Dining on Lake Como is about more than food — it's about the setting. A simple plate of fresh lake fish tastes transcendent when you're sitting lakeside at sunset with the Alps reflected in the water. Here are 15 restaurants that combine excellent cuisine with the kind of atmosphere that makes Lake Como unforgettable.
Fine Dining
1. I Tigli in Theoria — Como
Two Michelin stars. Chef Giancarlo Morelli creates ambitious, technically brilliant cuisine that draws on Lombard traditions while pushing creative boundaries. The tasting menu is a journey. Reserve well in advance.
2. Mistral — Bellagio (Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni)
One Michelin star. Refined Italian cuisine served on a lakeside terrace with arguably the best restaurant view on the entire lake. The risotto with perch fillets is a masterpiece.
3. Materia — Cernobbio
One Michelin star. Young chef Davide Caranchini creates modern dishes rooted in Lake Como's traditions. The lakeside setting is intimate and elegant, and the wine list is thoughtfully curated.
Lakeside Classics
4. Locanda dell'Isola Comacina
The only restaurant on Lake Como's only island. Reach it by private boat, then enjoy a legendary fixed menu that hasn't changed since the 1940s. The fire ceremony at the end of the meal is a tradition unlike anything else in Italian dining.
5. Bar Il Molo — Varenna
Right on the water in Varenna, this casual spot serves perfect aperitivi with lake views. Come for sunset Aperol Spritzes and stay for a simple but excellent dinner of lake fish.
6. Crotto dei Platani — Brienno
A hidden gem accessible only by boat or a steep footpath. This lakeside crotto (a traditional stone grotto restaurant) serves honest, excellent Lombard cuisine in one of the most atmospheric settings on the lake.
Traditional & Family-Run
7. Bilacus — Bellagio
Tucked up a steep lane above the tourist waterfront, Bilacus serves authentic local cuisine at fair prices. The missoltini (sun-dried lake fish), polenta, and homemade pasta are all excellent.
8. Vecchia Varenna — Varenna
Tables literally at the water's edge, with waves lapping beneath your feet. The menu focuses on lake fish and seasonal ingredients. Book a waterside table for an unforgettable experience.
9. La Tirlindana — Bellagio
A romantic, candlelit restaurant on Bellagio's waterfront with tables overlooking the lake. The seafood risotto and homemade ravioli are standouts.
Casual & Contemporary
10. Lido di Lenno — Lenno
A stylish beach club-restaurant on the western shore. Perfect for a long lunch with lake swimming, cocktails, and surprisingly good food. The vibe is relaxed but polished.
11. Ristorante Silvio — Bellagio
Silvio is a fisherman-turned-restaurateur who catches his own lake fish every morning. The freshness is unbeatable, the setting is a hillside terrace above Bellagio, and the family's warmth makes every meal feel like a celebration.
12. Trattoria Baita Belvedere — Brunate
Take the funicular from Como to Brunate, then walk 15 minutes to this mountain trattoria with sweeping lake views. Simple, hearty mountain food — polenta, brasato, and cheese — in an unforgettable setting.
Pizza & Casual Bites
13. Pizzeria Campione — Menaggio
When everyone in the family wants pizza, Campione delivers — wood-fired, properly charred, with quality toppings. The lakeside terrace is a bonus.
14. Gelateria Chocolat — Bellagio
Not a restaurant, but worth including because their gelato is the best on the lake. The pistachio and dark chocolate flavors are extraordinary. There will be a queue — it's worth the wait.
15. Nilus Bar — Varenna
A cocktail bar with a small but excellent food menu. The terrace overlooks the lake, the Negronis are textbook-perfect, and it's the ideal spot for an evening aperitivo before dinner.
Reservation Tips
- Michelin-starred restaurants: Book 2–4 weeks ahead, especially in summer.
- Popular lakeside restaurants: Book 3–5 days ahead for a waterside table.
- Lunch is generally easier to book than dinner.
- Our concierge team can make reservations for you at any of these restaurants.
