The award-winning Ristorante il Sereno Al Lago at Lake Como’s award-winning hotel Il Sereno has another accomplishment to add to its list: a Michelin star. The restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Raffaele Lenzi has been with Il Sereno since 2017, a year after the hotel opened its doors on the shores of this iconic Italian lakeside destination. Though the restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2017, it has continued to keep its star under the direction of Chef Lenzi.

He’s known for serving modern cuisine with influences from Italy and around the world. He got his start in Michelin-starred restaurants in London, New York, and Rome, where he trained under some of the best chefs in the world. His devotion to his craft is seen best in his incredible dishes and inventive tasting menus. His award-winning menus include Contrasti and Classici, and on these, you’ll find his most memorable dishes like Spaghetti Al Burro Di Pistacchio E Ravanelli Marinati. Other regional specialities include plin stuffed with lake fish, oil, and sage.

“Receiving this award is a great acknowledgment,” Lenzi says. “The restaurant’s kitchen is not managed by me alone but also by my team, a large group of young, inspiring people who strongly believe in what I do, in my cuisine, and in my choices. The Michelin star is a unique recognition, and it is a clear goal that we chefs pursue. I couldn’t have wished for anything better.” He is always looking to innovate and accommodate, including launching a vegan menu, which is available for every meal. This winter, he is looking to champion the indulgent Alba White Truffle and uniquely celebrate his love of this seasonal Italian ingredient. He is known for his use of seasonal, local ingredients, always sourcing the highest-quality foods for Il Sereno guests. The Neapolitan chef says that his approach to the menu is both natural and spontaneous, but he also serves iconic and classic Italian dishes that guests might expect, such as Veal Milanese. He sources from local purveyors in Valtellina, an area close to Lake Como, and herbs and vegetables from local farms. Alongside Il Sereno’s talented sommelier, Chef Lenzi’s menus have the option of a wine pairing. The cuisine perfectly complements the world-famous Italian wines on offer.

This year also marked another award for Il Sereno. It was recognized as the #1 hotel in Italy by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. The hotel is a fashionable stay for those who love fine cuisine, exquisite views, and an overall fashionable experience. Both elegant and modern, Il Sereno is the proven choice for global travelers when their sumptuous suites, arrive at Lake Como’s beautiful shores.