Nestled between the mountains of Northern Italy, with green shores punctuated with picturesque villas, it’s no surprise that Lake Como is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. And it’s not just foreigners who choose its beautiful villages for a dolce vita-themed vacation: the Lake is also a go-to destination for many Milanese, who stop by for a good lunch over the weekend.
Eating well around Lake Como is rather easy: after all, we’re in Italy, and in one of its most refined destinations nonetheless. However, with the number of tourists growing by the day, it can sure be tricky to find a table – or even secure a reservation – in the most coveted restaurants. Luckily, we’re natives of Como and its surroundings, and we can offer you some insider tips coming from a lifetime of experience!
Our Favourite Lake Como Restaurants
The restaurants on this list – as well as those you’ll find on the map at the bottom of the page – are spread all around the Lake shores… and beyond. While we love the lakefront villas and panoramic restaurants, we also think that a trip to Lake Como would not be complete without a visit to the namesake city and an exploration of the surrounding hills. Needless to say, all the spots we have selected don’t just offer a great kitchen, but are also set in curated locations. We’re designers, after all!
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Italian locanda or a contemporary restaurant, this guide will have you covered. So, without further hesitation, here are our favourite Lake Como restaurants!
Figli dei Fiori
Let’s start from the heart of Como: in a narrow cobbled alley, Figli dei Fiori is hidden behind a rather unassuming streetfront. Walk past the door and the “Osteria” sign, however, and you will enter an entirely different dimension! In a friendly, curated interior, flowers and plants surround the tables of this cozy place. Stop by for an easy lunch, for aperitivo or for dinner – you will not be disappointed. Don’t forget to check the interior design: you will see no detail has been overlooked, and the result is a perfect balance between a traditional osteria and an international bistrot.
Le Luci del Lago
If the waterfront is calling you, Luci del Lago is the right choice. Housed inside Relais Villa Vittoria – a great hotel to spend some days of total relaxation – the restaurant serves high-level dishes in an elegant setting. It’s especially recommended for an intimate date, should you happen to be around with your sweet half. We suggest to book a table for dinner to enjoy the best experience: the name of the place translates to “The Lights of the Lake”, and you’ll understand why as soon as you step on the terrace!
Locanda del Notaio
We’ve mentioned the city centre, we’ve mentioned the waterfront, so the third place had to be somewhere else. Almost nobody considers going to the mountains while in Lake Como, but trust us, it would be a shame not to! Locanda del Notaio is an old residence turned into a hotel and restaurant; it is located along the winding road that connects Lake Como to Lake Lugano, rolling through old villages and lush forests. Time seemingly stopped in the restaurant and the park surrounding it, and the charm of the place earned the Locanda a spot in the Michelin guide.
Niwa
Back in Como, but for something unexpected. You probably came to Lake Como for a thought and through Italian experience, and a sushi restaurant might come as a surprise. Niwa, however, deserves to make the list: a refined, contemporary setting and a fusion kitchen with a focus on quality made us fall in love with the place. It’s a bit further out from the lakeside, but you can stop along the road to admire one of Como’s best landmarks: the iconic fountain designed by Cesare Cattaneo and Mario Radice, proudly standing in the middle of Piazza Camerlata.
Alle Darsene di Loppia
Bellagio is rightfully considered one of the gems of Lake Como, if not its most beautiful village. If the crowds of tourists don’t discourage you (or if you happen to be there off-season), book a table at the Darsene di Loppia: the terrace overlooking the lake, sided by tiny boats moored along the shore, is one of the most picturesque of the area. The menu, needless to say, offers a great contemporary and creative take on traditional Italian cuisine.
This is just a part of our favourite Lake Como Restaurants: we will keep the list updated, including more special places when they come to our minds or when a new, notable venue opens. To plan your days around the Lake, don’t forget to save the map below, as it will feature all the restaurants we add to this list and more!
