Il Centrale Stresa — Restaurant in Stresa

We were looking for a place to have an early dinner or apertivo, before heading back to Milan for the night before our flight home. Centrale was one of the few places open at 1700 with a plethora of available tables. We were invited to take a seat anywhere and immediately after sitting I was sarcastically asked “table for 2, si, this is a table for 4” We were asked to move to one of a few tables adjacent to the few other diners. Shortly after we sat, another couple came in, sat at a table for 4 and the same server waited on them without any issue.

We had pizza, Greek salad and drinks. The pizza La Ricca (sausage and onion) was lite on both, but otherwise tasty and served hot. The salad was simple but tasty.

If you have other options in Stresa, I would recommend eating elsewhere, based upon the...

On 1st January we don’t have much choice. Lots of restaurants closed. So we choose this restaurant coz it’s open. First waiter is quite friendly and give quick service (to take an order) Then when the food comes, it’s other waiters. They forgot our wine. The pizza is horrible. Very bad taste. The dough is very soft, there is no crispy on the edge as normal Italian pizza. No taste cheese at all. Only mozzarella.

Beef tartar is also terrible. The cut of the beef is too thin, seems like chopped with machine. The spice is too limited. Not enough taste.

Can’t say many thing to this restaurant. Disappointed...

We have travelled from Australia and have to say that the rating for this restaurant is not correct from our experience. We have been in Stresa for three nights and have eaten here every night (and eaten something different every night from the menu) and will also be back for our last night tomorrow. My partner Tanya and I cannot fault the service, staff, food, atmosphere and overall quality. The staff are amazing and so friendly and easy to have a chat with and helpful on tips for seeing the sights of Stresa and Lake Maggiore. This is our restaurant of choice for anyone looking for quality all...