Casa Rododendro

Restaurant-hotel not far from the centre, but in a quiet, residential area, this is where you can find some of the best cuisine in town. The cook revisits some national dishes in a personal way, with a few seafood offerings as well.

Looking out over the calm blue water, this classic restaurant serves traditional cuisine with the occasional imaginative twist. Fish from the lake feature on the menu, as do meat and seafood options with something for everyone. There’s also a small outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Situated in the Villa Lario Resort, this restaurant directly overlooks the lake and boasts fine views which extend as far as the promontory of Bellagio. The excellent cuisine features a few freshwater fish dishes, as well as plenty of meat and seafood options, on a menu that combines classic recipes with a few more creative specialities.

Situated in the Imagna valley, this welcoming, family-run restaurant serves delicious regional specialities alongside traditional Italian favourites, including a few fish options. Highlights include the dried-cod cannelloni, soft braised “guancialino” and the unmissable zabaglione mousse with sbrisolona-cake crumbs and marzipan ice-cream.

Once you’ve left your car in the car park and crossed the Brembo river, you enter a fairytale setting of meadows and horses surrounded by the Orobic peaks. Here, the cuisine is a declaration of love for the mountains – although occasionally elaborate, the carefully prepared dishes are substantial and full of flavour, with the same solid character as the inhabitants of these valleys and with meat and dairy produce taking centre stage. The cheese trolley at the end of your meal is a real highlight – there’s something here for all tastes! The wine list is also full of character, featuring a perso

Situated on the main road overlooking the lake, this pleasant family-run restaurant serves excellent traditional cuisine with a focus on local fish. Atmospheric dining room with stone walls and vaulted ceilings, plus an attractive outdoor space, and friendly, attentive owners.

Situated in the Royal Victoria hotel on picturesque Varenna’s small central piazza, this restaurant has just a few tables overlooking one of the most spectacular sights on Lake Como, namely the Bellagio promontory flanked on either side by the two branches of the lake. Talented chef Francesco Sarno, originally from Salerno, is at the helm in the kitchen here – the colour and intense flavours of his native Campania are evident in some of his dishes.