Kelsey & Hunter
Kelsey & Hunter
RESTAURANTS
1. Gatto Nero
A favorite of The Clooney's and many of their famous friends, “The Black Cat” is an elegant restaurant with an elaborate menu offering different Italian specialties. Its intimate atmosphere created by the candles during sunset feels surreal. You can enjoy the breathtaking view while eating sophisticated and delicious food. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options.
You can find the menu and pricing here:
https://www.ristorantegattonero.it/en/
2. Figli Dei Fiori
Originally, Figli Dei Fiori was a florist that oversees some of the biggest weddings in Lake Como. But it is also a Bistrot. You will be welcomed in a nice and boho chic atmosphere like you are in NYC. The restaurant uses a unique technique never seen before in Italy... it's a special Cuban charcoal oven. This technique gives meat, fish, and vegetables a unique flavor. The colorful plates taste as good as they look, and the prices are reasonable.
You can find the menu and pricing here:
http://www.figlideifiori.com/bistrot/?lang=en
3. Trattoria Del Glicine
This traditional family Italian food restaurant is the perfect place if you want to discover Italian cuisine. You will feel the unique Lake Como vibe as soon as you enter the terrace. Trattoria Del Glicine offers reasonable prices seeing the quality of the food and location. They also have an amazing wine selection. The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
You can find the menu and pricing here:
https://www.lakecomohospitality.com/en/restaurant/
4. I Tigli in Theoria
“The menus of the restaurant i TIGLI in THEORIA are designed to offer guests both an experience of contemporary high cuisine and an unexpected path of balanced and refined tastes, featuring local and seasonal products.” This gastronomic adventure was rewarded by a Michelin Star, and we understand why. Every step is sophisticated and surprising. Locals recommend the 3 course tasting menu to experience the flavors to the fullest, but you can't go wrong with the “a la carte” options either.
You can find the menu and pricing here:
https://www.theoriagallery.it/en/restaurantcomo/
5. Il Diavolo L’Acqua Santa
Here is the restaurant's mojo: good food, good wine, good time. The spacious spot offers you three different cuisines: Le Scuderi, with its traditional Italian catering, The gourmet lounge, which is located under a glass sealing allowing you to enjoy a beautiful stargazing, and lastly, I sette peccati dello Chef is the most chic space where you can enjoy a 7-course menu. According to our planner, the restaurant’s setting is chic, and the service is good. Reservations strongly recommended.
You can find the menu and pricing here:
https://www.ildiavololacquasanta.it/en
6. Soho
If you are looking for a Japanese restaurant in Como the locals say go to Soho. Their sushi comes highly recommended. If you are tired of Italian cuisine, this is the place for you. Walk 5 minutes from the duomo and you will find Soho in a little quiet piazzolo. Our planner's personal favorite is the “Crunchy” urukami.
You can find the menu and pricing here:
THINGS TO DO
1. Rent a boat
What better way to explore the treasures of a lake than renting a boat? In Lake Como, several companies rent boats that do not need a license to be driven. A 2-3 hour tour is the perfect amount to see all the lake's amazing Villas and Gardens. Take this time to get to the “Orrido di Nesso”, probably one of the most Instagramable waterfalls in the world. You also can’t forget a nice bottle of Prosecco to enjoy a nice drink with a nice view :)
To rent a boat in Cernobbio to self-guide, stop by the stand directly next to the lake in front of Harry's Bar. This is the most convenient self-driven option. If you'd like a captain to tour you around, Villa D'Este and The Sheraton will gladly book for you at the concierge.
2. Take the ferry or 30-minute drive to The Grand Hotel Tremezzo to enjoy a cocktail or lunch from another viewpoint of the lake
https://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/home/
The view is beautiful, so we recommend stopping by during the day to take full advantage.
3. Take a cooking lesson
According to our planner, this is not your typical boring class... this is a real authentic Italian cooking lesson! Learn how to make pasta, pizza, risotto, tiramisu, and way more with this fun activity to enjoy with your friends or your family. After several hours of hard labor, you will have the pleasure of enjoying your homemade meal surrounded by your loved ones. During this time you might also learn some very interesting things about Lake Como, narrated by someone who has lived here their whole life.
Prices and reservation:
4. Electric Bike tour (full disclosure: we have yet to try this! :) )
Whether you are into biking or want to see the Italian landscape while trying to make up for all of the amazing food you're going to enjoy, biking is the perfect activity for you. You will get to go to the Swiss borders to discover the picturesque villages and lush vineyards with a guide for a stress-free ride. The bike’s level of assistance is adaptable, so this activity is open to everyone from non-athletes to experienced cyclists!
Prices and reservation:
5. Once you've tackled Cernobbio, take the ferry over to Como (10 minutes) to explore the sights!
Como is a very rich city culturally speaking. Check out the Duomo. The building was built 1396, 10 years after the creation of Milan’s cathedral. You have to step inside to understand how much work it took to build it. It really is a miracle that monuments like these are still open to public to this day. You may also visit Villa Olmo where you can enjoy different art exhibits during the year. The gardens are now public parks and are very nice to walk in
Lastly, visit Theatro Sociale, one of the oldest and most astonishing in Northern Italy. It was open in 1813 and is now open to the public for nice tours.
Duomo’s website:
https://www.visitcomo.eu/en/discover/monuments/churches/cathedral/index.html
Villa Olmo’s website:
Theatro Sociale’s website: