Where to Eat in Lake Como

Lake Como's dining culture is deeply rooted in the Lombardy region's culinary traditions, where freshwater fish from the lake meets Alpine ingredients from the surrounding mountains. The local cuisine centers on dishes like missoltini (sun-dried lake shad preserved with bay leaves), risotto con pesce persico (risotto with perch), and polenta served alongside lake fish or brasato (braised meats). The dining scene reflects centuries of influence from neighboring Switzerland and Austria, visible in the prevalence of butter-based sauces, hearty buckwheat dishes, and the tradition of afternoon aperitivo that transforms lakeside terraces into social gathering spots from 6-8 PM daily.

• Lakefront Dining Districts: Como city's Piazza Cavour and the adjacent waterfront promenade concentrate dozens of trattorias and osterias, while Bellagio's Salita Serbelloni offers stepped dining terraces with lake views. Varenna's Contrada del Prato and Menaggio's Lungolago Castelli provide more intimate, local-focused dining experiences away from the main tourist centers, particularly strong for traditional fish preparations.
• Essential Local Dishes: Beyond missoltini, seek out lavarello (whitefish) prepared in carpione (marinated with vinegar and herbs), pizzoccheri della Valtellina (buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, and Casera cheese), and sciatt (buckwheat fritters filled with melting cheese). Autumn brings game dishes like cinghiale (wild boar) and seasonal porcini mushrooms, while spring features asparagus from nearby Cantù paired with local eggs.
• Price Expectations: Casual lakeside trattorias charge €15-25 for primi (first courses) and €20-35 for secondi (main courses), with a full meal including wine averaging €45-65 per person. Upscale restaurants in Bellagio and Cernobbio command €35-50 for primi and €45-70 for mains, with tasting menus ranging €90-150. Pizzerias offer more economical options at €8-15 per pizza, and aperitivo buffets cost €10-15 including one drink.
• Seasonal Dining Patterns: May through September brings extended evening service until 11 PM with outdoor seating prioritized, while November through March sees many lakefront establishments close entirely or operate weekends only. July and August require advance planning as tables fill with international visitors, whereas April and October offer the best balance of pleasant weather, full restaurant operations, and availability.
• Lake Como Dining Experiences: The aperitivo ritual dominates early evenings, where a €10-15 drink purchase grants access to substantial buffets of local cheeses, cured meats, and small plates. Many towns host weekly markets (Como's Tuesday and Thursday markets, Menaggio's Friday market) where you can purchase local products for picnics. Ferry-hopping between towns for progressive meals—antipasti in one village, primi in another—has become a popular way to experience multiple lakeside settings in one evening.

Practical Dining Tips:

• Reservations in Lake Como: Waterfront tables in Bellagio, Varenna, and Como city require