Osteria Quatro Pass

Locanda Montefiori

➤ Via Monte Fiori 35, 23825, Esino Lario Italia, ESINO LARIO, Italy

Carta • Caffè • Sushi • Asiatico • Messicano

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"We arrived at the restaurant after an afternoon of hiking to Monte Croce. At first we were unsure if they would even let us inside due to our sport clothes, because the pictures of the menu looked very fancy. However, this was not an issue and we found that the atmosphere of the restaurant was indeed quite laid back. We were offered delicious arancini and home made grissini on the house. We ordered a tuna tataki in ponzu sauce and a truffle oil beef carpaccio as a starter. The cook was so kind to accomodate separating our carpaccio in two portions because i cannot tolerate truffle oil. As a main dish we had pasta with shrimps and tomatoes and raviolis with goat cheese. Our dessert sent both of us jumping from our chairs: a catalan cream with cinnamon crumble and ice cream. The food was definitely prepared with love and of the highest quality, exactly what the doctor ordered after a long hike. Service was very friendly and even the Chef came outside at some point to make sure everything was okay. This was hands down the best food experience of our trip, and although it was not the cheapest, the food-quality ratio here has absolutely nothing to do with the overpriced restaurants around Como Lake. It is quite “off-the-beaten-path” for most tourist but it is definitely worth the trip and the money!!!"

La Grotta

➤ Salita Cernaia 14, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy, BELLAGIO

Carta • Pizza • Pasta • Carne • Noodles

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"some GF options, including a small selection of GF pizzas. the gf pizzas are cooked in the same of the regular pizzas and are not suitable for zöliakie. the same applies to the fries designated by gf, but they are boiled in the same oil as gluten-containing products. the waiter was open and clear about the possibility of cross-contamination in the kitchen. If they are coeliac, they will not be too enthusiastic. if in order with a rather striped back and simple (but tasty) meat or fish dish it is good."

Il Cavatappi

➤ Via Corrado Venini, 11, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy, VARENNA

Carta • Caffè • Sushi • Pizza • Asiatico

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"small local in the cobblestones, the corkscrew offers a small but original menu. the flavors of traditional cuisine are creatively declined and associated with unusual ingredients. great care in the presentation of the dishes and in the service, despite the local is really small. we were lucky to find a place on a Saturday at lunch with the crowded city. the price not quite modest is competitive with other locals and in line with the quality and service offered. I recommend to taste the trout fillets in corn crust, pumpkin cream and mushrooms .we are very satisfied with the experience. only note to take into account: there are no outside menu and for children there are no alternatives to tomato paste."

Selice Blue

➤ Boat Party Lake Como, Lungolario Guglielmo Marconi, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy, BELLAGIO

Carta • Vino • Pasta • Italiano • Mediterraneo

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"I was in Bellagio on a solo holiday, and had eaten at the other top rated restaurants in town prior to this night including the Michelin guide one). This restaurant was reviewed by others online as casual , and is up on top of a hill. I decided to try it out, so I made a reservation. It was a hot 30 minute climb up the hill including many steps) from the centre of town to reach this restaurant. I arrived very hot, and was welcomed warmly by the person at the front. I was shown to a table on the patio, and presented with a menu and water was delivered shortly afterwards. All was well at this point. Unfortunately, I was then left for 30 minutes without anyone coming to the table. I was getting bitten by mosquitos, and I watched two other tables get seated after me, who were then served and ordered drinks I still hadn 't even been given a drinks menu. I wondered was going on, so eventually I got up and went inside and asked if someone would be coming to serve me, as I would like to order a drink, as by this point I had drank the whole bottle of sparkling water I had originally ordered. I was told that someone would be coming. Bread was then dropped off by someone passing by without saying anything. Finally, the chef came out to the table and asked me if I was ready to order. I said I had questions about the menu, but I would like to order a drink first. The chef told me that he was very busy, and did I want to order food or not? He was extremely rude, so I asked to speak to the manager. The chef then told me that he was the owner, and that he wanted me to leave his restaurant, and he told me to get out. I was shocked and upset. I went back to the front to the nice person who had welcomed me, and I found the chef angrily addressing her in Italian. He then turned to me and mentioned my “dress code” and was aggressively pointing his finger at me. The woman instructed the chef to return to the kitchen, and I left the restaurant in tears. I must point out that I was dressed in long shorts and a v neck t shirt very similar to the American man sat at the head of a big table next to me. I cannot help but wonder if the chef would have addressed a man in the same way, as I did not see any other guests ‘dressed up’ for dinner. I eat at high end restaurants all over the world, and I have never been asked to leave a restaurant before in my life. This was not a high end establishment. I had to walk 30 minutes back to the town crying most of the way) to try to then find a restaurant for dinner. It was almost 9 pm when I got there, but my appetite was gone tbh. The chef should stay in his kitchen if he is unable to treat guests with respect. If the chef wants a “dress code” for his restaurant, then he should inform guests in advance as other establishments do. Utterly disgraceful behaviour, but Karma comes after everyone eventually."

Del Porto

➤ Via IV Novembre 21, 22017, MENAGGIO, Italy

Carta • Caffè • Pasta • Pizza • Messicano

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"wonderful place, cozy and kept in good condition also regarding cleanliness, which offers a view on the lake of extraordinary como also in the evening. the staff is kind and extremely professional while the dishes are very good and the well-kept impiament. being I very difficult when it comes to eating fish I asked if it was possible to make a mix of two first dishes on the card, request that it was wonderfully satisfied. the menu is varied but not dispersed or excessive, they offer both options of fish and meat suitable to meet the needs of everyone and have a choice, also not very wide, of dessert and wines that are however well selected and absolutely excellent. regarding the prices are not low but I think suitable for a restaurant that offers quality foods and has a breathtaking view. super recommended for a romantic candlelight dinner but also ideal for a family dinner or friends."