Jewel on Lake Iseo- a Spontaneous Adventure!
- ItaliAndrea
- May 11
- 3 min read
We imagined our lives in Italy would be filled spontaneous road trips and unplanned adventures. However, as much as we like the idea of spontaneity, in reality our 'spontaneous adventures' often involve hours of research and strategic planning. But this time we decided to embrace true spontaneity! With a few free days on our hands, we set off to Bergamo and the nearby Lake Iseo without a plan..
After exploring Bergamo, which was awarded Italy's 2023 Capital of Culture along with its neighbor Brescia (more on that in an upcoming post), we headed to Lake Iseo, located to the west of Lake Garda, and is smaller and less traveled compared to its bustling yet breathtaking sibling.
In the quiet hamlet of Riva di Solto, we stumbled upon a small market with three stalls and a few locals enjoying coffee or a late morning spritz. With not much else happening, I started googling nearby spots and found an exceptional place for a last-minute lunch reservation: Ristorante Zù.
Ristorante Zù has a perfect lakeside location on the western coast of Lake Iseo, and the setting was absolutely lovely. The restaurant recently underwent an extensive winter renovation, resulting in a clean and sleek ambiance that avoids feeling austere. The floor-to-ceiling views from the windows are truly works of art.
The art continues in the kitchen. The menu features fish, both from the lake and the sea, and seasonal vegetables. We chose to order from the a la carte menu although the 5 and 7 course tasting menus looked enticing. After the impeccable experience, we agreed to come back on a "planned" journey to experience the full monty! Both preparations of lake trout were delicate enough to showcase and enhance the fresh fish flavors.
The extensive yet thoughtful wine list featured labels from across Italy and the world. We like to drink local and chose a white blend from the province of Bergamo. The biologically produced Nove Lune was equal parts Solaris, Bronner and Johanniter. Yes, those grape varietals are new to us as well, but apparently grow well in the Bergamo hills west of Lake Iseo. It was floral on the nose with a good bit of acidity on the palate and had a long finish. It was delicious and made another reason to come back to the area- to visit the winery!
The wonderful experience extended beyond the food and wine, as the staff were both professional and approachable, making the lunch extra special. The restaurant is in its fourth generation, evolving and modernizing while adhering to its original philosophy of showcasing fresh ingredients with minimal intervention. Today, operations are led by the capable and decorated chef, Angelo Bonfiitto, who trained with numerous Michelin-starred chefs. This might be a foreshadowing for the future of Zù. I hope so!
Hotel Panoramico was indeed very Panoramico! Its tasty restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offered the same captivating view of the lake and breathtaking mountains as we had from our balcony. The western part of Iseo is more "off the beaten path" than the eastern shore so I recommend it for those seeking peace and tranquility away from the crowds of the main towns.
Being spontaneous was indeed fun, but we will likely return to meticulous planning, which is ingrained in my DNA. After all, they say the planning is part of the fun! We would love to hear about your spontaneous adventures!
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