Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the Italian Lakes, including Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.  

Lake Maggiore

Arona

Al Cantuccio, Piazza del Popolo, 1, (039 0322) 241558. Recommended by guests who had two excellent dinners there, who said, “The service was wonderful. The food spectacular.” Prices are moderate.

Stresa

La Botte, Via Mazzini, 6/8, (039 0323) 30462. Serves typical cuisine.

Osteria degli Amici, Via A.M. Bolongaro, 33, (039 0323) 30453. With a local crowd and a cozy atmosphere.

Del Pescatore, Vicolo del Poncivo, 3, (039 0323) 31986. Serves fresh fish.

Piemontese, Via Mazzini, 25, (039 0323) 30235. Serves wonderful authentic regional food.

Taverna del Pappagallo, Via Principessa Margherita, 46, (039 0323) 30411. Has a nice garden, great pizza and more.

Lake Como

Bellagio

Bar Café Rossi, Piazza Manzini, 22/24, (039 031) 950196. Serves sandwiches, a pleasant lakeside cafe in the main square.

Barchetta, Salita Melia, 13, (039 031) 957389. One of Bellagio’s best restaurants, specializing in fresh lakefish and seafood.

La Grotta, Salita Cernaia, 14, (039 031) 951152. Has great pizza and fish specials, including lake trout.

Como

Al Musichiere, Via 5 Giorante, 32, (039 031) 342295. This recommendation came to us from Mark, Katja and Jason Oxman.

Pasticceria Monti, Piazza Cavour, 21, (039 031) 301165. On the main lakefront piazza, for gelato and sandwiches.

Varenna

Vecchia Varenna, Contrada Scoscesa, 14, (039 031) 830793. A romantic lakeside restaurant with fresh fish flavored with local herbs.