You’re in Lake Como for the views and calm water, and to live out your dolce vita fantasy in a villa or on a boat docked in front of your hotel. But there’s more to this northern Italian region, located about an hour outside of Milan, than all that. A trip to Lake Como is a deep dive into what makes Italians, Italians: step into the area’s mountain trattorias, crotti (restaurants built inside caves), and stately waterfront fine dining spots, and you’ll experience a sense of camaraderie.
Eating at the best restaurants in Lake Como should go beyond pasta and polenta, the latter of which originated in northern Italy. Fish, ideally prepared as simply as possible, is a required order at every stop, as is miascia, a local cake that reminds us of bread pudding but more delicious.