The 15 Best Restaurants Not to Miss in the Towns Along the Shores of Lake Como

Lake Como is one of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations, known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich culinary heritage. The towns along the lake—Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Lenno—each offer exceptional dining experiences, from fine-dining establishments with panoramic lake views to family-run trattorias serving generations-old recipes.

If you're wondering where to eat in Lake Como, where to eat in Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and Lenno, this list features the best restaurants that you simply cannot miss. These handpicked spots offer authentic Italian cuisine, fresh local ingredients, and unforgettable views.

But first, have you booked your accommodation yet? While planning your trip to Lake Como ensure you've booked the perfect accommodation through Have You Got. Whether you're looking to stay in the centre or along the lakefront, you'll find the ideal place to suit your needs to make your stay even more enjoyable.

Como

1. Ristorante I Tigli in Theoria

Housed inside a 15th-century Renaissance palace, Ristorante I Tigli in Theoria is Como’s most elegant fine-dining experience, offering Michelin-starred cuisine in a setting that feels straight out of history. The interior features stone archways, warm candlelit tables, and a tranquil courtyard, creating an atmosphere that is both romantic and refined.

The menu is a celebration of Italian haute cuisine, with expertly crafted dishes such as butter-poached lobster, truffle-infused risotto, and slow-cooked veal with saffron foam. Every plate is a work of art, carefully plated to enhance both visual appeal and taste. The wine list is extensive, featuring the best selections from Italy and beyond, making it one of the top choices for wine lovers.

📍 Location: Via Indipendenza, 1, 22100 Como CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed Sunday & Monday
📌 Booking: Essential, especially in peak season
⭐ Review: “An exceptional fine-dining experience. Every dish was perfection, and the historic setting made it even more magical.” – Luca M.
🌍 Website: https://itiglirestaurant.it/restaurant
📞 Phone: +39 031 305272

2. Osteria del Gallo

This charming family-run osteria is a hidden gem in the historic heart of Como, offering a warm and intimate dining experience. The decor is rustic yet elegant, with wooden beams, vintage Italian artwork, and soft candlelight, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cozy meal with loved ones.

The menu is focused on traditional Lombard cuisine, featuring homemade tagliatelle with wild boar ragu, slow-braised ossobuco with saffron risotto, and hearty polenta with locally sourced cheeses. Every dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the restaurant takes pride in its longstanding commitment to preserving the flavors of Northern Italy.

📍 Location: Via Vitani, 16, 22100 Como CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Closed Sundays
📌 Booking: Recommended, as it fills up quickly
⭐ Review: “A true taste of authentic Lombardy. The ossobuco was the best I’ve ever had, and the atmosphere made it feel like dining in old Italy.” – Sofia R.
🌍 Website: https://www.osteriadelgallocomo.com
📞 Phone: +39 031 382525

3. La Colombetta

For those looking for a refined yet welcoming dining experience, La Colombetta is an elegant Italian restaurant specializing in seafood, housed in a charming stone-walled building that dates back centuries. The soft lighting, stylish furniture, and warm hospitality make it one of the most inviting restaurants in Como.

The house specialty is seafood, with standout dishes such as handmade pasta with sea urchin, salt-crusted seabass, and grilled king prawns drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil. However, their classic truffle pasta is also a must-try for those seeking something more decadent.

📍 Location: Via Coloniola, 18, 22100 Como CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📌 Booking: Highly recommended
⭐ Review: “The best seafood in Como, hands down. The atmosphere was elegant yet welcoming, and the flavors were simply divine.” – Matteo B.
🌍 Website: https://www.lacolombetta.it
📞 Phone: +39 031 526327

Bellagio

4. Ristorante Silvio

For over a century, Ristorante Silvio has been a pillar of Bellagio’s culinary scene, serving some of the best fresh fish on Lake Como. Located just outside the town center, this family-run establishment offers a stunning lakeside setting where guests can dine on a sun-drenched terrace with panoramic views or enjoy a cozy meal inside its warm, rustic dining room with exposed wooden beams and elegant white tablecloths.

The menu is a celebration of local flavors, focusing on freshwater fish caught directly from the lake, as well as seasonal ingredients from the surrounding region. Their signature dish, Risotto con Pesce Persico, features creamy saffron-infused risotto topped with delicate, pan-fried perch fillets—a true taste of Lake Como. Other must-try dishes include the pike quenelle in butter sauce, a local delicacy, and the tender braised beef slow-cooked in Nebbiolo wine. Pair your meal with a glass of Lugana white wine, produced in nearby vineyards, for a perfect complement to the flavors of the lake.

📍 Location: Via Carcano, 12, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€ – €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Essential for dinner and recommended for lunch during peak season
⭐ Review: “An unforgettable lakeside experience. The perch risotto was creamy and rich, yet light, and the setting was magical.” – Alessia G.
🌍 Website: https://www.bellagiosilvio.com
📞 Phone: +39 031 950322

5. La Punta Spartivento

Sitting at the northernmost tip of Bellagio, where the three branches of Lake Como meet, La Punta Spartivento offers some of the most spectacular dining views in the region. With its outdoor terrace directly facing the water, guests are treated to an uninterrupted panorama of the snow-capped Alps, the shimmering blue lake, and the charming villages of Varenna and Menaggio in the distance. The interior is simple and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The menu is heavily inspired by the lake, with dishes such as Tagliolini al Nero di Seppia—homemade squid ink pasta with fresh shrimp and cherry tomatoes—and grilled lavarello (whitefish) drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil. Meat lovers can indulge in the succulent veal cutlet Milanese, perfectly golden and crispy. For dessert, their tiramisu is a house favorite, made fresh daily with locally sourced mascarpone cheese and espresso-soaked savoiardi biscuits.

📍 Location: Via Eugenio Vitali, 19, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€ – €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📌 Booking: Highly recommended for lake-view tables
⭐ Review: “The perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and mouthwatering cuisine. The squid ink pasta was packed with flavor!” – James T.
🌍 Website: https://www.lapuntabellagio.com
📞 Phone: +39 031 951888

6. Trattoria San Giacomo

For a quintessential Bellagio dining experience, Trattoria San Giacomo is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the town’s picturesque cobbled streets, this charming trattoria is small, intimate, and bursting with authentic Italian charm. Inside, you’ll find stone walls, wooden tables, and hanging copper pots, creating a warm and rustic ambiance that feels like stepping into a traditional Italian home.

The menu is focused on classic, no-frills Italian cooking, with dishes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their homemade pappardelle with wild boar ragu is a standout, featuring tender, slow-braised wild boar in a rich red wine sauce served over perfectly al dente pasta. Other favorites include the grilled lake trout with rosemary and lemon and the risotto al tartufo, a fragrant truffle risotto that is pure indulgence.

With only a handful of tables, the restaurant fills up quickly, so booking ahead is a must. Pair your meal with a glass of Valtellina Superiore, a red wine from the Lombardy region, and finish with a house-made limoncello for the perfect end to a meal.

📍 Location: Salita Serbelloni, 45, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed Sundays
📌 Booking: Strongly advised due to limited seating
⭐ Review: “A hidden treasure in Bellagio. The wild boar ragu was rich and hearty, and the atmosphere was exactly what you’d hope for in an authentic Italian trattoria.” – Sophie M.
🌍 Website: https://www.trattoriasangiacomo.com
📞 Phone: +39 031 950329

Varenna

7. Ristorante La Vista

Perched on a hillside terrace overlooking Lake Como, Ristorante La Vista is one of Varenna’s most elegant dining destinations. Located within the historic Albergo Milano hotel, this restaurant offers an exclusive, romantic atmosphere where guests can dine on a scenic open-air terrace or within a refined dining room featuring warm wooden accents, ambient lighting, and crisp white table linens. Whether you arrive for a leisurely lunch or a candlelit dinner, the breathtaking views of the shimmering lake and surrounding mountains set the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.

The menu focuses on refined Italian cuisine with a modern twist, using the freshest local ingredients to highlight the rich culinary traditions of Lombardy. Signature dishes include the house-made tagliolini with truffle cream sauce, a dish that perfectly balances earthy, aromatic truffles with delicate, silky pasta. The grilled lake perch with a light lemon butter sauce is another highlight, allowing the natural flavors of the fresh-caught fish to shine. For meat lovers, the slow-braised beef cheek in Barolo wine is a standout, offering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with deep, rich flavors. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive Italian wine list, featuring prestigious labels from across Italy, as well as smaller, locally produced vintages.

📍 Location: Via XX Settembre, 35, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
💰 Budget: €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Closed on Tuesdays
📌 Booking: Highly recommended for outdoor seating with lake views
⭐ Review: "A dining experience like no other. The pasta was rich yet delicate, and the lakeside views made it magical." – Daniel R.
🌍 Website: https://www.ristorantelavista.com
📞 Phone: +39 0341 830793

8. Al Prato

Tucked away in a charming cobblestone square in Varenna’s historic center, Al Prato is a small but delightful restaurant that blends rustic Italian charm with gourmet cuisine. With stone walls, exposed wooden beams, and a cozy, intimate ambiance, the restaurant feels like stepping into a classic Italian trattoria, but with the finesse and attention to detail of a fine-dining establishment. The service here is warm and personal, with staff eager to recommend the perfect wine pairing for each dish.

The menu highlights traditional flavors with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, offering a refined yet comforting take on Italian classics. Their Risotto al Pesce Persico, a creamy saffron risotto topped with lightly pan-fried lake perch fillets, is a must-try and one of the most beloved dishes in the region. Another standout is the handmade pappardelle with venison ragu, a rich, slow-cooked sauce that brings deep, earthy flavors to the delicate ribbons of fresh pasta. To finish, their homemade panna cotta with fresh berries is the perfect balance of creamy and tart, making for a refreshing end to a satisfying meal.

📍 Location: Piazza del Prato, 6, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
💰 Budget: €€ – €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Recommended, as the restaurant has limited seating
⭐ Review: "A hidden treasure in Varenna! The risotto was perfect, and the service was top-notch." – Marco F.
🌍 Website: https://www.alpratovarenna.it
📞 Phone: +39 0341 830511

9. Il Cavatappi

Il Cavatappi is a small, family-run restaurant that embodies the heart and soul of Varenna’s culinary scene. Located on a quiet side street just steps from the waterfront, this intimate eatery is adored by both locals and visitors for its welcoming atmosphere, authentic homemade food, and impeccable service. Inside, the charming décor features vintage Italian prints, rustic wooden tables, and an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs skillfully prepare each dish by hand.

The menu is centered around fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional Lombard recipes. Their signature pasta dishes are made fresh daily, with favorites including tagliolini with lake fish and cherry tomatoes and homemade gnocchi with sage butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic are another standout, offering a perfect balance of crispy, seared edges and juicy, tender meat. For dessert, their classic tiramisu is legendary, made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder.

📍 Location: Via XX Settembre, 10, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
💰 Budget: €€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Advised, as seating is very limited
⭐ Review: "A true gem in Varenna! The fresh pasta was unlike anything I’ve had before, and the intimate setting made the meal even more special." – Elena G.
🌍 Website: https://www.ilcavatappi.it
📞 Phone: +39 0341 830412

Menaggio

10. Il Ristorante di Paolo

Located in Menaggio’s lively Piazza Garibaldi, Il Ristorante di Paolo is one of the town’s most refined dining experiences, blending elegance, tradition, and innovation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant’s bright, modern interior features large windows overlooking the square, while the outdoor terrace provides a charming spot to dine al fresco, soaking in the sights and sounds of Menaggio’s bustling lakefront.

The menu celebrates seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on delicate handmade pastas, fresh lake fish, and premium cuts of meat. One of the standout dishes is the Risotto con Fiori di Zucca e Tartufo Nero, a beautifully creamy risotto with zucchini flowers and shaved black truffle, delivering a perfect balance of earthy and floral flavors. The lavarello (lake whitefish) fillet with herb-infused olive oil is a simple yet flavor-packed dish, highlighting the quality of the region’s fresh-caught fish. For those craving meat, the grilled veal chop with rosemary butter and crispy potatoes is a must-try.

The restaurant is also known for its impressive wine list, with a carefully curated selection of Italian and international wines that complement the menu’s rich flavors.

📍 Location: Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 6, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Closed Monday
📌 Booking: Highly recommended, especially for terrace seating
⭐ Review: "A beautifully refined dining experience in the heart of Menaggio. The truffle risotto was exquisite, and the ambiance was just perfect." – Lorenzo F.
🌍 Website: https://www.ristorantedipaolo.com
📞 Phone: +39 0344 32093

11. Osteria il Pozzo

A true hidden gem in Menaggio, Osteria il Pozzo is a cozy, family-run trattoria tucked away in a quiet courtyard just off the main square. The rustic interiors, featuring wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and soft candlelight, create a warm and intimate dining atmosphere, perfect for those looking for an authentic Italian experience away from the tourist crowds.

The menu is heavily influenced by classic Lombard cuisine, with hearty, home-style dishes made using recipes passed down through generations. Their pappardelle with slow-braised wild boar ragu is a must-try, offering rich, deep flavors with tender meat that melts into the sauce. Another standout dish is the braised beef in Barolo wine, served with creamy polenta, a dish that epitomizes the comforting flavors of Northern Italy. Their house-made chestnut gnocchi with sage butter and Parmesan is a seasonal favorite that perfectly encapsulates autumnal flavors.

For dessert, their torta di noci (walnut cake) with honey and mascarpone cream is a delightful way to end your meal.

📍 Location: Piazza Garibaldi, 1, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📌 Booking: Recommended, especially for weekend dinners
⭐ Review: "One of the best meals we had in Italy! The wild boar pasta was rich and satisfying, and the cozy ambiance made it feel like home." – Isabella C.
🌍 Website: https://www.osteriailpozzo.it
📞 Phone: +39 0344 32145

12. La Trattoria Costantin

La Trattoria Costantin is a true taste of old-world Italy, offering homemade, rustic dishes in a relaxed, family-run setting. Located just a short walk from Menaggio’s main square, this charming trattoria is a favourite among locals for its authentic, no-frills approach to Lombard cuisine. Inside, you’ll find wooden tables, checkered tablecloths, and vintage wine bottles lining the shelves, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere that transports you straight into an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

The menu is simple yet incredibly flavourful, featuring classic dishes made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their signature polenta with braised venison is a must-try, offering rich, deep flavours and a melt-in-the-mouth texture that is a staple of Northern Italian cooking. Another highlight is their homemade tagliatelle with wild mushroom ragu, a hearty and earthy dish that perfectly showcases the local produce. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the grilled lavarello (lake whitefish) with lemon and olive oil is a beautifully balanced dish, letting the natural flavours of the fresh-caught fish shine.

Pair your meal with a glass of full-bodied Valtellina Superiore, a red wine from the nearby mountains that perfectly complements the rich dishes on offer.

📍 Location: Via Carlo Camozzi, 4, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📌 Booking: Recommended, especially for dinner
⭐ Review: "An absolute gem! The polenta with venison was incredible, and the homemade pasta was some of the best we had in Italy." – Lorenzo M.
🌍 Website: https://www.trattoriacostantin.com
📞 Phone: +39 0344 32922

Lenno

13. Il Cris Ristorante

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Il Cris Ristorante is known for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional seafood dishes. Located just a short walk from Lenno’s lakeside promenade, the restaurant offers a welcoming dining experience with a cozy, modern interior featuring soft lighting, rustic wooden tables, and an inviting ambiance. In the summer months, guests can enjoy their meal on the outdoor terrace, which is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.

The menu highlights the flavors of the region, featuring seasonal ingredients and freshly caught fish. The grilled lavarello (lake whitefish) fillet, cooked with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs, is one of the most popular dishes, offering a delicate and refreshing taste that perfectly complements the lakeside setting. Another standout is the homemade seafood risotto, which is packed with flavorful prawns, mussels, and calamari in a rich, creamy sauce. Meat lovers will enjoy the tender braised lamb shank with rosemary and red wine glaze, a dish that is slow-cooked to perfection and falls off the bone.

Pair your meal with a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine or a bold Nebbiolo, both excellent choices to accompany the restaurant’s rich flavors.

📍 Location: Via degli Artigiani, 4, 22016 Lenno CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€ – €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Closed Monday
📌 Booking: Advised, as it’s a popular local spot
⭐ Review: "One of the best seafood meals we had on Lake Como. The grilled whitefish was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked!" – Matteo L.
🌍 Website: https://www.ilcrisristorante.com
📞 Phone: +39 0344 56307

14. Trattoria Santo Stefano

Located in a quiet corner of Lenno, Trattoria Santo Stefano is a charming family-run trattoria that captures the essence of traditional Italian dining. With its warm, rustic interior featuring exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and a cozy fireplace, the restaurant exudes a welcoming and intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dining in a home rather than a restaurant.

The menu focuses on simple, high-quality dishes made with fresh local ingredients, staying true to the culinary traditions of Northern Italy. Their homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach, served in a butter and sage sauce, is a standout, offering delicate, rich flavors that highlight the freshness of the ingredients. Another must-try is the veal scaloppine with wild mushrooms, a dish that showcases tender, pan-seared veal coated in a creamy mushroom sauce with just the right balance of richness and earthiness. Their polenta taragna with braised venison is a comforting, hearty dish that’s particularly popular in the colder months.

The wine list features a selection of small-batch Lombard wines, and the house-made limoncello is a perfect way to end the meal.

📍 Location: Via Santo Stefano, 2, 22016 Lenno CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📌 Booking: Highly recommended, as it has limited seating
⭐ Review: "A real hidden gem! The homemade ravioli was delicate and flavorful, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting." – Francesca R.
🌍 Website: https://www.trattoriasantostefano.com
📞 Phone: +39 0344 56604

15. La Darsena

Set right on the water’s edge in Lenno, La Darsena is one of the most picturesque dining spots on Lake Como, offering unparalleled lake views and a contemporary yet relaxed dining experience. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace extends directly over the water, making it one of the best places to enjoy a sunset dinner with the lake shimmering in the background. Inside, the décor is modern and elegant, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light, sleek furniture, and minimalist design elements that put the focus on the stunning scenery.

The menu is seafood-forward, offering elegant and flavorful dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Lombard traditions. Their black squid ink risotto with seared scallops is a guest favorite, known for its rich, briny depth and perfectly cooked scallops. The house-made tagliolini with lobster and cherry tomatoes is another highlight, combining fresh, sweet lobster meat with a fragrant, garlic-infused tomato sauce. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the grilled beef fillet with truffle butter and parmesan mashed potatoes is an excellent choice.

Pair your meal with a glass of chilled Vermentino or Franciacorta sparkling wine for the perfect lakeside dining experience.

📍 Location: Via Statale, 29, 22016 Lenno CO, Italy
💰 Budget: €€€
🕒 Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📌 Booking: Essential for lakeside tables
⭐ Review: "An absolutely stunning lakeside restaurant. The squid ink risotto was deep and flavorful, and the views were unmatched!" – Giulia T.
🌍 Website: https://www.ladarsenalakecomo.com
📞 Phone: +39 0344 55566

Whether you're seeking authentic local flavors in a cozy trattoria or an upscale dining experience with breathtaking lake views, the restaurants along Lake Como's shores deliver unforgettable culinary experiences. From Como’s historic eateries to Bellagio’s refined lakeside gems, and from Varenna’s intimate dining spots to Menaggio’s family-run trattorias and Lenno’s sophisticated lakeside restaurants, each venue offers a unique taste of this enchanting region.

If you're planning your next culinary adventure along Lake Como, these 15 not-to-be-missed restaurants ensure that every meal becomes a celebration of Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage. Enjoy the food, the views, and the authentic Italian atmosphere that makes Lake Como truly special.

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