Aperitivo in Desenzano del Garda: where to go with a lake view
When to go, what to drink (Pirlo, Lugana, local gins), simple or hearty aperitivo, and where to have a lake-view aperitivo in Desenzano del Garda.
Desenzano del Garda is one of the aperitivo capitals of Lake Garda: between the Porto Vecchio, the old town and the waterfront, from late afternoon the town fills with outdoor tables, spritzes and glasses of Lugana. If you're looking for a lake-view aperitivo in Desenzano del Garda, here's what to know to choose well, and where to find us.
When to have aperitivo in Desenzano
The classic aperitivo time on Lake Garda is from 5pm to 8pm. In spring and summer that's when the light on the lake changes and the sun sets: sitting outdoors, facing the water, at that time makes all the difference. In autumn and winter opening hours can change, so it's always worth checking first.
What to drink: Pirlo, Lugana and local gins
Spritz is still king, but on the Brescia side of the lake it's worth trying the Pirlo, Brescia's typical aperitivo: sparkling white wine, bitter and soda. Local wines include Lugana, Groppello and Chiaretto from the Valtènesi: you'll find them, with a map of the appellations and wines by the glass, on our Lake Garda wine list. In recent years gins made on Lake Garda and in the nearby valleys have appeared too, perfect in a gin tonic. And for non-drinkers, more and more places offer alcohol-free cocktails and 0% gin tonics.
Simple or hearty aperitivo?
In Desenzano you'll find both. A simple aperitivo is a drink with a few snacks; a hearty aperitivo (aperitivo rinforzato) adds a board of cured meats and cheeses or a taste of pizza or focaccia, enough to keep you going until dinner or to replace it. If you're in a group or don't want to think about dinner, the hearty option is almost always the better deal.
Il Santapè: our lake-view aperitivo
At Santa, on Lungolago Cesare Battisti 73, the aperitivo is called Il Santapè: a hearty aperitivo, every day from 5pm to 8pm. Choose a Classic or Premium cocktail and we serve it with snacks and, depending on the option, a board of local cured meats and cheeses (one for every two people) or a taste of our tall, crispy pizza al padellino (1/4 pizza for every two people).
- Classic + Pizza: €9 per person
- Classic + Sharing Board: €12 per person
- Premium + Pizza: €12 per person
- Premium + Sharing Board: €15 per person
The list features spritzes, including the White Spritz made with Lugana, the great classics, the Pirlo with GinAro bitter, the GinAro Negroni and Americano, the Piero Mule with Piero gin, Lake Garda wines and an alcohol-free list with cocktails, alcohol-free wines and beer, and kombucha. Vegans find plant-based options, from the board to the vegan pizza: vegans and non-vegans at the same table.
Good to know
- Outdoor seats: over 100, facing the lake, with a sunset view.
- Booking: not needed for outdoor seating, just turn up.
- Groups and birthdays: in winter there's the heated lake-view Dome, up to 15 people, by reservation.
- Dogs: welcome.
- Getting here: about a 10-minute walk from Desenzano town centre, with parking nearby.
- Winter hours: may vary, call +39 030 618 0701 to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I have a lake-view aperitivo in Desenzano del Garda?
On the waterfront: at Santa, Lungolago Cesare Battisti 73, with over 100 outdoor seats facing the lake.
How much is a hearty aperitivo in Desenzano?
At Santa the Santapè costs €9 to €15 per person, drink and food included.
Do I need to book?
Not for outdoor tables. Yes for groups in the Dome.
What is a Pirlo?
Brescia's typical aperitivo, made with sparkling white wine, bitter and soda.
After aperitivo you can stay for dinner: see the pizza al padellino menu, the Restaurant Menu and the Vegan Menu. And on Saturday and Sunday mornings there's our lake-view brunch.