Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Michelin stars, lakeside terraces, and refined Italian cuisine.
Il Gatto Nero — refined Italian cuisine focused on local, seasonal produce, famous for its romantic ambiance and breathtaking views from its hillside perch, with fresh lake fish and homemade pasta as specialties. Around €80–150+ per person, excluding alcohol. Mistral at Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio) — Michelin-starred, with inventive tasting menus on a stunning lakeside terrace. Around €150–250+ per person for the tasting menu. Kitchen (Como) — Michelin-starred, led by chef Andrea Casali, with a focus on preserving the true essence of each ingredient, set within botanical gardens.
Average cost: €150–€250+ per person for tasting menus, excluding alcohol
Authentic Italian, without the Michelin-star price tag.
Locanda La Tirlindana (Sala Comacina) — fresh lake fish and homemade pasta in an idyllic lakeside setting. Ristorante Bilacus (Bellagio) — classic Italian dishes, an excellent wine cellar, central location. Trattoria del Glicine (Cernobbio area) — handmade gnocchi and local cheeses in a charming hillside village.
Average cost: €45–€75 per person, excluding alcohol
Local trattorias, osterias, and affordable pizza.
Look for "trattoria" or "osteria" for casual, authentic Italian flavors on a budget. Pizzeria Trattoria Da Benito (Como) is known for good pizza at affordable prices. No advance reservation required, and dress code is casual.
Average cost: €5–€20 per person for a light meal, excluding alcohol
A few things worth knowing before you sit down.
Coperto: many Italian restaurants charge a cover fee (a few euros per person) for bread and service — this is standard, not a tip. Tipping: not mandatory in Italy; a few euros for good service is appreciated. Opening hours: many restaurants close for a "siesta" between roughly 2:30 and 7:00 PM, with dinner often starting around 7:00–7:30 PM.
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