My top 10 in Como
Arte Dolce Lyceum
In one of Como’s most picturesque spots – an arched facade inside the walled old town – this patisserie, ice cream parlour and delicatessen will satisfy your every craving with its freshly made, whimsical sweet and savoury offerings. Its confectionary delights are a balm for the soul: indulge in some exquisite pastries and a hot chocolate. www. artedolcelyceum.it
Visini
An historic delicatessen near the Duomo, recently transformed into a multifaceted experience by its second generation of owners. Come here for takeout dishes (classic Italian, vegetarian, healthy or international), artisan gourmet foods, café, wine shop, wine bar and bistrot with cookery courses. Fancy a picnic on the lake? They can prepare one for you. www.visini.it
Caffè Milani
With more than 80 years of expertise in importing and roasting coffee, Caffè Milani lies 4km from Como. A coffeeculture discovery experience awaits here. Browse the museum – divided into botanical ‘islands’ – and the technical training centre, before enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or buy some to take home. www.caffemilani.it
I Tigli in Theoria
Chef Franco Caffara earned Como’s first Michelin star at his restaurant I Tigli al Lago in 2012, achieving the same recognition after he opened I Tigli in Theoria in 2014 at the beautifully renovated 15th-century bishop’s palace. It houses an exquisite restaurant with special old-world charm, offering unforgettable contemporary cuisine. The impeccably curated multiroom interior includes one dedicated solely to aperitifs and cocktails, and there’s also a delightful garden. www.theoriagallery.it
Osteria del Gallo
This storied eatery in Como’s centre was once a literary haunt. Today, it serves down-home cooking with a seasonal menu that uses fresh local ingredients. The warm, old-style osteria also sells wines, amaro herbal liqueurs from the Como area (try one called Piz) and regional deli products (sample some Valchiavenna bresaola or local cheeses). www.osteriadelgallo- como.it
Da Gigi
In the old town, Enoteca da Gigi has been passionately run by the same family since 1930. It’s where the locals come to enjoy an aperitif of excellent white, red or bubbly. An array of Italian and international bottles is available to buy, or to drink at the chic wine bar or tables outside. www.enotecagigi.com
Le Specialità Lariane
This family business was founded by Marco Molli in 1985 in Lenno (on the lake, about a 50-minute drive from Como). It specialises in smoking and dry-curing freshwater fish, particularly the lake’s iconic missoltino (shad), as well as lake-fish bottarga (roe) and marinades. You’ll find all these delicacies for sale in the shop on the premises. www.lespecialitalariane.it
GETTING THERE
Fly to Milano Malpensa, and you can rent a car and drive to Como in 45 minutes.
COMO
Main appellation Terre Lariane IGT Planted area 100ha
Main grapes Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Nero, Verdese Climate Pre-alpine, with lacustrine influences Heading northwards past picturesque lakeside villages, 90 minutes from Como is Domaso. Emanuele Angelinetta’s winery is perched in a striking position right above the water. Its vineyards cling to the hillside on steep terraces with drystone walls, and among them is the area’s only native variety, the Verdese: be sure to taste it. www.cantineangelinetta.com
Silvio
Set in the gardens of Villa Melzi, 30km from Como, Silvio is a prestigious spot that has been Lake Como’s premier fish restaurant for more than a century. Owner Cristian is a fisherman – he can take you on a fishing trip aboard his skiff. The house speciality is missoltini (dried shad). www.bellagiosilvio.com
Ristorante Mistral
With its tastefully luxurious ambience and scenic terrace overlooking the water, the Michelin-starred Mistral in Bellagio is the restaurant of one of the lake’s most elegant hotels, Villa Serbeloni. Chef Ettore Bocchia uses molecular gastronomy to create innovative haute cuisine, alongside more traditional recipes. www.ristorante-mistral.com