Lake Como Restaurants
 

My husband and I will be in Lake Como in May staying in Bellagio. We will probably travel to Como, Varenna, etc. We like to eat at restaurants that locals go to and not so much at those places frequented only by tourists. I've heard of Bilacus and the lunch place on the island. Can anyone recommend any other restaurants? Thanks in advance.

In Bellagio, go up the hill to Hotel Silvio. The proprietor hauls in his nets daily for the evening meal. A favorite spot for locals. Their website will convince you.

Sounds great. Thanks!

Hi daria,
Good question...
jan

In Como, Trattoria Sociale is a graet little local place.

Go to http://www.straughan.com/italy/restaurants.htm and scroll down the page for some of our favorites in the area. We live here, so I guess we're locals. <grin>


best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

http://www.straughan.com

I assume you mean restaurants not frequented by US/UK or other non-Italian tourists, as there are a LOT of Italian tourists in Como.

How would you rate your ability to speak and read Italian, as that would affect my recommendations.

Daria,
I will also be at the Bellagio in May for 2 nights. I understand any of the local places are good.

Bilacus has been recommended often here...can someone fill me in on the details? What is it that all of you like so much about it? What kind of food? (Italian, obviously, but what's the emphasis, fish, pasta, a great wine list or incredible service?) Atmosphere? Roughly speaking, how much would you spend for a three course meal with wine? Can you reserve a table? Are reservations highly advised or can you just walk in?

I'm one of those people who hav recommended Bilacus. I don't remember exactly what we had, but I do know that we loved it! To the best of my recollection, it had varied Italian menu. What makes it special besides thw food is the al fresco dining.

Hi everyone. Thanks for your responses.

Jan, I was hoping you would see this post because I know you can probably use it too.

Cicerone, I don't speak much Italian, but I do speak a little. Also, I try pretty hard to speak what I do know and to use my phrase books. But, my Italian is elementary.

I guess I did mean non-Italian tourists. I haven't really been to many restaurants in Italy where I thought this was a problem because I usually go to places that are removed from the tourist attractions. But, one time, in Positano, I ate at a place on the water where it seemed that everyone eating there was speaking English. Also, the food was mediocre and overpriced. So, I guess I sort-of associate these two issues (tourist trap and mediocre food) . . . which may or may not be accurate. I also tend to trust the locals anywhere I go when it comes to choose restaurants.

Across the lake from Bellagio, on the hillside above Tremezzo is a restaurant called Al Veluu. The town is Rogaro I believe. The cuisine is local - fresh lake fish is a specialty. It has stupendous views of the lake from the indoor dining room and the patio. The service is friendly and refined. It is listed in many guide books, and is therefore frequented by tourists. It is also on the pricey side, but definitely not a tourist trap. Everything about my meal there was excellent.

Don't speak any Italian and have never had a problem getting a good meal in Italy. If in doubt, try a little of everything. It will always be fresh, can't go wrong, always delicious.

My best picture and memory of Lake Como is from AL VELUU terrace for dinner.
the little houses on the hills and along the lake, flickering like right out of a fairy tale, TRULY MAGICAL, went there 3X in a week. DO NOT MISS.

testing

Two comments which I've made numerous times here before.
Bilacus is highly recommended, but I'd suggest you make reservations a week or more before you go. We walked over our first day in Bellagio and tried to book for any time on any night for the several days we were in town and they couldn't help us -- totally booked.

Silvio not only is a delighful place and has wonderful fresh fish, but the owner convinced us we should order the spaghetti as a first course. After ordering I kept thinking "how uninspired", but when they brought this platter of spaghetti with the freshest tomatoes and herbs from the garden and lifted the cover next to our table, I nearly fell off the chair from the fragrance. How could such a simple dish be so wonderful? The best spaghetti I've ever had! And the perfect prelude to the wonderful grilled fresh lake fish.

Thanks very much everyone!

I appreciate your comments about Bilacus Patrick because I hadn't thought of calling in advance. Now I will! I remember you mentioning that tomato sauce on another post, so I will be sure not to miss it when we go to Silvo!

Ciao.

Il Cavatappi (The Corkscrew)is a wonderful, tiny (only 5 tables) restaurant in Varenna. It's run by the chef and hostess/waitress, both very friendly and engaging. Had a fabulous meal there last May, which included a risotto with red wine and smoked cheese, probably the best rice dish I've ever tasted in my life.
Highly recommended.

Bilacus is wonderful.Sit outside and expect a great meal. Go to my trip report at Slow Travelers. I descibe two meals there last year.

Thanks very much everyone.

By the way, Deirdré, I went to your website, but I didn't see any reviews of Lake Como restaurants. The closest I saw was Milan. Maybe I'm missing something . . .

Anyone else have any suggestions?