Fine Food & Fast Trains: Discover Elite Dining Just Beyond Milan

By Sarah Campise Hallier

Photography by Patty Schmidt Photography

Looking for gourmet restaurants just a train ride from Milan? Look no further! 

Belvedere at Villa Lario, Lago di Como

Located within the prestigious boutique Villa Lario Hotel, nominated in  2024 for the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Award and a finalist in the Hotel & Lodge Award, Belvedere exudes timeless elegance with a clean, modern aesthetic. Whether you are popping in for breakfast with friends or hoping for an intimate dinner for two, Belvedere checks all the boxes for a savory celebration of the senses. 

The breakfast menu offers many choices, from typical Italian pastries to more significant American indulgences. Their cheeky titles, like “I am going for a swim in the lake” - an Açai bowl, soft-boiled egg and ham plus cinnamon porridge show the charm behind their culinary creations. The “Tell me more …” serves avocado toast, smoked salmon, guacamole, and black sesame, and most have a senza glutine option for those needing alternatives. 

Be sure to make a reservation for dinner, as their cozy dining room books up quickly! But you won’t regret it, as they take divine dining to an entirely new level. With views of Lake Como from almost every table, the professional and exquisitely tailored wait staff lurk patiently in every corner, ready to jump at even the most trivial requests. From the tantalizing appetizers—don’t miss the spicy marinated melon paired with creamy pecorino cheese—to the irresistible antipasti, where the zucchine verdi e gialle is practically a rite of passage, the starters are merely the beginning of your culinary journey. It's as if every option is a winning choice. Indulge in the tagliolini scampi, risotto alle erbe, ravioli bugiardi, or the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi di patate, each pasta dish promising to delight and entertain your taste buds in an unforgettable celebration of flavors.

As the sun sets over the glistening waters of Lake Como, the atmosphere at Belvedere transforms into something genuinely nostalgic. You'll find that each dish is not just a meal but a culinary masterpiece. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a peek at the chef delicately arranging plates with the precision of a fine artist. At Belvedere, every meal told a beautiful story, inviting you to savor not just the meal, but the cherished memories, too. 

Chez Vrony

Whether you’re kicking back après-ski or chasing summer trails, Chez Vrony is the must-stop spot when you're exploring the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Nestled on the scenic slopes of the Sunnegga region near Zermatt, Switzerland, and surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of an alpine wonderland—including the iconic Matterhorn—Chez Vrony offers the ultimate foodie adventure. Yet, the indulgence begins long before you even arrive.

Devoid of cars, the quaint village of Zermatt (an incredibly special storybook village you don’t want to miss) is a majestic gem with irresistible charm. Quiet, laid-back, serene, and mesmerizing, strolling around this timeless town brings you back to a simpler time. But who knew that 500 feet above Zermatt, nestled in the Findeln Valley, sleeps a Michelen-recommended restaurant with undoubtedly the most striking views in all of Switzerland? 

The first decision you'll face is how to get there. Feeling adventurous? The 90-minute uphill trek from the base of Zermatt is no small feat, with steep terrain that promises a serious workout. But thankfully, there's the Sunnegga Express Train—also known as the funicular. This six-minute ride through the heart of the mountain gives skiers, mountain bikers, and hungry explorers a faster, easier way to Rothorn Mountain. From there, a quick gondola ride whisks you even closer. But you’re not at the finish line yet. As the gondola boasts stunning views of the Matterhorn, the 20-minute downhill stroll to Chez Vrony will help work up your appetite. 

As you turn the corner,  the classically designed farmhouse screams ski-in / ski-out vibes and a sudden desire to flaunt your chicest winter parka, even in the heat of summer. Cool is an understatement, as the decor invites you to sink into the 100-year-old seats (handcrafted by the owner’s brother), covered in cozy pillows, local flowers strewn across the tables, and the sudden realization that the Matterhorn view is visible and striking from every table on the oversized deck. 

As if all of that isn’t enough, the menu filled with organic meats and cheeses from Alpine-fed grazers, 100% locally sourced ingredients, and a wine menu nothing short of exquisite, the notion that these recipes have been passed down from generations lingers on every bite. Constructed in 1900, Chez Vrony began as a farmhouse for the Julen family. It was eventually converted to a teahouse to warm up skiers, and in 1962 August Julen’s idea for a first-class Alps restaurant came to life. Today, this Michilen-suggested stop for visitors, tourists, skiers, and clean-eating devotees is arguably one of the best restaurants in all of Zermatt. 

But what makes this culinary treasure so memorable? For starters, Chez Vrony’s melt-in-your-mouth Mountain goat cheese ravioli in thyme-browned nut butter and caramelized Valais pear. Words do not adequately describe this perfectly cooked and elegantly plated dish. The Truffle Risotto is another fan fave, with masterfully prepared al dente rice and a hint of truffle; each bite left us wanting more…and more….and more!

Whatever you choose, there’s almost a mystical presence to the entire experience. From the towering backdrop of the Matterhorn’s awe-inspiring pyramid-like peak to the quiet chatter of the guests lazily and haphazardly scattered across the patio, Chez Vrony stays with you. As you wind your way down the steep, twisting path back to Zermatt, the mountain seems to call out, inviting you to return once more. It’s as if it was all a dream - and you will never forget its magic. 

Parma Rotta

Road-tripping from Milan to Cinque Terre? Nestled perfectly between these two iconic destinations, Parma Rotta Restaurant offers the ideal mid-day “pranza.” But this Michelin Guide restaurant, located on the outskirts of Parma, is the true definition of a hidden gem. Chef Antonio DiVita, graciously hosting a cooking class in the back room, and his smiling and seasoned staff are just a few reasons this iconic trattoria continues to beckon visitors and locals alike. 

The professionalism is uncanny and slightly unexpected, as the understated decor doesn’t quite match the five-star service. But from the moment you sit down, the unforgettable odyssey begins. Impeccably dressed servers with their rolling, white tablecloth carts usher in with haughty grins and knowing glances. Effortless recommendations of local wines and the selezione di formaggi (hands down the best cheese plate in Italy) launched our two-hour lunchtime extravaganza. With attention and grace, each plate arrived timely and warm, and our widened eyes couldn’t wait for palate-pleasing consumption. 

Although it was difficult to choose one favorite, the Tomahawk surprised us all. The presentation itself was worthy of an Oscar, as the final act of melted butter slowly dripping from above proved at the first tender bite that it was the clear winner. But the encore came in the form of two wildly styled-to-perfection desserts - an affogato al caffè with a miniature chocolate espresso cup dangling off the side of a martini glass and a gelato alla vaniglia draped in an eggnog-reminiscent cream sauce, garishly blended by the server while our open mouths waited in silence and mesmerization. 

Parma Rotta Restaurant quickly became a favorite of our trip, where locally sourced food, exceptional service, and unforgettable memories intertwined to create a truly decadent experience. The warmth of that afternoon will linger with us for a lifetime, serving as a poignant reminder that the pursuit of authentic cuisine often leads us off the beaten path. We can't wait to return to Parma Rotta!

** Milan to Zermatt is a 3.5 hour train ride. Milan to Lake Como is a 60 min trade ride. Milan to Parma is a 60 min trade ride (fast train options).