Where to eat in Lake Como

I totally get it, I’ve been there myself. You arrive all excited about your destination (in your case, Lake Como), eager to find the perfect restaurant to savor the local cuisine. But then the overwhelming number of options can be a bit daunting, leaving you feeling lost and confused. Hours spent scrolling through reviews and comparing menus in search of that elusive perfect place that balances flavor and budget.

Here in Italy, you can pretty much eat well wherever you go. Of course, some places might not offer the most authentic traditional dishes or might be a bit pricey (we’re talking about Lake Como here, after all).

Don’t worry though. I wrote this guide specifically for situations like this, when you’re feeling a bit lost. So I’ve put together a list of the best areas to try local specialties, and I’ve even included some of my personal recommendations. Happy reading!

Culinary Offer and its Stars

Food lover or simply looking to experience the authentic flavors of Como? This destination offers a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds. From hearty polenta dishes to delicate wines, the region’s cuisine is a true reflection of its rich history and natural beauty.

Hearty and Savory

Polenta, once a staple food of the region’s farmers, has evolved into a versatile ingredient, often paired with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Meat plays a significant role in Comasco cuisine, with famous Brianza cured meats holding a DOP certification. Game meats such as deer and wild boar are also popular, often prepared in traditional dishes like cassoeula.

Dairy Delights

The region is equally famous for its cheeses, including the spicy ricotta-based zincarlino, the creamy Taleggio, and the aromatic Quartirolo Lombardo.

Fresh from the Lake

Lake Como provides an abundance of fresh fish, with agoni being a local favorite. These small fish are salted, dried, and pressed to create the delicious missoltini.

Sweet Treats

For those with a sweet tooth, this destination also offers traditional desserts like cutizza, a type of focaccia, and paradel, fruit fritters. The region also produces a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, thanks to the favorable climate of the lake’s shores.

Wines of the Lario

The IGT Terre Lariane wine region, established in 2008, produces a variety of wines, including the local Verdesa and Rosseia grapes, as well as international varieties like Merlot and Sangiovese. The Domasino, a white and red wine made from grapes grown on the western shores of the lake, is particularly noteworthy for its freshness and fruitiness.

Try them all in this recommended food tour:

Where to eat: best hotel restaurants

Many of the lake’s finest hotels boast world-class restaurants, some of which have been awarded prestigious Michelin stars. These establishments offer unforgettable dining experiences, combining exquisite cuisine with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Mistral (Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni) – Bellagio

Located within the prestigious Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, in Bellagio, Mistral restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. Helmed by executive chef Ettore Bocchia, this Michelin-recognized establishment is renowned for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine and unwavering commitment to the highest quality ingredients. With an extensive wine list featuring over 400 labels, Mistral’s sommeliers are always on hand to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.

➩ Prenota ora un soggiorno al Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

L’ARIA (Mandarin Oriental) – Blevio

L’ARIA offers a relaxed and convivial gourmet dining experience. Helmed by Chef Massimiliano Blasone, the restaurant presents a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine, incorporating Japanese influences. Chef Blasone’s innovative culinary techniques highlight the flavors and quality of the finest seasonal ingredients, resulting in beautifully crafted dishes designed for sharing. With floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary furnishings, the dining room exudes a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. The terrace is the restaurant’s centerpiece, offering breathtaking views of the lake and making it the ideal spot for alfresco dining.

➩ Verifica le disponibilità al Mandarin Oriental

Il Sereno al Lago (Il Sereno) – Torno

Within the acclaimed Il Sereno hotel and under the culinary guidance of Chef Raffaele Lenzi, Il Sereno al Lago has earned a Michelin star for its exceptional cuisine. Chef Lenzi’s philosophy centers around highlighting the pure essence of raw ingredients, infusing each dish with a delicate touch. His menus offer a journey through Italian flavors, with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Whether you choose the traditional tasting menu or the contemporary à la carte options, you’ll be treated to a memorable culinary experience.

➩ Prenota una stanza al Sereno

Where to eat: best towns and villages

From traditional trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants, this guide will lead you to the best places to savor authentic lombard cuisine. Don’t be fooled, around Lake Como, the big, fancy towns aren’t always the best places to eat. Often, the smaller, less known villages have amazing little restaurants or trattorias.

Argegno

Ever wondered what the locals are chowing down on in the charming village of Argegno? Let me tell you, the food scene here is a delightful surprise. Forget about the fancy, overpriced restaurants in the big cities – the real culinary gems are often hidden in small, unassuming trattorias. One dish that truly captures the heart and soul of Argegno is the Conchiglie con salame. Imagine tender pasta shells tossed in a rich sauce made with sautéed sausage, cauliflower, and a hint of aromatic herbs. It’s comfort food at its finest.

If you’re a cheese lover, you’re in for a treat. The Crostini di taleggio are a simple yet incredibly satisfying appetizer. Imagine crispy bread topped with melted taleggio cheese and a drizzle of truffle paste – pure heaven! And let’s not forget about the Salsa Chateaubriand. This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pairing with grilled meats. It’s made with a reduction of shallots, wine, and demi-glace, finished with a touch of lemon juice and butter.

Now, if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the Tortelli di zucca mantovani are a must-try. These pumpkin ravioli are filled with a sweet and savory mixture of amaretti cookies, mostarda, and nutmeg. They’re traditionally served with a simple butter and sage sauce. And finally, for a hearty and satisfying meal, try the Zuppa di avena ai funghi porcini. This creamy and flavorful porridge is made with oats, porcini mushrooms, and parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold winter’s day.Mostra bozze

To fully savor the taste of these dishes, consider the following options:

• Bistrò Argegno
• Pizzeria – Ristorante Lido di Argegno
• Piazzetta Lago Di Como
• Ristorante Il Sorriso
• La P’Osteria
• Ristorante Barchetta

Let’s now just move to the next town, home of the tóch, a polenta-based dish.

Bellagio

As a food lover, I was thrilled to revisit Bellagio and indulge in the region’s classic dishes. Many of these recipes have been passed down through generations in my family, making my trip a nostalgic journey. Lake Como’s cuisine is a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor, deeply rooted in the region’s mountainous and lakeside setting.

While many restaurants cater to tourists, those seeking authentic local fare should look for missoltini with polenta – small, dried fish served with a polenta porridge. Another local favorite is risotto with pesce persico (perch), a delicate and flavorful dish. For a truly rustic experience, try polenta uncia, a hearty cornmeal porridge topped with melted butter, garlic, sage, and cheese.

Don’t miss the toch, a savory polenta dish often served with missoltini or boiled chicken. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try la resta, a traditional Easter bread filled with an olive branch, found in local bakeries during the holiday season. These are just a few of the many culinary delights waiting to be discovered in Bellagio.

Suggested places where to taste Bellagio delicacies are:

• NANDO
• Bellagio Bar Pizzeria Splendide
• Bar Vecchio Borgo
• Hotel Ristorante Suisse Bellagio
• Antico Pozzo Ristorante – Pizzaria
• Babayaga

Our next stop is the perfect mix between lake and mountain savors.

Tremezzina

The typical cuisine of Tremezzina features a range of traditional dishes that showcase the area’s bounty. These dishes, born from humble beginnings, have endured the test of time and continue to be enjoyed in restaurants, trattorias, and family gatherings.

This is a delightful blend of lake and mountain flavors, reflecting a long-standing tradition of hearty and simple dishes. Polenta, the lombard iconic dish, is a versatile staple that can be enjoyed with various toppings, from cheese and butter to rich sauces and meats. Another local specialty (as in other towns around) is Missoltini, small, salted, and sun-dried fish that are typically served with polenta.

For a more refined dining experience, consider trying risotto with perch, a creamy rice dish featuring delicate flakes of fish. Other must-try dishes include fried Alborelle, a crispy and flavorful appetizer, and fish marinated in a vibrant green sauce. To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in Miascia, a comforting dessert made with stale bread and dried fruit, or Paradello, a simple yet delicious pancake-like treat.

Our suggested options where find the perfect foodie experience are:

• La Fagurida
• La Darsena
• Casa Aquadulza
• Trattoria Rana
• Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento
• La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi

Don’t miss our next sojourn, in the city that gives its name to this beautiful Lake.

Como

Como is the town which the Lake is named after. Of course it represents a compendium of all specialties here around. At the heart of Como’s culinary scene is polenta, versatile, from cornmeal. Whether enjoyed on its own with melted butter and cheese or as a base for hearty stews and braises, polenta is a staple of the local diet. Fresh from the lake, you’ll find a variety of fish, including missoltini (salted and dried fish), alborelle, perch, and trout.

These are often prepared simply, grilled or fried, or incorporated into flavorful risottos. Additionally, the region produces a variety of high-quality cheeses, such as semuda, zincarlin, and triangolo del Lario, as well as delicious cold cuts, honey, and olive oil.

For a sweet ending to your meal, indulge in Como’s traditional desserts. Miascia, a bread pudding-like dessert, is a local favorite, as are nocciolini di Canzo, small hazelnut cookies. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a sweet treat, Como’s diverse culinary offerings are sure to satisfy.

• Osteria Tavernetta
• #PiazzaRomaComo
• La Vita è Bella
• La Tua Osteria
• Figli Dei Fiori Restaurant
• Crotto del Sergente

Lecco

Lecco’s cuisine offers a delightful blend of flavors influenced by the surrounding lake. Freshwater fish is a staple in Lecco, with the lake providing an abundance of agoni, lavarelli, alborelle, and perch. A local specialty is missoltini, small, salted, and sun-dried fish, often served with polenta. Other popular fish dishes include risotto with perch fillets and squartone, a freshwater fish served in a savory green sauce.

Polenta, a versatile cornmeal porridge, is another cornerstone of Lecco’s cuisine, in elaborate dishes like polenta taragna or polenta with game. Local cheeses, such as taleggio, robiola, and quartirolo, are also widely appreciated and often paired with polenta or used in savory pies like scapinasc.

Meat lovers will find plenty to savor in Lecco. Local specialties include capponi stuffed with prunes, chestnuts, and raisins, as well as game dishes like venison and chamois. The Brianza region, part of the Lecco province, is known for its rustisciada, a hearty dish made with pork loin, sausage, and onions. Additionally, the area produces high-quality wines, including those from the Montevecchia hills, and a unique olive oil with the DOP “Laghi Lombardi” certification.

• Osteria del San Martino
• Trattoria Corte Fiorina
• Pontile Orestino
• Torchio Moderna Osteria
• Osteria Montalbano
• Autentico Restaurant

So, there you have it! A taste of the culinary delights that Lake Como has to offer. But don’t just take our word for it – plan your own gastronomic adventure and discover your favorite local dish, food tours are also available. Buon appetito!