What You Need to Know About Concierge Restaurant Recommendations
By Beth Brody
Villa Flori, Milan, Italy
Trusting concierges for the full picture of local dining options could leave you missing out on hidden gems
Appetizer #1
Prior to our Viking Rhine River Cruise, we flew into Milan, Italy for a pre-excursion. The excursion included three days at the stunning four-star Villa Flori on the shores of Lake Como. We were eager to explore the beautiful surroundings and find a great place for dinner. We turned to the hotel concierge for advice on where to dine. He handed us a two-page, typed list of local restaurants. I reviewed the list and cross-referenced it with Google Maps to figure out which options were within walking distance. To my surprise, I noticed that there were a couple of highly rated restaurants less than a mile from the hotel which were not on the list.
Appetizer #2
We made a reservation at the acclaimed Casa Perrotta Restaurant and started walking along the scenic Lake Como. When we arrived, we noticed the Michelin star on the door of the small, cozy restaurant. We were seated promptly, and our server presented us with a series of appetizers as a complimentary gift from the kitchen. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Throughout the meal, our server expertly described each item, detailing the ingredients and the meticulous preparation behind every course. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.
Appetizer #3
As we savored our dessert, I couldn’t help but glance at the list of recommended restaurants that the Villa Flori concierge had given us. To my surprise, Casa Perrotta wasn’t included. Curious, I asked our server about it, and she revealed that many area restaurants, including Casa Perrotta, aren’t listed on hotel recommendation lists unless they pay for the privilege.
Appetizer #4
We discovered that there were seven Michelin-starred restaurants in Lake Como, which is quite a lot, considering there are no restaurants with a Michelin star in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. The next night, we made a reservation at Materia, another Michelin star gem a few doors down from Casa Perrotta. Another unforgettable meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant—one that, surprisingly, wasn’t included on Villa Flori’s list.
Main Dish
This experience taught us an important lesson about relying solely on hotel recommendations. While concierge suggestions can certainly be helpful, they may not always reflect the best dining options in the area. Many high-quality restaurants, even those with Michelin stars, may not appear on a hotel’s list simply because they don’t pay to be included.
So, be aware – even if your hotel gives you restaurant recommendations, do your own research or you may miss out!
Tips for a Better Dining Experience:
Don’t rely solely on the hotel’s recommendations – While hotel concierges can offer valuable insights, take the time to research the area on your own. Hotel lists are often curated based on partnerships or paid promotions, which means some of the best dining experiences might not be included. Always cross-reference with independent sources, such as the reviews you’ll find on Google maps.
Ask locals for their recommendations – Beyond the hotel concierge, local residents and business owners often have dining tips. They might recommend places that are off the beaten path or aren’t on the typical tourist lists.
Check for Michelin Stars – If fine dining is a priority, a quick online search for Michelin-starred restaurants in the area can uncover hidden culinary treasures that might be worth visiting.
While hotel concierges can certainly provide good advice, there’s a world of culinary discovery beyond their lists. By doing a bit of extra research, you can ensure that your dining experiences are memorable.