Tony5

Friends........We will be driving by Lake Como in Sept with friends on our way to Lugano and would like them to see the lake and maybe have lunch either along the water front or very near as we will be moving on right after. We have been to Como a few times before but always at the other end of the lake and not familiar with the city of Como area. Would prefer a place non touristy with a nice view of the lake.
Staying over night in Ponte Tresa over looking Lugano and plan on spending time in the city the next day. Once again would like a recomadation for lunch preferable the same as above.
Any must see's in Lugano and lunch recomendations will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance........

Tony5

neckervd

May be you tell us what will be your itinerary:

somewhere - Como - Arcegno - Menaggio - Porlezza - Lugano - Ponte Tresa?
somewhere - Como - Arcegno - Intelvi - Bissone - Lugano Nord - Ponte Tresa?
somewhere - Como - Mendrisio - Lugano Nord - Ponte Tresa?
somewhere - Como - Mendrisio - Porto Ceresio - Ponte Tresa?
somewhere - Como - Argegno - Intelvi - Melano - Porto Ceresio - Ponte Tresa?

sundriedtopepo

I don't think any of the restaurants on the lake with a view will be 'non-touristy'. And not knowing your route, it's hard to make a recommendation, but I think you may be passing La Darsena in Tremezzo.

We enjoyed a very nice meal here, and I would recommend it.

nochblad

neckervd - you are troppo pignolo

Tony5 - Como does not have a great reputation for great cuisine. Consider topping at Cernobbio. For a lake view go to Harry's Bar (a favourite of George Clooney and Amal) - http://www.harrysbarcernobbio.it/?lang=en or alternatively go to the Terzo Crotto (better food and free parking) - http://www.terzocrotto.it/ristorante-a-cernobbio/

Note that whilst Ponte Tresa overlooks Lake Lugano it does not overlook Lugano itself. Food-wise Lugano has an Italian influence but the restaurants are not very inspiring.

In Ticino (the Canton of Lugano) you should consider going to a crotto which is a very typical trattoria often located ina cave (grotto or crotto) where they mature cheeses and various types of salame. I would recommend the crotto/grotto cavicc (http://www.grottocavicc.ch/index.php/en/). You will find this truly special.

neckervd

nochblad: how can we recommend a restaurant if we don't know along which itinerary? The shortest one wouldn't even touch Lake Como.

nochblad

I think the OP made it pretty clear that they are looking for something in or near to Como itself.

Dukey1

Topping this fascinating thread

Tony5

Thanks So far to all responses. Sorry I haven't been very clear as to my itinerary. Hadn't considered taking SS340
north along the lakes via Menaggio and Prolezza but it seems as though even with taking almost an hr longer it would be a beautiful route if time allowed.
Considering we go this way is there any further info you can provide, Lunch / road conditions / Etc.Etc.

Thanks again......................Tony5

nochblad

Big point to remember which I overlooked. Any travel on Swiss motorways/autostrade require that you purchase and display a vignette which costs 40 swiss francs and lasts for one calendar year (in fact from December 1 to January 31 not of the following year but the successive one). You need the vignette even for 1 day, 1 hour or less. The best route to avoid it based on your destination (and quite scenic) is to drive from Como to Menaggio and then to Porlezza and then on to Lugano. In Lugano you will find indications to Agno which then leads on to Porlezza.

If you follow this route (and depending upon your timing) I could suggest three locations:

- La Taverna Bleu at Sala Comacina http://www.tavernableu.it/ Right on the lake with views of the Isola Comacina. You must try the Pesce Persico con Risotto (Lake perch with a creamy risotto). They have their own car park.

- Locanda La Tirlandina also at Sala Comacina http://www.latirlindana.it/index.php...11-07-10-26-43 Right down at the lake where the boats depart for the Isola Comacina. Parking can be found at the beginning of Viale degli Ulivi which is just a couple of minutes walk away.

Do not bother to eat at the Isola Comacina. It is fun going there and the views are fantastic but the menu which never changes is nothing to write home about.

- Al Veluu at Tremezzo (frazione Rogaro) http://alveluu.com/inglese.html This restaurant is perched above the lake. The views are magnificent.