The family-run Osteria di Mezzo occupies a quiet storefront just steps from the waterfront in Salò. Inside the charming dining room, punctuated by exposed brick accents and arched ceilings, locals and visitors dine on classic Italian cuisine like fish stew with sausage and fresh pastas (which can be made gluten-free) while sipping one of the local wines on offer.

After driving up a maze of impossibly narrow streets, Riolet is revealed at the top of a charming village on the Gardone Riviera. This family-run haunt is a favorite among locals (and in-the-know visitors) for simple cuisine and a homey atmosphere; for those who have visited, it will come as no surprise that the titular Ernesto has been manning the indoor grill for decades. The patio seating is no-frills, with white plastic chairs and checkered tablecloths, and the cuisine is similarly straightforward; grilled meats and fish and homemade pasta are the house specialties. And while the drive to the restaurant is daunting, those brave enough to tackle the hairpin turns are rewarded with stunning views of Isola del Garda and the lake below.

Located on an inconspicuous alleyway off the main street in Gargnano and identifiable only by a sign painted with three ducks, Trattoria San Martino is perhaps the most charming hideaway in town. Alfresco tables line the cave-like arched passageway, which leads down to the waterfront, where the best seats in the house, two lakeside tables, are located. While the hole-in-the-wall feels like a hidden gem, it is highly esteemed in the area and a favorite of visiting celebrities (Tilda Swinton, whose portrait hangs on the wall, is a fan). Meals are filled with such homey dishes as penne all’arrabbiata (served in a mini cocotte) and lemon chicken and are best finished with a stop at Ciocolat Gelateria, located just down the street.