Discover Exquisite Dining Options in Lake Como

Shaped like a topsy-turvy Y, Lake Como (or Lario as locals call it) is highly regarded for its stunning panoramas, terraced citrus gardens, luxury villas overlooking the shimmering water, boat tours, and inviting beaches ideal for refreshing swims. These attractions are typically at the top of travelers’ bucket lists.

Exploring Local Cuisine

However, what about the culinary experiences Lake Como has to offer? Eating well in Lake Como can be a challenge. Many travelers are not as familiar with the local cucina lariana as they are with popular dishes from major cities like Rome, Florence, and Bologna. Consequently, they may fall prey to tourist traps that lure them in with familiar favorites, such as cacio e pepe and bolognese ragù.

Nevertheless, the lake and its surroundings provide a wealth of ingredients that define the local cuisine. In addition, the past decade has seen an influx of innovative gastronomy, making Lake Como an increasingly popular destination for food enthusiasts. From traditional fish taverns to no-frills panoramic eateries to high-end restaurants, here are some of the best dining options in Lake Como.

Feel

Nestled on the ground floor of an ivy-wrapped medieval facade in Como’s historic center, Feel takes pride in blending contemporary style with its historic surroundings. The ambiance features a beautiful mix of modern decor alongside original elements such as exposed wooden beams and stone walls. Guests enter through a refurbished 18th-century foyer before dining in a cozy six-table area that was once a 16th-century stable. The menu by chef Federico Beretta prominently showcases Lake Como and its alpine surroundings, offering dishes like:

• Risotto with rosehip berries, rabbit and juniper
• Eel with lemon sauce, leek roots and parsnip
• Forest Greens salad, crafted from a variety of ingredients collected during a metaphorical journey from the lake to the Alps

The 300-bottle wine list features selections from small producers, particularly strong offerings from northwest Italy, especially the mountainous areas.

Address: Via Armando Diaz, 54, 22100 Como CO, Italy
Website: feelcomo.com

Materia

When visiting Cernobbio, it can be difficult to leave the charming lakefront—unless the destination is Materia. This Michelin-starred restaurant, included in the World’s 50 Best Discovery list, is discreetly located just a 10-minute walk from the water. Its minimalist black and white interior serves as a canvas for chef Davide Caranchini’s unique cuisine. Drawing inspiration from his experiences in London and Copenhagen, the chef brings a global—and at times provocative—approach to local culinary traditions. Notable dishes include:

• Linguine with butter, lake shad garum, and amchoor
• Sea urchin with calf brain mousse and caper powder
• Bone marrow gelato topped with saffron foam, a dessert that pays tribute to Milanese risotto

To enhance your dining experience, consider selections from the (mostly) natural wine list.