Francesco Restaurant signature logo
The lake, family, hospitality
Our Philosophy
A family story, on the lake

Francesco Restaurant was born in Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, inside the Grand Hotel Bristol. It takes its name from Francesco Zacchera, the hotel's historic Director, who together with his family helped build a model of hospitality rooted in vision, dedication, and a deep connection to the territory.

Today, that same legacy lives on in a space where the kitchen interprets the territory with contemporary sensibility, and where hospitality retains its authentic, natural, deeply personal character.

Fish carpaccio in floral broth with fresh herbs on marble table
Dish with aromatic herbs, edible flowers and crusted fish Green tagliolini with trout roe and crumbs in a wooden bowl
The Kitchen
Our Kitchen

Chef Villaraggia's kitchen follows the rhythm of nature, guided by the lake and its seasons. Every dish begins with carefully chosen ingredients, treated with respect to preserve their identity and depth.

Memory and discovery coexist in balance, giving shape to flavours that are essential, recognisable, yet never predictable.

About Us
Roots and Vision

We are Sabina and Ivan, and we have always shared the same idea of hospitality as the Zacchera family: welcoming people with care, attention, and ease — as you would someone you've known for a long time.

Over the last ten years we built our path at Villa Pizzini, shaping a way of doing hospitality deeply rooted in warmth, nature, and a direct relationship with people.

Today, Francesco Restaurant represents the evolution of that journey. We bring with us the same identity, the same passion, and the desire to make you feel part of something truly authentic.

Sabina and Ivan, owners of Francesco Restaurant, with Lake Maggiore in the background
Guest in bathrobe reading at the Grand Hotel Bristol, Stresa
Stay
Let time slow down

After dinner, time can continue to flow at the same gentle pace. The rooms of the Grand Hotel Bristol offer the ideal setting to extend the experience.

DISCOVER THE HOTEL
Golden puff pastry parcel with caramel sauce on a marble table
Mise en place with pigeon, wild herbs, croquettes and sauce
Green tagliolini with trout caviar in a wooden bowl during service
Francesco Restaurant dining room with set tables, golden pendant lights and lake view
Dessert with meringue, fresh berries and cream on a white ring plate
Pigeon with crispy croquettes and dark sauce on a white plate
Composition of micro-herbs and edible flowers on a white plate
Chef making fresh pasta in the kitchen
Artisanal pasta making with a pastry wheel cutter
Reservations
reserve your table
We will note your request and contact you as soon as possible
to confirm availability and your table.