Where to eat in Como: missoltini, polenta and Lake Como flavors
Guide to Como's flavors: from missoltini to polenta uncia, the best lakeside trattorias, walled-town osterias and tips for eating well on Lake Como.
Como at the table: lake and mountain cuisine
Como's cuisine is a border cuisine, where the lake meets the Alps and Lombard tradition fades into Swiss influence. It's a gastronomy of freshwater fish, polenta, alpine cheeses and smoked cured meats that surprises those expecting only tourist pizza. Eating well in Como means leaving the touristy lakefront and seeking out places where locals actually go.
Must-try dishes
- Missoltini: sun-dried shad grilled and served with polenta and olive oil. The lake's signature dish
- Polenta uncia: buckwheat polenta dressed with melted butter, semuda cheese and garlic
- Risotto with perch: delicate, with freshly caught lake perch fillets
- Pizzoccheri: buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, Casera cheese and butter. Valtellina influence
- Cotoletta alla milanese: the Como version is bone-in, thick and golden
- Torta di pane: humble dessert with stale bread, milk, cocoa, amaretti and dried fruit
Best areas for eating
Walled center and Piazza Duomo
Como's historic center within medieval walls offers a good concentration of restaurants. Alleys around the Cathedral and Via Vittorio Emanuele have both tourist traps and hidden gems. Rule: if the menu is only in Italian and handwritten, you're in the right place.
Borgo Sant'Agostino
Como's most authentic quarter, perched on the hill east of center. Trattorias with few tables, family management and local prices. You need to climb some stairs but the bill is a joy.
Lakefront toward Cernobbio
The walk toward Villa Olmo and beyond offers restaurants with lake terraces. Higher prices but the view and lake fish are excellent. Ideal for a special dinner.
Brunate and hills
Reachable by funicular, Brunate has trattorias with panoramic lake views and mountain cuisine. Polenta, mushrooms, game and alpine cheeses dominate menus.
Types of eateries
Larian trattorias
The traditional format: lake and mountain cuisine, solid portions, local wine from Lambro or Valtellina. Often with terrace or garden with views. Average bill: €25-40.
Osterias
Small venues in the old town where wine takes center stage. Boards of bresaola, sciatt (buckwheat fritters with cheese), nervetti and other cold preparations. Perfect for aperitivo or light dinner.
Lakeside restaurants
Venues with direct water access offer lake fish (perch, whitefish, shad) prepared with mastery. Prices rise (€40-70 per person) but the experience is unique.
Gelaterias and pastry shops
Como has a pastry tradition linked to nearby Switzerland. Artisan chocolate, gelato with alpine milk and fine pastry are everywhere in the center.
Tips for saving money
- Borgo Sant'Agostino and behind the Cathedral cost 30% less than the lakefront
- The covered market (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) offers picnic supplies by the lake
- Brunate trattorias have fixed menus at €20-28
- Counter lunch at center delis costs €8-12 for a full plate
- Aperitivo at center bars often includes buffets of local snacks
Unique food experiences
- Missoltini dinner in Torno: the fishing village 10 minutes from Como is the temple of dried fish
- Funicular + lunch in Brunate: view + polenta uncia = the perfect combination
- Alpine cheese tasting: dairies in the valleys above Como sell directly
- Gelateria crawl: Como has a high density of quality artisan gelaterias
- Saturday market: cheeses, cured meats, honey and preserves from valley producers
Discover more
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Where to eat in Como?
The recommended time is April, May, June, September and October, when it is less crowded.
Is Where to eat in Como crowded?
Where to eat in Como is a not very crowded destination compared with the more touristy ones.
Where is Where to eat in Como?
Where to eat in Como is located in Como, Lombardy, Italy.
