Top 10 Authentic Lunch and Snack Spots in Como, Italy

Family-run trattoria with warm atmosphere. Daily-changing menu features local ingredients. House wines exceed expectations. Standout dishes include cheese focaccia and unique polenta. Owners treat guests like family. Food quality is high, prices fair. Reservations recommended. Many consider it their favorite meal in Italy.

Gets packed quickly, so arrive early or make reservations. Small space can feel bustling and crowded. May need to wait for a table if you don't book in advance. Fully booked for dinner by early afternoon. Limited seating available due to popularity.

Delightful osteria with daily changing menu. Homemade dishes like stuffed focaccia, pork ribs, ravioli, and desserts are delicious. Owner recommends excellent local wines. Friendly staff and cozy atmosphere attract locals. Guests rave about the food quality and variety. Small, intimate setting perfect for authentic dining experience.

No significant negative aspects mentioned in the reviews. The only potential drawback is limited seating, as the restaurant is often full. Guests may need to time their visit carefully or make reservations to secure a table at this popular local spot.

Guests rave about the authentic, flavorful dishes and generous portions. Many praise the attentive, friendly service and cozy atmosphere. The homemade pasta and local specialties receive particular acclaim. Diners appreciate the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients and the excellent wine selection.

Some visitors find the prices slightly high for the portion sizes. A few mention that the restaurant can get crowded and noisy during peak hours. Occasionally, guests report longer wait times for food during busy periods. Some international travelers note that not all staff members speak fluent English.

Stunning location atop Como. Warm welcome from friendly staff. Excellent traditional mountain cuisine with gourmet twist. Best polenta in Lombardia, great wine selection. Fantastic dishes from cold cuts to pastas. Amazing desserts, especially pear chocolate cake. Surprise pina colada custard starter. Plenty of shaded terrace seating. Worth visiting nearby Faro Voltiano.

Pasta ragu lacked meat. Small portions for polenta dishes. High prices, especially for desserts and coffee. Pizzoccheri not traditionally made, disappointing for purists. Difficult to access without a car, requiring a 20-30 minute steep uphill walk. Some found the overall experience too expensive for the quality and quantity of food provided.

Guests rave about the authentic, flavorful polenta dishes and generous portions. Many appreciate the cozy, rustic atmosphere and friendly staff. Visitors often highlight the restaurant's commitment to traditional recipes and local ingredients. The unique concept of a polenta-focused menu is frequently praised as a refreshing change from standard Italian fare.

Some diners find the menu limited, especially for those who don't enjoy polenta. A few reviewers mention slow service during busy periods. Occasionally, guests note that prices are slightly high for the casual setting. Some international visitors find the lack of English menus challenging.

Incredible food with generous portions. Dishes cooked to perfection, especially the rosemary steak and saffron risotto. House wine surprisingly good. Staff friendly and attentive, offering helpful suggestions. Prices reasonable, often cheaper than other restaurants. Atmosphere pleasant. Highly recommended for lunch, but booking advised. Local specialties like ossobucco and fish risotto are standouts.

Language barrier causes issues. Staff can be rude to non-Italian speakers, even shouting at English-speaking customers. Some waiters seem rushed, even when not busy. Cooked vegetables disappointing, compared to hospital food. Bread basket automatically refilled and charged. For non-Italian speakers, a phrase book and smile might be necessary for a smoother experience.

Ristorante Sociale offers authentic Italian cuisine with fresh, well-prepared dishes and rich flavors. Service is attentive and friendly, even without reservations. Generous portions and a warm atmosphere create a relaxed dining experience. The restaurant features homemade specialties, delightful cocktails, and a good wine selection. Highly recommended for those seeking a true Italian meal in Como.

The reviewer had no negative comments about Ristorante Sociale. The only potential drawback mentioned was that the generous portion sizes left no room for dessert, despite the desserts looking appetizing. This isn't necessarily a negative aspect, but rather a consequence of the restaurant's ample servings.

Guests praise the restaurant's social mission and the quality of food. Many reviewers highlight the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. The pasta dishes receive particular acclaim, with diners often mentioning the homemade gnocchi and risotto. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, local ingredients is frequently noted and appreciated.

Some diners mention longer wait times during peak hours. A few reviews note that the menu options are limited, which may not suit all tastes. Occasionally, guests report that the noise level can be high when the restaurant is busy. Some travelers find the prices slightly higher than expected for the portion sizes.

Gelateria Lariana offers delicious, creamy gelato with rich flavors. Generous portions and fair pricing make it an affordable treat. Wide variety ensures something for everyone. Friendly staff enhance the experience. Perfect spot for a sweet indulgence while exploring Como. Better than most gelato found in the United States.

Prices are slightly high compared to other locations. Not considered truly artisanal gelato by some. Ongoing construction near the ferry terminal may affect access. Flavor names are only in Italian, which can be challenging for non-Italian speakers. Some find it good but not exceptional compared to other gelaterias.

Reasonable prices and a good selection of flavors make this gelato spot appealing. Staff are patient with non-Italian speakers. While not artisanal, the quality surpasses most options available in the United States. It satisfies cravings and offers a decent gelato experience.

The gelato quality isn't exceptional. Staff refuse to offer tasters, which is unusual and frustrating for customers trying to decide between flavors. This policy comes across as stingy and inflexible, potentially deterring patrons who want to sample before committing to a full scoop.

Customers rave about the exceptional quality and taste of the gelato, praising its creamy texture and intense flavors. Many highlight the friendly service and the shop's convenient location near the lake. The Gianduiotto is frequently mentioned as a must-try. Visitors appreciate the use of natural ingredients and the daily production of fresh gelato.

Some customers mention long queues during peak tourist season, which can lead to extended waiting times. A few reviewers note that prices are slightly higher than average, though most agree the quality justifies the cost. Occasionally, visitors comment on the limited seating options, as the shop is primarily designed for takeaway service.

Lakeside restaurant with pleasant terrace views. Good service and fantastic aperitivo at great prices. Variety of drink options and snack sizes available. Tasty croissants and coffee. Convenient restroom facilities. Music creates inviting atmosphere. Some guests appreciate the generous portion sizes of sandwiches and paninis.

Touristy spot with unjustifiably high prices. Mediocre food quality, particularly dry sandwiches and average paninis. Drinks received mixed reviews. Poor temperature control in glass cabin area. Persistent wasp problem during outdoor dining, with staff unresponsive to the issue. Coffee lacks strength. Some found service extremely poor and slow.

Customers rave about the quality and freshness of ingredients, especially the locally sourced meats and cheeses. Many praise the friendly service and the value for money, noting the generous portion sizes. The variety of sandwich options and the ability to customize are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Some visitors find the seating area too small and cramped, especially during peak hours. A few reviewers mention long wait times during busy periods. Occasionally, customers note that the bread can be a bit hard or dry, particularly later in the day.

Hidden gem with exceptional food, especially seafood. Extensive wine list with knowledgeable owner. Seasonal menu features local dishes. Staff are friendly and attentive, speaking multiple languages. Atmosphere is chilled and traditional. Surprising desserts not on the menu. Good value, with wine prices comparable to supermarkets. Reservations recommended due to popularity.

Restaurant entrance is difficult to find, needs better signage. Interior can be very cold, even with warm clothing. Not typical noisy Italian ambiance, which some may prefer for livelier occasions. Menu changes seasonally, so favorite dishes may not always be available. Very busy, potentially long waits without reservations.

This intimate Italian restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience. Authentic dishes are outstanding, with generous portions and a great wine selection. Service is excellent and well-paced, ensuring a relaxed meal. The small, gem-like atmosphere adds to the charm. It's a must-visit for those seeking top-quality Italian cuisine in a cozy setting.

No negative aspects were mentioned in the provided review.

Guests praise the authentic, flavorful dishes and warm hospitality. Many highlight the homemade pasta, particularly the pumpkin ravioli and truffle specialties. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service receive frequent compliments. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices for the quality of food and overall experience.

Some patrons mention the limited seating and occasional wait times during peak hours. A few reviews note that the menu is not extensive, which may not suit those seeking a wide variety of options. Rare complaints about portion sizes being smaller than expected have been reported.

Friendly service and great food are standout features. The bakery offers a variety of tasty options, including focaccia, brioche, and croissants. The ham and cheese roll is a favorite. Open late, it's perfect for early morning or late-night cravings. The pistachio croissant at 2:30 AM is highly recommended. The atmosphere is authentic and local, run by elderly ladies. An English-speaking staff member can advise on breakfast choices.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the reviews provided. The only potential drawback implied is that there might be long lines, as one review noted the presence of security to manage the queue. However, this could also be seen as a positive indication of the bakery's popularity.

Customers rave about the exceptional quality and flavor of the focaccia, praising its perfect texture and generous toppings. Many highlight the friendly service and reasonable prices. Visitors appreciate the authentic Italian experience and the opportunity to taste a variety of fresh, local ingredients.

Some reviewers mention limited seating options and occasional long wait times during peak hours. A few customers found certain flavor combinations too unconventional for their taste. There are occasional comments about the shop being closed unexpectedly or running out of popular items early in the day.

Located in Como's historic center, this bar offers great prices and service. Accommodating staff create a perfect atmosphere with heaters and blankets for outdoor seating. Food is good, especially for children. Cocktails and appetizers are highly recommended. It's a friendly neighborhood spot with good coffee and pastries for breakfast.

Service quality has declined recently. Staff can be inattentive, walking past customers without offering menus or taking orders. Some visitors experienced long waits and unfriendly attitudes. Food quality has also suffered, with average pizzas and smaller drink portions. Appetizers are now described as basic and unimpressive.

Visitors rave about the authentic Italian atmosphere and friendly service. The coffee is consistently praised as excellent, with many calling it the best in Como. Patrons love the fresh pastries and sandwiches, particularly the croissants. The central location and reasonable prices are often highlighted as major pluses.

Some reviewers mention that the café can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, leading to longer wait times. A few customers found the seating area a bit small and cramped. Occasionally, visitors note that the staff can seem rushed during busy periods, impacting the service quality.

Convenient location near railroad. Tasty pastries and coffee, especially pistachio cream and croissants. Wide variety of sweets. Friendly service. Good prices for quality food. Popular with locals. Great for breakfast or quick snacks. Cheesecake highly recommended. Visitors often return multiple times.

Can be chaotic at times. Ambiance described as bland. Some pastries seemed a bit old. Limited seating options. Crowded due to popularity. May have to wait for service during busy periods. Not ideal for long, leisurely meals. Some found coffee only decent, not exceptional.

This bar/pasticceria offers excellent value for breakfast. Visitors enjoy good cappuccinos and fresh, tasty croissants with a variety of options. The staff can communicate in English and are notably friendly, even accommodating mistakes. With reasonable prices and the option to stand at the bar or sit at tables, it's a convenient spot for travelers.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the provided reviews. Both reviewers had positive experiences with the food, service, and atmosphere of the establishment.

Customers praise the high quality of pastries, especially the cannolis and croissants. Many reviewers highlight the friendly staff and cozy atmosphere. The coffee receives numerous compliments, with patrons often mentioning it as some of the best in Como. The bakery's location near the lake is also frequently cited as a positive aspect.

Some visitors find the prices slightly high, though most agree the quality justifies the cost. A few reviews mention limited seating during peak hours, which can be inconvenient for those hoping to enjoy their treats on-site. Occasionally, customers note that popular items sell out quickly, especially later in the day.

Exceptional food, especially pasta and desserts. Stunning Lake Como views. Impeccable service with friendly, attentive staff. Warm atmosphere with live music. Caters to dietary needs like gluten-free. Owner's genuine hospitality stands out. Reasonable prices for high-quality meals. Perfect for special occasions or casual dining. Highly recommended by visitors.

No significant negative aspects mentioned in the provided reviews. All feedback was overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the excellent food, service, and atmosphere.

Exceptional service and memorable dining experiences. Friendly staff who remember guests. Quality food, especially pizzas, eggplant Parmesan, and seafood pasta. Great location on the lake. Delicious and generous aperitivos. Excellent house wine served in large glasses. Welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel like family. A must-visit spot for repeat customers.

No negative aspects were mentioned in the provided reviews.

Diners rave about the breathtaking lake views and romantic atmosphere. Many praise the high-quality seafood dishes and homemade pasta. The professional and friendly service receives frequent compliments. Guests often mention the well-curated wine list and the overall dining experience as exceptional. The lakeside terrace is particularly popular for its ambiance.

Some visitors find the prices high, even for the upscale setting. A few reviews mention long wait times during peak hours. Occasionally, guests report that some dishes are underwhelming compared to the cost. Some diners feel the interior seating lacks the charm of the terrace area. Parking difficulties are sometimes noted.