Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, shaped like an inverted "Y" located between Milan and the Southern border of Switzerland and the Alps. This exclusive destination has become a residence for Hollywood movie stars such as George Clooney and Sylvester Stallone.
Lake Como is home to the finest Italian cuisine and boasts some of the best restaurants in the world. Whether you want to try some authentic Italian food, freshly caught fish or even sample some Japanese sushi, Lake Como has a wide range of top class food on offer.
The resort of Bellagio and city of Como are great locations to tuck into some top quality pizzas and pasta. Or if you have a sweet tooth there's an extensive range of ice cream parlours spread around the area.
Italian
The most well known Italian dishes are pasta and pizza. The Neapolitan is considered as one of the most popular types of pizza, which consists simply of tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Whilst Spaghetti Carbonara is another favourite which is based on cheese, eggs and fried pancetta.
Italian food is also well known for being regional diverse and Lake Como is no exception. Missoltini is made up of sundried local fish which is conserved in barrels of bay leaves and salt which gives it a distinctive flavour. Polenta is also a popular staple food with locals which is basically fine ground cornmeal.
If you want to stay low key head to Cantina Follie in Tremezzo. This cosy restaurant is located in a wine cellar and serves delicious cold meats and cheese platters with local wines. But if you would rather dine by the lake, head to Ristorante Aurora Lezzeno, which offers authentic Italian pizzas cooked in a traditional wooden oven.
Fish lovers will adore Ittiturismo da Abate located on the shores Lezzeno. Why not try some polenta or missoltini here. The head chef Claudio will even invite you to come out on one of his fishing expeditions to see exactly where the fresh fish is caught. Or why not try Birimbo Restaurant in Brienno which offers panoramic views over Lake Como and tuck into a mouth-watering Neapolitan pizza.
If you are a fan of traditional Italian pasta and seafood you must head to La Brea in Dizzasco. Try some tantalising risotto, ravioli or tuna with chive sauce. Or try the stylish Apertivo et al in Bellagio which offers local dried beef with parmesan shavings and Parma ham with fresh melon.
In Tremezzo there's Pizzeria Balognett which sits among the residential streets. This hidden gem serves renowned classic pizzas for a relatively cheap price. Whilst in Argegno there's La Piazetta, which offers wine tasting sessions, where you can take your pick from the long list of alcoholic beverages.
Enjoy stunning views over the Alps of Piedmont at Ristorante Bella Vista which serves homemade Italian cuisine including gnocchi and risotto. Or if you are into fine dining you must visit Salice Blu in Bellagio, where you can try blue lobster or zucchini flowers.
Ice Cream parlours and patisseries
There are plenty of ice cream parlours serving delicious gelato and charming patisseries in Lake Como to pick from.
Head to Gelateria del Borgo in Bellagio and choose from a extensive range of traditional Italian ice creams such as strawberry cheesecake and pistachio. Or if you are staying in Gravedona try some delicious desserts from tiramisu to banana ice cream in La Carapina, which is situated right by the waterfront. They also cater for anybody who has allergies to certain ingredients.
Another place to get some fantastic gelato is at Gelateria Lariana in the city of Como. This highly popular parlour serves up a wide variety of ice creams for a very reasonable price. Or if you are more into savoury food try some classic Italian pastries and "focaccia" (oven baked flat bread, topped with herbs or olives) at Il Pane de Tina Beretta, also in Como.
If you are staying in the Argegno area you must head to Gelato Di Zoe. This gelato bar not only offers a long list of ice creams but also a selection of sweet cakes and gateau's. Or if you are visiting Menaggio try some hazelnut and pistachio frozen desserts at Gelateria Edo.
Asian
There are a few Asian restaurants in Lake Como which serve Indian classics such as onion bhajis and tandoori chicken, or if you are into Japanese cuisine there are plenty of mouth-watering sushi bars.
If you are a fan of fusion cuisine head to Kazan Sushi located in Como. This oriental-themed restaurant offers authentic Japanese food such as futomaki, chirashi and mixed sushi. If you are lucky you may also spot the odd celebrity here. Or you could also try Tokyo, which prides itself on being the first restaurant in Como to introduce Japanese cuisine.
Whilst if you are looking for high end Japanese cuisine look no further than Momiji. This well renowned restaurant serves delicacies such as sashimi and sushi. Or if you are into spicy food, why not choose from a selection of Indian specialities including hot vindaloo and tandoori king prawns at Namaste, also in the city of Como.