Arguably one of the most romantic hotels in Italy, the poetically named La Speranzina (“a little hope”) is an elegant– accommodation in the heart of Sirmione, at the foot of Lake Garda. Fabrizio Molteni, a Gualtiero Marchesi alum, makes the kind of flawless, quietly luxurious cuisine that pairs well with the ambience: the terrace offers one of the best views over the lake and castle. Molteni gently incorporates a progressive element in his cooking, in dishes such as cold spaghetti in bean extraction, braised murex, sea urchins and sardine garum and chocolate or Robatayaki lobster, peppers and lovage.