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Our story
Our story
Timeless hospitality in Riva del Garda
On the site of ancient Roman settlements, whose precious remains we still preserve today, stands our historic and stately residence.
This house stands as a steadfast witness to the passage of time, telling the story of the lives and hardships of the people of Riva, while overlooking a landscape that has enchanted travellers for centuries.
The Upper Garda region and our land have, indeed, welcomed and captivated illustrious figures throughout the ages.
From Dante Alighieri, the great Italian poet, who celebrated our lake on his travels, writing: “Up in beautiful Italy lies a lake, at the foot of the Alps that enclose Lamagna, above Tiralli, which is called Benaco.”
To the German poet J.W. Goethe, who captured its timeless allure in his diaries, revealing the beauty of Lake Garda to the eyes of the world.
The Upper Garda region and our land have, indeed, welcomed and captivated illustrious figures throughout the ages.
From Dante Alighieri, the great Italian poet, who celebrated our lake on his travels, writing: “Up in beautiful Italy lies a lake, at the foot of the Alps that enclose Lamagna, above Tiralli, which is called Benaco.”
To the German poet J.W. Goethe, who captured its timeless allure in his diaries, revealing the beauty of Lake Garda to the eyes of the world.
The origins and name of Restel de Fer
If you look up at the facade of the Locanda, you’ll notice an old gate hanging on the wall, which in the Riva dialect was called Restel de Fer.
The gate opened onto a vast expanse: the estate of the noble de’ Lutti family, tended by the Meneghelli, farmers and cattle traders.
The gate opened onto a vast expanse: the estate of the noble de’ Lutti family, tended by the Meneghelli, farmers and cattle traders.
An ancient family tradition
Long before it became a Locanda, this was already a safe haven: a farm surrounded by fields and olive trees, where travellers found shelter, a good glass of wine and a warm meal.
Over time, the name Restel de Fer came to mean more than just the gate: it came to tell the story of a place, a family and their natural gift for hospitality.
Over time, the name Restel de Fer came to mean more than just the gate: it came to tell the story of a place, a family and their natural gift for hospitality.
Bruno and Lina: how the Locanda came to be
In 1965, our grandparents, Bruno and Lina Meneghelli, decided to open their Locanda: a trattoria and five guest rooms nestled in the soothing peace of the countryside, designed to offer a peaceful and restful retreat to anyone who stopped by.
Enio and Ida: tradition in motion
In the early 1980s, our parents, Enio and Ida, followed in the footsteps of Bruno and Lina. Through extensive renovations, they turned Restel de Fer into a well-known destination, famous for its excellent cuisine, fine wine, and authentic atmosphere.
Room by room, the Locanda has grown, while carefully preserving its heritage.
Room by room, the Locanda has grown, while carefully preserving its heritage.
Today it's us, Chiara and Marco
In this latest chapter, we’ve taken up the mantle from Mom and Dad.
With the latest restoration, we’ve breathed new life into the Locanda, blending contemporary comfort with the authentic soul of our home.
We’ve reimagined the spaces while preserving and enhancing the original structure, creating 24 unique rooms and suites.
With the latest restoration, we’ve breathed new life into the Locanda, blending contemporary comfort with the authentic soul of our home.
We’ve reimagined the spaces while preserving and enhancing the original structure, creating 24 unique rooms and suites.
Our story
About Us
Being the third generation
For us, being part of this family means keeping a promise: to welcome you with the warmth and passion we’ve grown up with since childhood, while striving to blend modern technology with the timeless spirit of this home.
After completing our university studies, we chose to return to our roots and devote ourselves entirely to this place. We care for this land just as the generations before us did, tending to our family’s olive groves on Monte Brione and continuing to produce our own extra virgin olive oil to this day.
We believe that hospitality means sharing all of this with the travellers who choose to stay with us: our home, our local flavors, the scenery, and the slow pace of life on Lake Garda.
After completing our university studies, we chose to return to our roots and devote ourselves entirely to this place. We care for this land just as the generations before us did, tending to our family’s olive groves on Monte Brione and continuing to produce our own extra virgin olive oil to this day.
We believe that hospitality means sharing all of this with the travellers who choose to stay with us: our home, our local flavors, the scenery, and the slow pace of life on Lake Garda.