One of the best ways to experience the lake.
You can:
(1) Join a public ferry
(2) Rent a private boat
(3) Book a guided tour
(1) Bellagio – Classic postcard views & boutiques
(2) Varenna – Romantic streets & lakeside cafés
(3) Menaggio – Relaxed atmosphere & stunning promenades (Fun fact: Federica's great uncle Antonio Roncoroni was one of the founders of Golf Club Menaggio e Cadenabbia, and she grew up visiting the golf course where she learned the number 1 rule of golf: shhhh!)
For nature lovers, the views are spectacular.
Popular options:
(1) Sentiero del Viandante – Iconic panoramic trail
(2) Piani d’Erna – Cable car + incredible vistas
(3) Easy lakeside walks around Malgrate & Lecco
Lake Como is famous for its historic villas.
Highly recommended:
(1) Villa del Balbianello – Stunning gardens & film location
(2) Villa Carlotta – Art, gardens & lake views
(3) Villa Monastero – Gorgeous lakeside botanical gardens
Each town has its own personality.
Great places to wander:
(1) Bellagio – Elegant & lively
(2) Varenna – Quiet & romantic
(3) Como – Larger town with shopping & funicular
(4) Tremezzo – Beautiful views & villas
Classic & Local Italian
(1) Usteria Lecco – Stylish Italian bistro with seasonal dishes and great pasta.
(2) OSTERIA del SAN MARTINO – Charming local favorite with traditional Italian fare.
(3) Trattoria Corte Fiorina – Warm trattoria with classic Lombardy specialties.
(4) Autentico Restaurant – Well-liked spot for Italian mains and relaxed dining.
(5) Ristorante Giardino – Casual Italian with excellent local vibes.
🐟 Seafood & Specialties
(1) Jim Fish Bistrot – Fresh seafood focus with excellent reviews.
(2) Mamaioa Bistrot – Stylish seafood and modern Italian.
(3) Il Moscardino Innamorato – Cozy seafood gem, great for a memorable meal.
🌍 International & Fun
(1) Curcuma – Flavorful Indian and world-inspired cuisine in the heart of Lecco.
(2) Sakuramen – Highly rated ramen & Asian comfort food.
(3) Ristorante Mr. Dumpling – Great casual spot for dumplings and Asian-fusion bites.
🍕 Pizza & Casual Eats
(1) Al Borgo Antico City – Classic Italian pizza in a casual setting.
⭐ Reservations are recommended, especially in summer and weekends — Lake Como dining is popular and many places do not take walk-ins.
🌅 Ask for outdoor seating where possible — lakeside views can turn even a simple meal into a memorable experience.
🍸 Aperitivo & Cocktails
(1) Sottofondo cocktail bar – Stylish bar with creative cocktails and evening vibes. Great for aperitivo before dinner.
(2) Sunflower – Classic cocktail lounge with relaxed atmosphere.
☕ Scenic Cafés & Relaxed Spots
(1) People - cocktail bar & café – Laid-back espresso bar & drinks in Malgrate.
(2) Bar del Porto – Great for a lakeside coffee or drink any time of day.
(3) Chioschetto – Classic Italian bar perfect for aperitivi or gelato.
(4) Jolly caffe – Traditional Italian café for espresso and pastries.
(5) Malto 38 Food & Drink – Casual beer hall in Malgrate.
(6) Birreria Paninoteca La Botte – Pub with casual bites and drinks.
🍷 Aperitivo hour (5–8 PM) is a lovely Italian tradition — great time to enjoy a drink and small bites before dinner.
If guests want a meal with an unforgettable view or an easy day trip:
(1) Bellagio – Elegant lakeside restaurants and wine bars.
(2) Varenna & Menaggio – Both have beautiful lakefront cafés and trattorie perfect for lunch with a view.
(3) Como – Larger city with more nightlife, rooftop bars, and bustling dining options if guests want a livelier evening out.