Amaretti di Saronno – Ph. Depositphotos

The province of Varese is a mosaic of lakes, mountains and villages that guard a rich and authentic food and wine culture. In this borderland, taste is intertwined with history and farming traditions, giving genuine dishes, elegant wines and typical products that tell the identity of the area. From the flavors of the lakes to meat dishes cooked according to ancient recipes, Varese invites you on a sensory journey between nature, tradition and good food.


Missoltini con Polenta – Ph. Cucinando Mangiando

The flavors of the lakes

Lake Varese, Lake Monate and nearby Lake Maggiore are custodians of a cuisine that emphasizes freshwater fish. Here you can enjoy specialties such as perch with butter and sage, ravioli from Sesto Calende filled with perch and crayfish, or missoltini, dried and salted agoni served with polenta. Each dish carries with it the memory of centuries-old fishing traditions and retains a deep connection with the lake landscape.


Ph. La casa della pasta fresca

Traditional country dishes

In the valleys and villages of the hinterland, the cuisine preserves the flavors of rural culture. Cassoeula, enriched in the Varesotto by verzini, is a symbolic dish of winter tables, as is brüscitt, beef minced with a knife and nuanced with red wine, served with steaming polenta. These are robust and wholesome dishes that reflect the peasant ingenuity in using every part of the ingredients available, turning them into authentic delicacies.


cassoeula – Ph. Depositphotos

Cheeses, cold cuts and typical products

The basket of products from Varese is wide and varied. Formaggella del Luinese DOP, cured meats such as Violino di capra, Lardo Lonzato Monterosa and Salame Prealpino are excellences that tell the story of the link between livestock farming and the territory. There is no shortage of fruit and vegetable specialties, such as Cantello asparagus or Monate peaches, appreciated fresh or made into jams and syrups. Autumn and winter offer chestnuts, honey and porcini mushrooms, protagonists of festivals and markets.


Ph. Consorzio per la Tutela della Formaggella del Luinese D.O.P.

Desserts, liquors and wines

The journey cannot end without a sweet note. The fluffy and fragrant Dolce Varese accompanies festive afternoons, while Amaretti di Gallarate can be enjoyed with a good coffee. From Castiglione Olona comes the Dolce del Cardinale, which combines tradition and refinement. This is complemented by the unmistakable Amaretto Disaronno, a world-renowned liqueur, a symbol of the province and its ability to blend simple flavors and complex aromas.


Dolce Varese – Ph. Ricette Donna moderna

After decades of neglect, Varese viticulture is experiencing a renaissance. On hillsides and in terraces with steep slopes, vineyards are producing fresh, savory and elegant wines. These include reds from indigenous Merlot and Rosseio grapes and whites that surprise with minerality and harmony. A glass of local wine becomes the perfect companion to any traditional dish.


Varese Wine Festival – Ph. AIS Varese

Autumn event

In autumn, the province of Varese comes alive with events celebrating the fruits of the earth and conviviality. Among the most anticipated events is Agrivarese, a great showcase of the agricultural world that brings genuine flavors, zero-mile products and family activities to the city. In the villages, tradition lives again with not-to-be-missed events such as the Pumpkin Festival in Agra, which enhances this vegetable with creative dishes and typical markets, and the Autumn Festival in Brinzio, where the scents of mushrooms, chestnuts and local wines accompany music and shows. Also in Brinzio, the charming October Chestnut Festival draws residents and visitors with steaming roasted chestnuts, a symbol of the season and conviviality in Varese.


Agrivarese

The province of Varese is not only nature and breathtaking landscapes, but also an area that has been able to preserve and renew its gastronomic traditions. From lake shores to mountain villages, every dish and every product tells the story of a community tied to its roots. Discovering the flavors of Varese means immersing yourself in an authentic journey of taste, culture and conviviality.