Al Taolon — Restaurant in Castelnuovo del Garda

I’ve returned to the sleepy town I was welcomed into 20 years ago. I only remember a delicatessen in the town center, my how it’s changed! To find this magnificent restaurant just a few hundred meter from my old home was such a special surprise. Just as I was back then, I was welcomed into Al Taolon with a warm Italian smile and the beautifully pronounced “Chris!”.

Our time in Diego’s restaurant was one I will never forget. The story of his passion for the culture of Cavalcaselle is heartwarming, food is not just for nutrition but an opportunity to spend time in the warmth and love of family and friends. His restaurant says this to me more than anything.

And when you are with those who matter most, only the best will do. The antipasti are nothing short of spectacular, the finest local and international ingredients prepared and presented as you would for an old friend returning to your home. I enjoyed the boar cheeks, slow cooked to perfection, prepared and served traditionally with potato mash. This meal you couldn’t just make occasionally, the complexity of the preparation and the exact timing of each aspect means this could only ever be a specialty. It was absolutely perfect, the flavours, the delicacy and robustness was something very special. Local limoncello to finish, prepared probably by a Nonna within a few hundred meters, with sage and slightly less sickly sweet than that from Sorrento.

Abbiamo avuto una sera merviglioso. Ci siamo sentiti cosi benvenuti....

First of all, when we sat at the restaurant, it was like I was playing in Emily in Paris. Great atmosphere. Now about the waiter was not helpful at all, and she never explained to us the menu. She said, "Scan that QR code," and choose for yourself. The good was OK and the plat with the cheese. But the dessert of the day was a catastrophe. We ordered ice cream with strawberry flavour because it was the only flavour that they had, as the waiter managed to inform us, and she brought us vanilla flavour with small pieces of strawberries in the same plate. But in the next table they ordered ice cream as well and they brought them more than 3 different flavours.

UPDATE:

Answer to the restaurant, I didn't confuse myself. You didn't ever recognise your plates? That's why I added photos...

We had a truly memorable dinner at Trattoria Al Taolon.

The hospitality was warm and welcoming from the very first moment — it’s clear that this is a place run with heart, passion, and pride. The wine selection is carefully curated, showcasing local gems that beautifully complement the menu.

We had the pleasure of trying authentic regional dishes, all perfectly prepared — rich in flavor and tradition. The bigoli with duck ragù and the grilled meats were highlights, full of depth and character.

What makes Al Taolon truly special is its genuine local spirit: no tourists, just good people, great atmosphere, and honest, soul-satisfying food.

A hidden treasure — we will be...