazines, cigarettes, and drunken singing. Maybe the best day of my life."

"Fantastic little spot for food and drinks. Owner is very friendly and the food is exceptional. Infact so good we had to come back again for our last night. The cowboy steak and sea bass is great and desserts are delicious"

"We had such a wonderful experience at this restaurant! From the moment we walked in, we felt truly welcomed. The owner is absolutely amazing — warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about making every guest feel special. You can tell how much heart and soul is put into this place. The chef is equally incredible. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor, made with fresh ingredients and great attention to detail. You can taste the creativity and care in every bite. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, the service is impeccable, and the overall experience is simply unforgettable. If you’re looking for a place where quality, passion, and hospitality come together perfectly, this is it. We will definitely be coming back!"

"Alejandro was a great host despite my poor Italian - we came here on the first of 3 nights in Desenzano, and came back on the third. We tried quite a few things but beef tartare, gnocchiette, spaghetti al vongole and beef fillet were all top notch. Local and very good wines . A bit away from all the restaurants in the main squares and a cut above"

"A great restaurant in Desenzano, wonderful service, nice atmosphere and we had T-bone steak that was really the best meat I had for a long time!"