Chef Viviana Varese rose to the top of her profession with a restaurant that set all of Milan talking. Never one to rest on her laurels, she saw her spring 2024 appointment as Passalacqua’s chef di casa as “the greatest opportunity of my life”. With the enthusiastic support of the De Santis family, Viviana set about reimagining, for the 21st century, the menus created by the talented private chefs who accompanied Italy’s great aristocratic families to their lakeside retreats.
Savor the season
There is no better time than fall and winter to sample the mature result of Viviana’s new path. We humbly believe that Passalacqua today offers something unique on the Italian culinary scene: a meal that is an experience in which taste, culture, memory and a touch of theater combine to dazzle and delight. For the last quarter of 2024, the chef has created a special menu dedicated to the prized white truffle of Alba, but her à la carte offerings cleave equally to the magic of the season and its tempting produce.
Festive days
Locals and those visiting Lake Como are warmly welcome to lunch or dine in our restaurant, or to join us for the celebratory festive meals that light up the Villa at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. And if you need a private space for a group of friends or business colleagues, we have just the thing. Passalacqua’s scenographic wine cellar is just made for conviviality. Groups who reserve the wine cellar can choose from one of Viviana’s seasonal menus, or liaise with the chef for special requests and personalisations.
