We are planning a trip to Italy and Germany. Based on meetings scheduled, we need to drive from Italy to Munich in one day. Which is the prettier route, Lake Como to Munich or Venice to Munich? Suggestions for lunch stop?

My answer: Yes. (It's like asking which child is prettier.)

Both routes cross the Alps. From either starting point you have options to go mostly super highway or smaller roads. If you go superhighway, the 1st hr drive around Venice will be through industrial Italy whether you go east or west but if you routed through Cortina it would not.

As for lunch, I'd pick a stop somewhere around lunchtime, which will depend on when you leave and when you are hungry.

I hope this isn't in a rental car. It's not a trip I'd care to take, and I'd probably just stop to eat when I was hungry - not like there are going to be edgy places calling out to my taste buds along the way.

Why the train and not a plane?

Pollution.

See: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/europes-flight-shame-movement-has-travelers-taking-trains-to-save-the-planet/2019/08/02/

all good points....

From the OP's question, I'd have to say the view crossing the alps from a plane (on a clear day) is prettier than any I've by train or car (or bike....). ymmv.

because they want to.....?