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Lake Como is not only famous for breathtaking scenery and grand villas, but also for a rich culinary tradition rooted in rural and lakeside life. If you love good food, here is a selection of traditional dishes you simply have to try during a visit to this beautiful area.
Between the picturesque villages of Bellano and Varenna, you will find trattorias and osterias that preserve recipes handed down through generations. If you want to taste the most authentic dishes in the area, here is a guide to the unmissable flavours and the places where you can enjoy them. Larian cuisine is closely tied to local traditions and seasonal produce, offering dishes that tell the story of the bond between lake and mountains.
A classic Lake Como dish made with fresh perch fillets, butter, white wine and fish stock. The creamy rice pairs perfectly with the delicate fish, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the area. The fish is lightly floured, fried in butter and laid over a creamy risotto, creating an irresistible balance of flavours.
These are agoni (a lake fish similar to herring) that are caught, sun-dried and preserved in salt. Before serving, they are grilled and dressed with olive oil and vinegar. Their ideal accompaniment is polenta, which balances the fish’s intense flavour. Once a staple for poorer families, today they are a real delicacy.
Lavarello is one of the most prized fish in Lake Como. It is usually grilled with a drizzle of oil, aromatic herbs and lemon, offering a delicate, fresh taste for those who love simple, genuine flavours. Another method is to make it in carpione: the fish is fried and then marinated in a sauce made with vinegar, onion, white wine and spices.
A rich, hearty polenta made with buckwheat flour, butter, Casera cheese and garlic. Often served with braised meats or mushrooms, it is a traditional “poor kitchen” dish full of flavour. A true flavour-and-calorie bomb, perfect for tackling cold winter days in the Larian mountains.
A more rustic tradition and a typical speciality of the hilly areas around the lake. The meat is slow-cooked in red wine with vegetables and spices until tender and deeply flavoursome.
To finish on a sweet note, miascia is a simple dessert made with stale bread, milk, eggs, apples and raisins. A lingering hint of cinnamon or grappa makes it even more special.
There are many restaurants, trattorias and bistros for every budget and taste. You can find some food recommendations at the following link.
“Lake Como is not only a place of extraordinary beauty, but also a paradise for lovers of good food. If you are planning a visit, don’t miss the chance to taste these unique dishes, shaped by a gastronomic tradition that brings together the best of the lake and the mountains. Lake Como is also a journey through simple, genuine flavours tied to the land and the waters of the area. If you love Italian gastronomy, don’t miss these dishes that tell centuries of history and tradition.”
Missoltino with polenta is often considered the signature dish of Lake Como. It consists of dried, pressed agoni fish, grilled and served on warm polenta.
You can find it in restaurants across the Lake Como area. Varenna, Bellagio and the Tremezzina are well known for excellent lake fish and skilled local cooking.
It is a polenta made with buckwheat flour, enriched with butter, garlic and local cheese. It is a substantial, warming dish, especially popular in winter.
Yes. It is a simple cake made with stale bread and fruit, without complicated ingredients. It is great for breakfast or a snack and is loved by children too.