Recommended Restaurants

glicine Restaurant in Cernobbio

All of these selections are tried and tested favorites in the Como area.  

Harry's Bar

Nice atmosphere at the top of the Riva (lake front area) in Cernobbio.  Buzzing, outdoor seating in the warmer months.  Definitely a scene, and it is fun.  

La Baia

Located lake-side in Moltrasio. A former Villa d'Este chef serves up some delicious entrees. There is very little parking, which is the only thing keeping me from going more often.  However, If you are a visitor and being dropped off by a taxi or driver; it's a lovely evening.

Trattoria del Glicine

The Pozzi family has been operating this charming and consistently delicious hillside restaurant for almost 20 years. Known for all sorts of game, Glicine does fish, pastas and Italian classics equally well. In other words; everyone likes it. A favorite of the social locals and return visitors (at a recent fabric fair it seemed that the restaurant was on everyone’s lips).  For a few weeks in early Spring the large terrace which is rooved in lilac hued wisteria is pure magic (as shown in the photo above). The art filled dining room is warm, and by eyeing your chic fellow diners you know you are in the right place.   Open daily for Lunch & dinner.

Gatto Nero

The famous black cat is still going strong.  A lovely atmosphere with views of the lake from above. It is a few twisty curvy turns up the Cernobbio mountain side to arrive but once there, it feels special. Menu offerings include: pastas, fish, meats, risottos. 

Kitchen

Run by a famous local and friend of George who left Gatto Nero to start his new venture; Kitchen.  The restaurant is situated on the grounds of the Sheraton hotel, but is separate, and surrounded by a beautiful garden.  Especially the big, blue hydrangeas.  I go just to walk by these bad boys once Summer is in full swing.  The decor inside is well done and even though this spot is just off the road you are truly immersed in an oasis.  The food is solid & good.

Osteria del Beuc

For a "pranzo lavoro", this is the place to go.  They offer one or two dishes (one main dish or both primo & secondo) along with a half carafe of wine, water & caffe all for one price.  Usually around 11 euros. The food choices are on the rustic side and written on a chalk board. You'll see lots of locals in the mix. On high season weekends the menu pricing changes to a la carte.  Open for Lunch or dinner.

Lido di Cernobbio (Lunch)

The Cernobbio Lido overlooks not only the lake itself but has a big blue pool and views of Villa Erba next door. Outdoor dining in the summer poolside.  The pizza has always been good, but the addition of fresh salads has improved their offerings.  I usually eat here when I am enjoying the day at the Lido, but it is open to the public to simply visit the restaurant.

Trattoria 27 Maggio

A bit out of the way in San Fermo, but excellent Greek food if you've had your fill of Italian dishes. They have lots of parking and in the warmer weather you can sit outside overlooking the piazza. 

La Piazzetta

For an authentic Aperitivo or "Apero" in Cernobbio. Sip an Aperol Spritz with complimentary nibbles surrounded by flowers in this floral shop by day, lounge by night.  It's pretty and fragrant in this charming outdoor space and is just steps outside the Villa d'Este gates. 

La Piazzetta

Same name, but this one is a full restaurant serving lunch & dinner in the adorable Argegno piazza. The pizza is great, but they have an expansive menu with delicious pastas, risottos, fish of the day and so on. A well run and well known restaurant. 

Materia

A new, modern spot run by young foodies.  The menu & wines are very good. The only caveat is that it is in an unremarkable location, on a side street in Cernobbio alongside local businesses. The inside is minimal and cool, but you could be anywhere.  If you've had enough lake front or lake view meals, then give it a try.

 

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The Top Tier Restaurants

All of these restaurants in the top tier are wonderful, but expect to receive a hefty "conto".  For a special occasion these restaurants fit the bill.  

 

Berton al Lago, Il Sereno - Torno

This restaurant inside the new hip-luxe hotel Il Sereno, has a gorgeous setting: lakeside with panoramic views.  The restaurant has earned a Michelin Star and is the hot spot on the lake right now.  The cuisine is a twist on the Italian classics.  Indoor (shown above) and outdoor dining. 

 

Veranda, Villa d'Este - Cernobbio

The Veranda restaurant inside the lake's grande dame hotel has a sumptuous, formal dining room.  The room is almost surrounded by large windows lined with blue hydrangeas, "ortensia" in Italian.  A bit fancy, and doesn't have a modern feel.  Intentional, I'm sure.  The menu is always solid, and they are known for their perfect risottos.   Order the bananas flambe' just because you can.

 

The Grille, Villa d'Este - Cernobbio

The hotel's more relaxed restaurant is my choice, unless a very special occasion, with outside dining and dependably great food in a glamorous setting. 

 

Navedano - Como

Everything is excellent food wise here, but it is in a bit of an industrial area of Como outside of the city's walls.  Once inside, though, you'll find a beautiful space with opulent flowers & top service.  Some say it is expensive for the experience.

 

Tigli in Theoria - Como

A Michelin star restaurant in the heart of Como. An amazing, transporting space.  A beautifully restored  . Excellent drinks & nibbles served at the bar.  Private dining rooms. A charming garden in a small courtyard in the warmer weather. Truly wonderful. Price tag matches.

 

Marketplace - Como

This restaurant just outside the city's walls has a New York City feel.   The menu is creative and delicious.  You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you did not  order a cocktail from the bar.  They also own Fresco, an artisinal cocktail bar in Como.  Marketplace offers an affordable lunch menu.

 

L'Aria, Mandarin Oriental - Blevio

You'll feel like a million bucks as you drive down into Mandarin Oriental's winding,  foliage lined entrance.    The setting couldn't be more magical.  The best seats are outside, on the lake.  The main building with its prominent position on the lake provides a truly a special atmosphere.

 

La Columbetta - Como

A Como classic run by three sisters who hail from the south.  Some say the price tag is way too hefty and that you might as well go to one of the Michelin stars.  There's something about the charming setting that promotes a good time.

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