How to revive an old family butcher shop? Ask two brothers from Laglio, Andrea and Alessandro, who transformed their parents Luciano and Marilena’s shop into a small bistro. Overlooking the Vecchia Regina, Da Luciano can be reached both by car and by boat, as there is a small floating dock just in front. You can still buy cheeses and cured meats here, but if you arrive at aperitivo time, the same delicacies will be served on platters accompanied by a spritz or a good glass of wine.
www.bottegadaluciano.it/?lang=en
Five years ago, Riccardo and Federico embarked on the task of producing a craft beer that was linked to Lake Como. The result was AquaDulza, named in honor of the lake’s fresh water. The brand soon started to gain notice from the world of craft beer enthusiasts, so the creators thought of giving their beer a home, too. In April 2017, they opened Casa AquaDulza. The restaurant-bistro-store – and, since August 2018, also a B&B – was born inside a 19th-century palace that once housed an inn. But even though the star here is beer, spritz lovers will not be disappointed as in addition to the classic, they also serve a version based, of course, on beer. On the side are platters of local cheeses and cured meats, plus a “guest” salami and a series of snacks that reflect the bistro’s locally-driven menu.
With more than 100 years of history, this hotel was an essential destination at the time of the “grand tour,” with its rooms hosting noblemen, divas and VIPs. Today, an aperitivo at the T Bar is an opportunity to bask in a bit of that early 20th-century grandeur. From the terrace, the view stretches to Bellagio, with the Grigna mountain in the background, tinged with pink at sunset. The limited wine list is counter-balanced by a varied selection of cocktails ranging from the classic spritz and Americano to signature ones created by the bartender.
Patricia Urquiola’s design and Andrea Berton’s style in the kitchen are two key elements that reflect the class that reigns throughout Il Sereno, a boutique hotel on the eastern shore of Lake Como. If the one Michelin Star Berton Al Lago restaurant is not a good enough reason to visit the establishment, then cocktails by the mixologist Marco Gheza might be. The innate curiosity of this 29-year-old has helped him create more than 60 cocktails since he took over the bar a couple of years ago. Upon arrival you are served flavored water, then a pre-drink accompanied by a dry snack to while away the time before the arrival of the main attraction. In addition, you can also order “The gourmet aperitivo,” a plate of four different finger foods that come directly from Chef Berton’s kitchen.
ilserenoallago.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Opened in April 2017, Lo Scalo embodies the new spirit of Lake Como. Andre Paci is the engine behind the project, assisted by young staff members. Working on the terrace overlooking the former Cremia boat yard, the bartender with more than 20 years of experience serves a spritz, certainly, but not the classic ones you might expect. The colors of the various drinks contained in elegant glasses are the only common thread of the narrative.
For a glamorous aperitivo in Como city, we recommend Terrazza 241, the rooftop bar of the Hilton Lake Como, opened in January 2018. Overlooking the promenade leading to Villa Olmo, the view from here is one of the most unusual, making Terrazza 241 is the right place for a standout happy hour of cocktails, craft beers, and excellent wines and Champagne. On the side you can also order “Bites,” small tastings based on some of the flagship products of Italy.
It’s a name that has been part of the history of Cernobbio for the past 50 years. The veranda of Harry’s Bar, often a destination for VIPs including George and Amal Clooney, is a great classic for an aperitivo overlooking the lake. The location is fantastic: in the town square, just a few steps from the lake, and accessible by boat. Two red and two white wines are alternated according to the seasons. There’s a short list of cocktails, but the barman is always available to satisfy any customer requests. The menu is simple, but focuses on quality.
Santo Stefano serves the Como speciality, missoltini (dried twaite shad, if you must know).
With a charming courtyard directly on the lakeside and a private jetty that makes the restaurant reachable by boat, Locanda La Tirlindana is all about sophistication.
The cuisine is sophisticated, and all the dishes are elaborate and appealing to the eye. And they taste great too. Why not try the famed lemon and mascarpone ravioli?
This small, secluded family-run trattoria is loved for its friendly atmosphere and a tranquility that you won’t get on Azzano’s busier streets. The small menu of carefully chosen dishes is based on fresh, local ingredients that are as good as they look, arriving at the table in wonderful displays, with heavenly flavours to match.
www.facebook.com/Antica-Trattoria-del-Risorgimento-188671764644322/
The references to the world of mail inside are not accidental: before being a place for food and wine, the space was occupied by the town's post office. You eat in two rooms: the 1800 cave with exposed stones and a second, brighter and more linear room. The specialties: lake fish, Piedmont meats, artisanal desserts.
The most recent star of the lake - which enjoys a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake.
In the heart of Como is one of its most renowned restaurants, La Colombetta. Split into five dining areas, with two rooms in the loft, the restaurant provides plenty of candlelit corners for smoochy couples who want to get cosy without missing the lake views. The cuisine is as traditional as it gets, based on family recipes handed down through generations: tender lamb chops, ravioli, octopus salad and a limoncello digestif.
It is the internal restaurant of the Filario Hotel, a structure of pure design. On the high terrace overlooking the lake, you can taste dishes partly linked to the territory but above all that reveal the chef's Mediterranean origins.
Savor artfully prepared regional specialties with the freshest local flavors by Michelin star chef Lenzi presented in a uniquely contemporary space designed by renowned Patricia Urquiola.
www.serenohotels.com/it/property/il-sereno/restaurant/berton-al-lago/
The name - which is also that of the hotel that hosts it - gives the idea. It is difficult to get distracted from the view but the cuisine succeeds with a rich menu where there is great attention to lake fish (the mixed appetizer is not to be missed) but do not neglect the pasta dishes, sea fish and meat dishes.
TA pleasant landing on the Como shore: the internal rooms are suggestive, with lots of wood and copper pots hanging on the walls, but the outdoor area is even more so. Homemade and integralist cuisine, made of gnocchi and braised meat, risotto with perch and pheasant. Generous portions and competitive prices.
The small terrace 'inside' the lake alone deserves a stop. But also the cuisine, strongly linked to the territory, convinces: apart from the house specialty, the whitefish bottarga to season pasta and rice, you have to taste the lake fish. There is the possibility, by warning, of docking near the club.
There is a long tradition of fine cuisine in the restaurant of this hotel. The dishes are typical of the Larian and regional cuisine, with a hint of originality. It is always advisable to taste the proposals based on lake fish, accompanied by a wine from the cellar, which was built in the 1700s.
The starred table par excellence of the Lario: French technique, exceptional raw materials, classy recipes.
A very nice place, with a summer terrace overlooking the mountains and the lake. The kitchen offers a seasonal menu that focuses on local tradition in winter and a little more Mediterranean in summer. Excellent fish dishes from both the lake and the sea. The cellar is of a high standard, with about a thousand labels.
www.lakecomohospitality.com/en/restaurant/
In a 15th century building, a beautiful restaurant with a regulated terrace overlooking the lake: you can enjoy seasonal cuisine based on local products, not necessarily following tradition. See dishes such as salmon trout fillet in salt or creamed risotto with prosecco, smoked provola and granny smith apple.
Discover Como through its old houses, buildings, roads, courtyards, towers, medieval walls and churches, including the Cathedral and the Basilica of St Fedele,
with 3 tasting stops:
aperitiv, pizza gourmet and gelato.
Booking and price on request at the following email: chrisandsamira@sposiamovi.it
A tour to unveil the centre of the Lario, with an usual way to discover even what seems to be very well known.
The cruise along the west coast will allow the visitors to appreciate some of the most stunning villas and mansions of the lake : not only the renowned Villa Carlotta, but also Villa Margherita Ricordi ( where Giuseppe Verdi composed La Traviata) , Villa Maresi and the not to be missed Villa La Gaeta ( film set of 007 Casino Royale).
There are a few surprises also on the east coast : the wild Gorge of Bellano (that can be reached with a boardwalk), the gardens of Villa Cipressi in Varenna, the walk in the villages with the lively locals, the aperitivo and lunch that will show the real nature of the lake in all its aspects.
Even Bellagio will be a revelation : arriving from the tiny hamlet of Pescallo the view on the village will be unusual and fascinating.
The tour ends sailing southbound with the captivating sights of mansions like Villa Melzi, Villa la Cassinella and the Villa del Balbianello : this will explain why lake Como is praised all over the world.
Do not miss this tour including an aperitivo in a typical “taverna” an experience for those who want to have a real taste of Italy
Booking and price on request at the following email: chrisandsamira@sposiamovi.it
From the tiny hamlets of the centre of the Lario to the lively city of Como, a sequence of sights and stories.
The boat tour will sail along the coast of Tremezzo to admire Villa Carlotta, Villa Mayer and Villa la Quiete.
On the road to Torno to have aperitivo the boat will sail along some of me most well known villages and stunning Vips’ villas and mansions, longed for by the whole world.
There will be of course a short photo stop in Nesso to take a picture of the Gorge and the ponte della Civera.
After aperitivo the boat tour continues towards Moltrasio and Cernobbio, to stop in Como.
A short walk in the city centre will show the visitors the most famous monuments and the beautiful streets.
The return by boat to the centre of the Lario will be the appropriate conclusion of a wonderful day, dedicated to beauty and charm.
Booking and price on request at the following email: chrisandsamira@sposiamovi.it
The best game to play on an afternoon is to hire a boat and follow the shores, bingeing on the villas.
Starting to feel peckish? Moor in Lezzeno, a sleepy village drowsing over the lake’s eastern hills, and make a beeline for Ittiturismo da Abate. The menu in this family-owned restaurant is based on the catch of the day, including lake specialities such as missoltini and rice with perch.
You just have to contact our concierge to make it happen, (remember to do it in advance due to it being peak traveling season):
chrisandsamira@sposiamovi.it
Would you like to plan a guided trekking or hiking on on Lake Como ?
Rely on professional guides. You will be able to hike in the fantastic scenery of the mountains and hills of Lake Como, enjoying breath-taking views of the lake and amazing natural environments that this wonderful corner of the world can offer you!
Don’t waste time, contact us right now! We will organize the hiking experience with a gorgeous view that best suits you!
email : chrisandsamira@sposiamovi.it
Book an air excursion on a seaplane to take in the scenery from up high — though, arguably, the most thrilling part of the experience comes towards the end, when the small plane glides down and alights on the gentle waves.
Book in time through our concierge: chrisandsamira@sposiamovi.it
On one of Como's most atmospheric streets, Lopez Vintage lures you in with its whimsical window displays. Inside, the tiny jewel box of a shop has elegant vintage pieces – slim-fitting dresses, oversized sunglasses, hats, accessories and other eye candy. Prices can be high, but you'll discover unique outfits, hats and jewellery you won't find elsewhere.
The same owners also run the sparkling jewellery shop next door.
Instagram: @mariagrazia_lopez
Como’s largest and best food market is this Fascist-era covered market crammed with fruit, veg, meat, bread and cheese purveyors. One hall is entirely devoted to organic, local produce that has to come from a defined area around the city. Here you’ll find lake fish, mountain honey and rare, small-batch Lombard cheeses.
First opened in 1919, this is the last remaining silk shop in town dedicated to selling Como-designed-and-made silk ties, scarves, throws and sarongs. Products are grouped by price category (starting at €15 for a tie), reflecting the skill and workmanship involved.
Sales assistants are happy to advise on colours and styles – if it's a gift, they'll also wrap it for you.
A deli-cum–grocery shop piled high with Larian goodies, among them dried porcini mushrooms, DOP Laghi Lombardi-Lario olive oil, missoltini (dried fish) and some rather irreverently shaped bottles of limoncello (lemon liqueur).
There's an excellent cheese and meat counter, and staff can happily assemble sandwiches with your ingredients of choice.
This smart little shop is run by designer Simona Trombetta, responsible for much of the well-priced contemporary jewellery made with brass, bronze, silver and freshwater pearls that is on sale here. Other tempting items are the handmade straw hats, a small, well-curated selection of Como silk scarves, and the seductively soft handbags crafted in southern Italy.
This delightful ceramics shop is a fine place to browse for gift ideas. You'll find artfully wrought vases, bowls, vases, mugs, ornaments, picture frames and platters, as well as jewellery. Everything is created by Italian artists at Il Tornio shop.
Wines, vintage whiskies and grappas, along with olive oils and balsamic vinegars, line the walls of this sociable wine shop and bar. Drop by in the evening for a glass of prosecco (sparkling wine) or a sauvignon blanc (from around €3) and enjoy the free, freshly prepared bruschetta.
Como's renowned silk manufacturing industry sends ties, scarves and other accessories up the road to this small Bellagio shop.
address: Salita Serbelloni 8 -Como
Located in Mendrisio in Switzerland, Fox Town is one of the biggest outlet villages in Europe. Home to 250 of the world’s best fashion brands, the village is the excuse you’ve been looking for to treat yourself to that Valentino bag, those Gucci shoes and those Prada sunglasses you’ve had your eyes on. Hop over the border and bag a bargain.
Approx. 20 minutes by car from Como or by train.
Sense of Lake promises an everlasting journey that begins before you arrive at Grand Hotel Tremezzo and follows you home, it’s the joy we experience selecting each fascinating object and sending the elegant, timeless charms of Lake Como to shine in all four corners of the world.
The beating heart of TESSABIT are its boutiques, displayed throughout the shores of Lake Como and in the city center of Como to offer the most exclusive shopping experience for women, men and kids.
INSTAGRAM @stefanov.hairstore
Via Cinque Giornate, 35 - Como
22100 Como
appuntamenti.como@equipeornella.com
Tel. +39 031 26 70 21
como@toniandguy.it
Tel. +39 031 2753375
by.como@aldocoppola.com
Tel. +39 031 261603
Please find here the link of the agency who will assist you in finding the right babysitter:
www.internationalbabysitters.com