Dining on Lake Como is about more than food — it is also about choosing the right town, booking at the right time and knowing when a lake view is worth the premium. This updated 2026 guide covers 15 Lake Como restaurants across Como, Cernobbio, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and the western shore, from Michelin-starred kitchens to casual lakefront tables.
Updated August 2026: Michelin distinctions were checked against the Michelin Guide Italy 2026. Opening days, menus and seasonal closures change, so reconfirm directly before travelling or ask our concierge to handle reservations.
Michelin-Starred and Fine Dining
1. Kitchen — Como
One Michelin star in the 2026 guide. Kitchen is the choice for a polished tasting-menu evening close to Como city, with contemporary Italian cooking and the kind of service that rewards booking well ahead.
2. Materia — Cernobbio
One Michelin star in the 2026 guide. Materia serves creative cooking with Italian and international influences, using local lake fish, vegetables, herbs and sharper acidic or bitter notes. It is one of the strongest reasons to plan a dinner in Cernobbio.
3. Mistral — Bellagio (Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni)
Listed in the Michelin Guide for modern cuisine and outdoor dining. Mistral occupies a covered veranda at the tip of Bellagio's promontory, making it a strong choice when the setting and a formal grand-hotel atmosphere matter as much as the menu.
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.
Where to Stay for Lake Como Dining
Varenna and Menaggio work well for relaxed evenings on foot and easy ferry connections. Cernobbio puts Materia, Como city and the southern lake within easy reach, while Bellagio offers the largest concentration of visitor-friendly lakefront dining.
For local dishes and dining vocabulary, use the separate Lake Como cuisine guide. Then browse our Lake Como villas with pools and lakefront options and send your dates through the concierge inquiry. We can shape the villa shortlist around the restaurants and shores you want to visit.
