Lake Como Restaurants

Food and drink is at the very heart of Italian culture. Lake Como boasts some of the very finest Italian cuisine, and is home to a number of world-class restaurants.

With good food and family being the cornerstone of Italian life it is no surprise that there are restaurants to suit every occasion and budget. Whether it be for family (Italians adore children), fine dining for romantic couples or rustic charm, the choice is mouth-watering.

Our selection of favourites is by no means exhaustive and you are assured of great food wherever you go.

Red and White – Tremezzo
The perfect family-run lakeside restaurant serving great food. You are assured of a warm atmosphere and inviting welcome from Alex and Alessia, whether you are there to sample the delicious menu or to sip an aperitivo or two. A pizza take away service is also available.
Usually closed on Wednesday
Via portici sampietro, 18
Tel +39 0344 40095

Ristorante Azalea – Tremezzo
The personality of this fabulous bar and restaurant merits its inclusion in our review even before you lift a knife and fork; JP and his staff see to that. Located on the lakefront in Tremezzo, you will not find a better location for tucking into great Italian food and drink or just for relaxing with drinks in the bar. The menu is extensive and delicious. The Azalea can also cater for wedding parties of up to 50 people.
Via Montecchio Nord, 2 Colico (lecco)
Via Portici Sanpietro
+39 0344 40424

Ristorante Red Bay – Menaggio
This restaurant with stunning lake view is at the end of the promenade on Menaggio’s lakefront. The outdoor eating area is on a promontory ensuring uninterrupted views up the lake. The food is fresh and locally sourced with delicious salads and pizzas – but don’t miss out on the rest!
Lungo Lago Castelli (near the Lido and the crazy golf)
+39 0344 32259

Ristorante da Paolo – Menaggio
Da Paolo is located directly on the main square of Menaggio with crisp white tablecloths, elegant silverware and excellent table service. Here you can try classic Italian dishes with a twist and an extensive wine list. Cooking classes can be arranged on request.
Largo Cavour 5
+39 0344 32133

Pizzeria Balognett – Tremezzo
The best pizza on the lake by as reported by the Guardian Newspaper (see link) Your hosts Franca and Melo extend the warmest of welcomes and offer a great selection of pizzas with organic, home grown ingredients. A pizza take away service is also available.
Via delle Mele 5/a Tremezzo
+39 0344 41333

Al Veluu – Tremezzo
The location and views of this stunning restaurant are beautiful. Al Veluu perches on a hill top above the town of Tremezzo. In the summer you can eat ‘al fresco’ on a large balcony or in chillier weather you can enjoy the warm dining room with its open fire.
Al Veluu is a family run restaurant and has some of the very best local, homemade cooking on the lake, with many of the ingredients grown in the gardens of the restaurant. In fact, quite a few of the dishes are prepared at your tableside ensuring you enjoy some of the freshest food possible.
This restaurant is an absolute family favourite of ours and we think no visit to the lake would be complete without dinner or lunch at Al Veluu.
Booking in advance is advisable.
+39 0344 40510

El Timon – Tremezzo
The bar is quintessentially Italian where you will find locals relaxing after a hard day’s work over a glass of Prosecco.With a well considered menu of well cooked dishes, the restaurant has very quickly become a favourite with the locals as it is open all year round except for February.
Via Portici S.Pietro, 12, Tremezzo
+39 0344 40552

Helvetia – Tremezzo
Whether you simply want a relaxing coffee or you’re visiting for dinner you will get a warm welcome any time of day at this waterfront restaurant in Tremezzo.
Via Portici Sampietro, 16
Tel. 0344 40409

Cantina Follie – Tremezzo
Not strictly a restaurant but a lovely wine bar tucked behind the main bars in Tremezzo. Run by Joost and Deborah they will talk you through the local wines which you can enjoy by the glass accompanied by a gorgeous selection of cold meats and cheeses from the region. They also hold wine tasting sessions starting at only 20 Euros per person.
Via Alessandro Volta, 14/16 Tremezzo
Tel. 0039 344 42311

Imperialino – Moltrasio
Perched right on the waterfront in the elegant surroundings of Moltrasio, Imperialino really does tick the boxes for a stunning location and beautiful food. The spacious restaurant and terrace are the perfect setting to enjoy fine dining in a more formal atmosphere, although the interior is a little tired. However, with dishes including Lobster with aniseed and Handmade Tortellini Surprise you truly won’t be disappointed with the food.
Book in advance for this one.
Via Durini 22010 moltrasio
+39 031 346120

Bar Ambrosiano – Como
No trip to Como is complete without stopping by for an apperativo or two. Ross and Davide make your visit a treat and the oysters and champagne help too! A great way to end a day’s shopping.
Piazza Cavour, 8 Como
Tel. 0039 3939649602

Locanda dell’Isola Comacina – Isola Comacina
This amazing restaurant is as legendary as is its charismatic owner! The tiny island of Isola Comacina is only accessible by small boats as it lays nestled close to the shoreline of the lake. The fixed menu is an experience that is not to be missed and will have you talking about it for years. ‘Google’ Locanda dell’ Isola Comacina for lots of reviews and stories.
Booking in advance is required.
Isola Comacina
+39 0344 55083 / 0344 56

Il Gatto Nero – Cernobbio
High above the town of Cernobbio sits one of Lake Como’s most exclusive and fashionable restaurants: Il Gatto Nero. Patronised by the great and the good, including the likes of Mr Clooney, diners are treated to intimate dining and typical regional cuisine. Despite its celebrity appeal its not glitzy or intimidating in any way – in fact it has a comfortable, understated ambience. During the summer we recommend you ask to be seated on the restaurant’s balcony where you can enjoy world-class Italian food and one of the world’s greatest vistas. It really does not get any better than this.
Highly recommended and very exclusive, booking in advance is an absolute must.
Via Monte Santo 69, Cernobbio
+39 031 512042

Le Colonne
This is the restaurant of the hotel of the same name and for us no trip to Como ever passes without lunch here. Situated in a lovely old piazza off the main streets Le Colonne is cosy in the winter as it has a fire and a very warm ambience, yet in the summer you can sit in the large air conditioned conservatory or outside in the Piazza. The tables are crisply presented with white linens and glistening glasses. The menu is classic regional dishes that are seasonal and very well prepared. In particular we like the Al forno (roasted dishes) and the pizza, which come courtesy of a dedicated pizza chef and a proper wood burning pizza oven.
Price wise its very reasonable and for either lunch or dinner you will definitely feel you have had your moneys worth. Le Colonne is very popular with the Italians so it must be good!
Piazza Mazzini 12, 22100 Como
Tel 031.266166

Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento
Marco and Vittoria are the team behind one of our favourite restaurants at lake Como. This has to be the most romantic restaurant we know. Situated in the alleyways of Azzano in Mezzegra, the restaurant is in a beautiful old building that dates back centuries. The interior is a stunning blend of antico Italian styles, with high ceilings and stunning arched stone windows draped in silk. The food is of the fine dining variety and not only looks fantastic but tastes just as good too.
Marco is a trained Sommelier and a certified foodie, so expect a commentary on your choice of food and drink as he adds to the experience with his extensive knowledge. In the winter it is lit with candles and the roar of the fire, and in summer its cool and comfortable. If you want a romantic evening, then this has to be the place.
Via S. Abbondio 8 22010, Azzano di Mezzegra (CO)
Tel: (+39) 0344 41159

Porto Vino – Colico
We recently stumbled across this small cosy restaurant just off the main square of Colico. We knew it was going to be great because it was full of Italians. The warm and inviting atmosphere promised honest Italian food – and we weren’t disappointed. There were many highlights but the Bolognese sauce was one of the best we’ve tasted in 30 years. If you visit Colico you simply must eat here.
Via Montecchio Nord, 2 Colico (Lecco)
Tel +39 0341 940253

Here is a great selection of some of the finest restaurants on the lake that we have yet to review. All of these are said to be of the very best standard on lake como by people we trust. If you eat in one please let us know! your review would be greatly appreciated.

La Figurida – Tremezzo
via S. Martino. 15 22019 Tremezzo Fraz Rogaro (Co)
tel 0039 0344 40676

Crotto Dei Platini – Brienno
Via Regina, 73 22010 Brienno (Co)
tel 0039 031 814 038

Ristorante Pizzeria Orso Bruno – Carate Urio
Via Regina Vecchia, 45 22010 Carate Urio (Co)
tel 0039 031 400136

Navedano – Como
Via Panniliani 22010 Como
tel 0039 031 308 080

Castello di Casiglio – Erba
Via Cantu, 21 22036 Erba
tel 0039 031 627 288

Ristorante Al Torchio di Carimate – Carimate
P.zza Castello. 4 22060 Carimate (Co)
tel 0039 031 791 486

Ristorante Grillo
Via Ghigollo, 6 22070 Capiago Intimiano (Co)
tel 0039 031 460 185

Tenuta Sant Andrea Ristorante Albergo – Montorfano
Via Como, 19 22030 Montorfano (Co)
tel 0039 031 200 220

Trattoria del Glicine Cernobbio
Via Paolo Careano, 1 22012 Cernobbio (Co)
tel 0039 031 511 332

Locanda La Tirlindana – Sala Comacina
Piazza Matteotti, 22010 Sala Comacina (Co)
tel 0039 0344 566 37

2Bed- Como
Via Piadeni 22/24 -22100
tel 0039 0344 57093

Touring Cafe – Como
Piazza Cavour, 29 22100 Como
tel 0039 031 449 0587