Not all risotto is created equal—and in the case of La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, the benchmark is set at a whole new level. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Lake Como and check out La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, a top-tier restaurant located at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Situated in the stunning lakeside town of Tremezzina, the property—along with its on-site restaurant—offer breathtaking views of the village of Bellagio, as well as Lake Como itself, creating the perfect backdrop for an equally unforgettable meal.
La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi was established by Maestro Gualtiero Marchesi himself, otherwise known as the ‘Maestro of Modern Italian Cuisine’—as well as the first Italian chef to obtain three Michelin stars. Gualtiero came up with the restaurant’s original saffron risotto recipe back in 1981, which is known for its perfect balance of flavors, immaculate texture—and of course, the signature (edible) gold leaf with which it is served.
I was lucky enough to indulge in Gualtiero’s gold-flecked risotto myself, and to say it was unlike any other risotto I’ve ever tasted would be an understatement. While many haven’t seemed to master the optimal consistency of risotto, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi does so flawlessly, serving up perfectly cooked grains that strike the hard-to-achieve balance of soft-yet-textured, without ever feeling gummy or crunchy.
The use of saffron was also a welcome addition, as the majority of risottos I’ve encountered have generally been made with mushroom. The saffron not only brought a beautiful yellow hue to the dish, but also added a subtle florality and tang to the final recipe. Then of course, there was the addition of Gualtiero’s signature gold leaf, which added a luxurious pizzazz—and unique riff—to this classic Italian favorite.
While hopping the next flight to Lake Como may not be in the cards, prepping Gualtiero’s saffron-tinged risotto at home is easier than you may think. The hotel posted Gualtiero’s beloved recipe to their Facebook account back in 2018, which I’ve attached here—gold leaf optional, but certainly a worthwhile addition if you can make it happen!
Our meal concluded with a round of espressos and signature sweet treats—as well as individual certificates confirming our risotto consumption. Since its 100,000th risotto, La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi has begun issuing souvenir certificates to those who indulge in their signature main course; I was number 116,402! Check it out below.
La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi is located at Via Regina, 8, 22019 Tremezzo CO, Italy and is open for dinner from 7:30 to 10:30 daily. To book a reservation, visit the restaurant’s website or click here.