La Marina - PONTIDA

This is a treasure! We discovered it almost by chance (thanks to TripAdvisor, actually), and think it one of the most memorable dining experiences ever. It's not the fanciest and there is no glam Michelin star chef it is a family run restaurant featuring regional cuisine with some very clever highlights, but it's basically local dishes with fresh ingredients and sound principles. Manuela runs the hotel and restaurant with the help of her family, taking orders, cooking, and doing it all with such grace. My husband is a masterchef, so we know and love our food. We unfortunately have children who are picky eaters, but we never had a problem getting them to eat at La Marina. The lamb skewers were a huge hit, and there is a very clever dish where she uses thinly sliced ham and veal, wraps it on a hardwood stick and grills it. Her pasta dishes are brilliant, and her restaurant has a lovely, welcoming ambiance. Manuela is fluent in French (and Italian, obviously) and speaks very good English. I really feel we discovered a special place, with special people. If you're nearby, you MUST try! I just realised I can't really comment on the view my eyes were fixed on my plate most of the time, but I'm sure it's lovely.

Just returned after four nights at La Marina, a fabulous family run hotel with super local food, I was in Italy on business and needed a taxi each day, there are no local taxi's but Sergio, the owner took me to work and collected me each day for a very reasonable charge. The hotel is of a very high standard but is well up the mountainside with very steep winding roads with no other bars etc around so do not expect nightlife but if you want the best of Italian food and hospitality plus peace and quiet and I am sure places to explore, La Marina will suit you. I was there in early November but I can imagine it will be even more appealing in the summer, I spent a couple of restful hours each night sat on my balcony with local red wine and a cigar watching the planes land and take off as specks of light in the distance at Bergamo airport in total silence. Tom Owens

Try La Zingara: excellent. Nice wine selection, amazing deserts and overall excellent food. The Chf does it all in house

My Parents and me came here as we found the restaurant in the Micheline Guide. I called for a reservation and since it was ferragosto we were really lucky to find a place for a good lunch. they told us we should be there at 1 as the Lunch would start then and that it was 39€ ppax. and so it was!. its was a delicious menu served out of pots so you could always ask for more. the service was incredibly friendly and always prepared to give u the best time. The atmosphere was very familiar. it felt like u were invited to a friends house where u don't know everyone yet. i really enjoyed it here!!!! and I will come back for sure. btw. one bottle of wine and café after lunch was included in the price swell... i have never eaten so well for such few money!!!!!

All very good and staff very kind and helpful.