A gastronomic tour of Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo is rich in nature, history, culture, and unique flavours. Start your taste adventure here.

Between the hills of Franciacorta and the mountains of the Val Camonica, there lies a fertile land for gourmets and cooking enthusiasts.

We are talking about Lake Iseo, a beautiful natural gem set between the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo, surrounded by lakeside destinations and culinary specialities just waiting to be discovered.

With a pinch of history, a handful of adventure, and a generous splash of curiosity, you can discover the typical products of this area, rooted in "cucina povera" (peasant cooking). Created using authentic and high-quality ingredients, these dishes have been brought up to date without breaking with local gastronomic traditions.

This tour is created for anyone who is hungry for a taste of something new, giving you a chance to spend a relaxing day exploring the lake and its small villages, without neglecting the tastiest part of any trip: good food.

So, what's on offer at Lake Iseo? Let's dive in!

1. Baked tench in Clusane — In front of the port of Clusane, you can discover one of this area's most delicious delicacies: baked tench. This fish has a starring role in the gastronomy of Lake Iseo, appearing in many local dishes. The moderate temperature of the lake water allows for the proliferation of various species, including char, trout, whitefish, bleak and, of course, the famous tench. (ph: bresciatourism.it)

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2. Monte Isola salami — From Clusane to Sulzano and from fish to meat. This is the perfect spot to learn about the production of cured meats in the Lake Iseo area, which includes traditional specialities with unique, intense and distinctive flavours. One of the most renowned delicacies is Monte Isola salami, a product that embodies the area's ancient peasant traditions, prepared with care using a specific method. (ph: bresciatourism.it)

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3. Rosso Bronzone in Vigolo — After sampling all these delicacies, you may be feeling a little thirsty. That's why you are in front of the Vigolo Church, ready to discover another incredible local creation: Rosso Bronzone. Lake Iseo may be best known as the home of the famous native Franciacorta DOCG wine, but Rosso Bronzone has a special history all its own.

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4. PDO extra virgin olive oil in Marone — "Marone, city of oil," proclaims the sign that welcomes visitors to the town of Marone on the eastern shore. The signature product of this small town, PDO extra virgin olive oil has come to represent the entire Lake Iseo area. Thanks to the mild climate, olive trees are widely cultivated, producing an oil with a delicate and fruity taste: the famous Sebino oil, as protected by the Consorzio Olio DOP dei Laghi Lombardi.

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5. Sebino Saffron in Clusane — To end this journey through a world of flavours and traditions, we are back in Clusane to discover a spice that brings a splash of colour and personality to a range of traditional dishes. Sebino saffron is grown and processed right here in Clusane, without the use of herbicides or chemical fertilisers. Local farmers use the traditional "green manure" technique in which crops are rotated between two plots of land, leaving one to rest for a whole year.

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At table with traditional Lombardy food recycling recipes

Traditional Lombardy cuisine recipes using leftover bread, meat, cheeses and vegetables - transforming them into tasty new dishes.

Food & Wine

Lombard Mostarda Recipe

With a strong taste, the mostrada is prepared with fruit, sugar and mustard essence

Food & Wine

Pane di San Siro

I San Sirini: a typical sweet of the feast of the patron saint of Pavia

Food & Wine

Lemons of Garda

Beautiful greenhouse gardens enrich the Brescia side of the lake, made of walls and white pillars that climb the mountain, in total harmony with the environment