Baba, of Italian-Welsh descent, has extensive experience as a chef in various locations across Italy and the world. Martina, after studying in London and specializing in event planning, began assisting Baba with his dinners, focusing on table settings and special arrangements. In 2021, while walking through the streets of Bellagio, they came up with an idea: to open a place of their own that would express both of their souls and personalities.
This idea materialized into Dispensa63, a cozy spot tucked away from the busy lakeside tourist crowds. Originally opened in the 1950s as Bellagio’s first inn, it was a gathering place for boatmen to stop, chat, and enjoy a drink. Baba and Martina renovated the space, bringing back the energy and identity of the original location. It became a home for them, as well as for their guests, who find a large wooden table, inherited from Baba’s grandfather, welcoming them like a family dining table. The exposed stone walls, typical of the lake region, and the illuminated beams on the ceiling add to the charm of the space. Details of Martina’s homeland, Puglia, are also present: linen fabrics, wood, and woven wicker.
In 2025, after four years of running the restaurant alongside workshops and events, Dispensa63 evolved to focus more on experiential dining. They now offer private dinners and informal kitchen parties, as well as tailor-made experiences, such as cooking classes and workshops in collaboration with local artists and artisans to unleash creativity. Baba’s cuisine remains the centerpiece, with Cooking Classes Around the Table, where guests prepare Italian dishes followed by a simple lunch to test out the recipes and skills they’ve learned, as well as Tavolate Conviviali. Dispensa63 now opens for a few services each week, offering a single tasting menu that changes with the seasons to provide guests with the freshest and most authentic local flavors.
Beyond the welcoming walls of Dispensa63, Baba and Martina offer immersive activities in nature, such as picnics and gastronomic trails in peaceful, secluded settings away from the daily hustle. They also host afternoon teas, aperitifs, and creative workshops in collaboration with local businesses. All experiences can easily be booked via the Dispensa63 website. Dispensa63 aims to be a space for sharing and conviviality, dynamic and ever-evolving. The name “Dispensa” refers to a collection—of notes, stories, and memories carefully cataloged and preserved here. The number 63 tells the story of a bet: “How many steps are there from the street to reach Dispensa?” The answer is simple: 63.