One of the best parts about a holiday in Italy is that you’re almost guaranteed to eat well. But with so many choices for restaurants in the Lake Como region, it can be difficult to choose. Here at Nancy Aiello Tours, we’ve planned dozens of trips to this beautiful Italy destination and have developed deep local knowledge on Lake Como’s best eateries, from fine dining to crotti and trattorias.
Below are 10 of our favorites Lake Como restaurants with a view that you should definitely try during your stay. Don’t forget your camera…
Our Tip: it is always better to book in advance, especially for those traveling at the weekend, during Easter and summer. And if you have never tried lake fish, this could be a good opportunity to do so!
1. Il Gatto Nero Ristorante (Cernobbio)
For a romantic dinner with fantastic views over the lake and unique Italian dishes, visit this popular family-run restaurant in Cernobbio. Be sure to make a reservation, and for the best views, ask for a table along the railing. It’s is a great choice to celebrate a special occasion or for the last dinner of your holiday.
2. Cantina Follie (Tremezzo)
Rated as one of the best restaurants in Tremezzo, Cantina Follie is a cozy wine bar that’s off the beaten path. The food menu is small, but is a great spot to go to for a glass of wine — the selection is top notch– and aperitivo, the Italian version of happy hour. Find a spot on the charming outdoor patio or enjoy the unique interior dining room.
3. Ristorante Rodrigo
Fans of Ristorante Rodrigo love this spot because of its delicious seafood dishes that don’t break the bank. I recommend visiting for lunch (the most important meal of the day, according to the Italians) so you can enjoy the views over Lake Como as you indulge in the catch of the day. The staff is just lovely as well!
4. La Fagurida (Tremezzo)
La Fagurida should be considered a piece of the history of the Como cuisine and a great location to enjoy the view of the languid Lake Como. Created from a stone farmhouse, with simple furnishings and a large fireplace, since 1974 the trattoria on Lake Como has been run by the same family. The place is perfect for enjoying typical local cuisine, with its strong flavors. The mains represent the best of the menu: grilled meats, roasted rabbit, skewers and braised meat in red wine. Then, obviously, lake fish such as whitefish and grilled missoltini. Queen of the table is polenta, which is always eaten here even at the height of the summer. As for the wine, it’s worth trying the house wine, or move a little further away with a bottle of Inferno, a Valtellina red. After such a glorious meal walk through the villages of Tramezzina or to Villa Carlotta: to unwind and discover the beauties of the place.
5. Momi (Blevio)
Returning towards Como, in Blevio we find Momi, a place where you can literally caress the lake thanks to its magnificent terrace which offers breathtaking sunsets in a romantic dinner atmosphere. A special cuisine thanks to the passion that Momi, owner and chef, puts into the kitchen through the imagination of his dishes. Sitting here means being pampered by the peace and beauty of the lake. A stop to savor the unique climate that the Lario can offer, in other words poetry served on the table. All this as long as you are punctual, the place collects the last orders at 2.15pm (lunch) and 9.30pm (dinner).
6. Osteria Vecchio Molo (Laglio)
A few meters from Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s famous Como residence in Laglio, a sign on the door of the restaurant also says so, an environment where you can taste all the classic dishes of Lake Como. Both outdoors, on the old Regina with a view towards Pognana, and inside the rooms with a typical flavour, a place rich in gastronomic history. Il Vecchio Molo is a tavern where you can find all the flavors of the Lario, a guarantee for those who are not looking for surprises.
7. Trattoria del Porto (Careno)
We continue this little journey starting from Careno di Nesso, from one of the oldest places on Lake Como. We are talking about Trattoria del Porto, managed for decades by the Zambra family. A postcard lake setting and a menu based almost exclusively on lake fish. The view offered from the terrace is truly priceless in this timeless refuge which can be reached from the lake by boat or car, then walking down the Lariana and crossing the narrow and unique alleys of Careno. Certainly one of the most welcoming, typical and genuine trattorias overlooking Lake Como, open since 1961 and always very popular (from March to November as it is closed in other months), you can taste the typical specialties of lake gastronomy.
8. Una finestra sul lago (Carate)
Directly overlooking Lake Como, in Carate Urio, we find Una finestra sul Lago, a place that offers delicious and refined cuisine and delicious Italian gourmand pizza enriched by a suggestive panoramic view. Inspired by the ancient Italian culinary tradition, all dishes are prepared with great attention and taste. Creativity, harmony, and high quality produces are the ingredients of each dish, embellished by the magical touch of Chef Davide Foriglio in a sublime mix of flavors.
9. Crotto Valdurino (Moltrasio)
We start from the Regina road, one of the most evocative routes of the Lario. Here you find a very characteristic trattoria: the Crotto Valdurino. In its rooms that have the flavor of grandmother’s house or on the splendid terrace overlooking Lake Como looking towards Torno, you can spend a typically Como experience. The rustic setting of this authentic crotto at the top of a staircase, open since 1882 serves customers with its warm, professional and unaffected welcome. Tasty and genuine cuisine.
10. Crotto Isidoro (Stazzona)
The Crotto Isidoro is a historic family-run restaurant which, especially in summer, turns into a must go destination for those looking for the typical dishes of the Como tradition: polenta, grilled meats, tripe, cheeses, cured meats. In an absolutely unique environment, with a spectacular view of Lake Como, here you can savor the taste of Italian lifestyle, where food, wine, conviviality and views offer guests an unforgettable moment.
Plan a Trip to Lake Como
Lake Como is certainly one of Italy’s most desirable destinations. Its reputation as a flashy magnet for the rich and famous has persisted for generations, and understandably so, considering the scenic clusters of villages and majestic villas perched on its banks. And with luxury hotels on the scene like the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Villa d’Este, a fresh air of opulence is blowing through.
When to visit: Summertime is arguably the most splendid season to enjoy Italy’s most famous lake, though the pleasant weather attracts pretty big crowds, especially in July and August. Plan a visit in May or September, which still ensures plenty of sunshine but without the influx of tourists.
How long to stay: 3 days
Don’t leave without…
- Sipping an espresso at Cremeria Bolla, a locally adored cafe since 1893.
- Taking a leisurely boat trip around the lake.
- Visiting the area’s most legendary villas, like Villa del Balbianello in Lenno (a popular filming location), Villa Melzi in Bellagio, and Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo.
Have Nancy Aiello Tours Plan Your Italy Trip
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