Okay, let’s dive into the delicious world of Lake Como! It’s a foodie’s paradise, packed with hidden gems and culinary delights. Think mouthwatering local dishes, world-class wines, and cozy trattorias with unforgettable lake views.
Forget the usual tourist traps. Our food tours are all about uncovering the real Lake Como. We’ll take you off the beaten path, to places only locals know. You’ll taste the best of the best. To see all our recommended restaurants visit the dedicated section.
We’re not just about the food, though. We’re also passionate about sharing the stories behind the dishes. Learn about the region’s rich history and culture, and how it’s shaped the local cuisine. Remember: these food and drink tours are your passport to an unforgettable culinary experience.
Top Lake Como Food Tours
Best towns where to eat on Lake Como
Lake Como is a food lover’s dream, and the best part? Every town has its own unique culinary identity. Here are a few of my favorites.
Bellagio | A Luxury Dinner
If you’re looking to indulge, Bellagio has several Michelin-starred restaurants. These upscale establishments offer innovative dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. Bellagio is also home to several excellent wineries. Take a wine tasting tour and sample some of the region’s finest wines, such as the renowned Lugana.
Varenna | Seafood paradise
With its prime location on the lake, in Varenna, you’ll find an abundance of fresh catches right at your doorstep. From delicate whitefish to succulent prawns, the local restaurants offer a variety of seafood dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, such as a crisp white Lugana or a full-bodied red Valtellina.
Menaggio | Tradition and Modern fusion
Menaggio itself is a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern flair. Its culinary scene is no exception. In recent years, Menaggio has seen a rise in innovative restaurants that are reimagining traditional Italian cuisine. These establishments combine classic flavors with modern techniques and global influences, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and exciting. An ideal wine to accompany the meal would be something such as a crisp Franciacorta or a robust Valtellina.
Como City | The heart of the Lake
Como City offers a fantastic mix of traditional trattorias, modern bistros, and chic cafes. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest wines, such as Saronno and Valtellina. Many restaurants offer excellent wine lists, and there are also several wine bars in the city center.
Traditional specialties you can’t miss
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors (as Milan), Lake Como boasts a rich and unique food scene that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, come hungry and ready to explore the flavors of this beautiful region.
Polenta | The Star of the Show
Let’s start with polenta, a staple of the Lombard diet and a real showstopper in Como. Here, polenta isn’t just a side dish; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Polenta uncia is a local favorite, a creamy polenta topped with a generous amount of butter and cheese. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try polenta toch, a hearty dish from Bellagio that’s traditionally served with a blend of melted butter, cheese, and water.
Freshwater Flavors | Mixed Fish Fried, Risotto al Persico, Lavarello, Missoltini
Lake Como is surrounded by water, so it’s no surprise that fish plays a starring role in the local cuisine. Starting with a classic Italian appetizer: Mixed Fried Fish. The Lake Como version often features a medley of small fish, lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection. Then we have Risotto al Persico, infused with the delicate flavor of perch and often includes a touch of lemon zest for brightness. Continuing with Lavarello in Carpione, a tangy dish made with marinated lavarello (a type of whitefish), that is a true taste of Como. The fish is cooked in a sweet and sour sauce with plenty of onions. Last but not least Missoltini, salted and dried sardines that are a local specialty. Traditionally served with polenta, they offer a unique and intense flavor.
Cheesy Delights | Dairy Paradise
The dairy scene in Como is equally impressive. Semuda is a semi-hard cheese made from skimmed cow’s milk, while zola di capra is a flavorful goat’s cheese. Don’t forget to try zincarlin, a soft cheese made from whey and often flavored with herbs.
A Wine Country
While not as famous as its neighboring regions, Lake Como produces some excellent wines. Look for local varieties like Nebbiolo and Merlot. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, so you can pair your meal with the perfect glass of wine.
Best Food & Drinks Tours on Lake Como
If you’re ready to indulge your senses and discover the true essence of Lake Como, join us on a food and wine tour. You won’t regret it!
Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake
Forget battling crowds for that perfect Instagram shot – let’s delve deeper into the heart of Como with a wine tasting experience led by a real-life sommelier! This intimate tour ditches the tourist traps and takes you straight to an elegant wine shop near the city’s charming old town.
A friendly sommelier will be your guide through the world of Italian wines. They’ll break down each sip, explaining the varietals, their unique characteristics, and even the stories behind the wineries that produced them. Consider yourself a budding vino connoisseur by the end!
Unlike those impersonal, massive tours, this one keeps things cozy. Limited to just 12 participants, you’ll have the space to chat with the sommelier, fellow wine enthusiasts, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. The tasting might end, but the fun doesn’t! The shop boasts a vast collection of Italian and international wines. So, if you find yourself falling head over heels for a particular bottle, you can snag it on your way out.
Lake Como Food Tour – Eat like a real Local
We’re skipping the tourist traps and heading straight for hidden eateries tucked away in Como’s charming old town. The guide will lead you on a delicious adventure, stopping at their favorite spots. Forget chain restaurants – you’ll be rubbing elbows with Como residents and savoring dishes they love.
We’re talking cured meats so good they’ll make your eyes water, perfectly paired with local wines in a historic setting. Plus, you’ll indulge in “polenta uncia“, the undisputed queen of the Como table – a creamy polenta dream with braised meat or cheesy goodness.
Get ready for “sciatt“, addictive little fried cheese fritters – crispy on the outside, with a gooey, melty center. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you. No Italian meal is complete without dessert! You’ll experience the “nuvola cake“, a light-as-a-cloud treat filled with apricot jam, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Top it all off with a classic Italian espresso and a scoop of gelato – the perfect way to fuel your afternoon explorations.
Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Como
Ever dreamed of whipping up restaurant-quality pasta and wowing your guests with a decadent tiramisu? Ditch the pre-made sauce and frozen desserts – on this small-group pasta and tiramisu class in Como, you’ll learn the secrets straight from the source: a local Italian home!
You step into a charming Como residence, greeted by a warm “Ciao!” from your Cesarina host. Cesarine are like the Italian grandmas of the cooking world, passionate about preserving regional traditions. They’ll spill all their family secrets as you knead fresh pasta dough, learning the art of rolling it by hand (no fancy machines here!). Don’t worry if you’re a kitchen newbie – the intimate group size (max 8 people) ensures everyone gets personalized attention.
The best part? You get to create not just one, but two iconic Italian dishes! We’re talking about mastering the art of fresh pasta varieties like ravioli or gnocchi (or maybe a creamy risotto!), followed by the legendary tiramisu – ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered with creamy mascarpone, and dusted with cocoa powder. Pure culinary bliss!
Top Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake
Forget packing your suitcase for a vineyard tour – on this Como adventure, you’ll be a vino VIP right in the heart of the charming old town! This guided tasting takes the stress out of navigating Como’s countless wines, offering a carefully curated selection of top Italian (and even some bubbly!) options under one roof.
Inside a local wine shop, you’ll be greeted by a friendly sommelier – your personal wine guru for the afternoon. They’ll pull back the cork on a variety of prestigious white, red, and sparkling labels, each with a unique story to tell. Forget stuffy textbooks, your sommelier will explain everything in bite-sized (pun intended) pieces, from the wine’s terroir (where those grapes grew up!) to the passionate producers behind each bottle.
But wait, there’s more! To truly tantalize your taste buds, each sip is paired with a selection of mouthwatering gourmet specialties. Think cured meats, local cheeses, and maybe even a surprise or two for vegetarians. Basically, it’s a flavor fiesta in your mouth, all perfectly matched to your glass.
Explore all Lake Como Food & Drinks tours
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? These Lake Como food and drink tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Book your tour today and let your taste buds take you on a journey.
