Lake Como cuisine is very different from the more well know southern Italian food. It’s Alpine-Lombard cooking: rich, comforting, based on lake fish, polenta, butter, mountain cheeses, and slow-cooked meats.
Risotto con Pesce Persico
One of the signature dishes of the lake is a creamy saffron or butter risotto topped with lightly fried European perch fillets from the lake
Simple, elegant, and extremely traditional.
Missoltini
The most historic local specialty.
These are: sun-dried and salted lake fish grilled and usually served with polenta or potatoes. Very authentic and quite intense in flavour — locals love it.
Polenta Uncia
Classic mountain comfort food made with polenta, butter, garlic, sage and local cheese. It is rich, rustic, and perfect after hiking or in cooler weather.
Sciatt
A specialty from nearby Valtellina often found around the lake. They are: crispy fried buckwheat cheese fritter usually filled with melted Casera cheese and served hot with salad or cured meats.
Brasato con Polenta
Slow-braised beef cooked in red wine and served with polenta.
Very traditional winter-style Lombardy cuisine. Best in winter.
Lavarello
A delicate white lake fish often served grilled and simpole with olive oil and herbs – one of the best local fish dishes if you prefer lighter food.
