Claudio Santini Appointed as Executive Chef at Magnolia and Il Pescatore Restaurants, with New Menus Across the Property and a Michelin Star for Il Fagiano Restaurant
Grand Hotel Fasano, the five-star family-owned hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Garda, is delighted to share an array of gourmet news for the 2025 season. From the appointment of a Co-Executive Chef, Claudio Santini, to new menus across the property’s restaurants and a Michelin star for restaurant Il Fagiano, the property is serving up a delectable slice of dolce vita this summer.
Grand Hotel Fasano has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest gastronomic destinations in Northern Italy, with four distinct dining options overseen by the property’s two Executive Chefs, Michelin-starred Maurizio Bufi and as of April, the highly renowned Claudio Santini.
Claudio Santini Appointed as Head Chef at Magnolia and Il Pescatore Restaurants
Claudio Santini joins the talented culinary team at Grand Hotel Fasano this season, taking the reins at Il Pescatore and Magnolia restaurants. Hailing from Civitavecchia in the Lazio region of Italy, he brings over 15 years of experience to the property. His career has seen him work all over his home country, from Sardinia to Trentino and Bressanone, with stints in France and Albania bringing an international edge to his cuisine. In France, he soon rose to the position of Head Chef, with leadership positions at Coise restaurant in Millau and Hotel Lilou in Hyères, where he designed and directed the F&B offering. He was subsequently hired by Meliá to oversee the opening of the 5-star Hotel Vlora Priam in Albania, before returning to Italy for his most prestigious role to date. At Grand Hotel Fasano, Claudio joins Maurizio Bufi, Executive Chef at Il Fagiano, in leading the property’s talented culinary brigade.
New Menus and a Michelin-Star for Il Fagiano
Gastronomy lovers will be spoilt for choice at Grand Hotel Fasano this season, with indulgent new menus available across the property’s award-winning restaurants.
Grand Hotel Fasano’s internationally-acclaimed fine dining restaurant, Il Fagiano, was recently awarded a Michelin star in 2024 in recognition of an exquisite menu by Executive Chef Maurizio Bufi that combines the finest flavours and ingredients from Italy’s northern and southern regions. Diners can choose from a selection of indulgent tasting experiences with wine and cocktail pairings, or opt for the à la carte menu, with creative and surprising dishes utilising the finest locally sourced produce with an emphasis on sustainability. Stand out choices from the 2025 menu include Pigeon with Paerà sauce and lampascioni onions, Spaghetti with oyster and raspberry and Black garlic ice cream with wild strawberries and spiced chocolate. The full menu can be seen here.
At Trattoria Il Pescatore, guests can savour breath-taking waterfront views while indulging in exquisite Mediterranean cuisine revisited in an international perspective by Executive Chef Claudio Santini. Classic southern European flavours are fused with global influences across the new à la carte menu and five-course tasting menu, with dishes including Pike-perch meunière with spinach and candied citrus and Iberian pork with honey, carrots, fava beans and potato. The full menu can be seen here.
Magnolia restaurant provides an al-fresco lunchtime dining experience set beneath the delicate shade of 200-year-old Magnolia trees and serves a delicious array of Italian delicacies. Those in search of a light and perfectly-balanced option can opt for a bespoke salad – carefully prepared by the chef with the diner’s choice of protein, vegetables, topping and dressing – or select from a range of hors d’oeuvres, fresh fish or pasta of the day from the main menu. The full menu can be seen here.
Elsewhere, guests can enjoy laid-back all day dining, snacks, sweet treats and cocktails on a terrace overlooking the lake at La Terrazza, while Rama’s Lounge Bar awaits for an evening aperitivo. Under the expert guidance of head mixologist Rama Redzepi, each cocktail is a work of art to be appreciated, while the atmosphere evokes the immortal charm of the legendary bars of Havana and the vibrant energy of New York’s lounge bars.
About Grand Hotel Fasano
A Leading Hotel of the World with 86 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, Grand Hotel Fasano was the former hunting lodge of the royal house of Habsburg. The hotel offers guests an exclusive getaway, boasting a prime front-row position along Lake Garda, framed by lush banana and palm trees. In addition to its luxurious accommodations, this National Heritage Site encourages guests to discover the captivating charm of Italy’s most exclusive region, featuring a vibrant tapestry of medieval villages, Venetian palaces, and ancient castles.
Nestled between popular destinations Venice, Milan, and Verona, the 135-year-old retreat offers a refreshing alternative to the well-trodden tourist path, blending culture, exclusivity and relaxed Italian luxury. The season sees the unveiling of a host of new offerings for guests, including luxurious new suites, a fully renovated spa and new menus across the property’s restaurants, including the recently awarded one Michelin star Il Fagiano.
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from €600 (£505*) for an Executive room with lake view and balcony on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel opens for the 2025 season from 4th April. For more information and to book, visit www.ghf.it/en/*Price in pound sterling accurate on date of publication