Osteria del Gallo
Como town is the lake's largest settlement and its least glamorous, but it has the advantage of a year-round dining scene that does not shut down when the tourists leave. Osteria del Gallo, in the medieval centre, is the place for a simple, honest lunch.
The format is classic osteria: a short menu of regional dishes, local wines poured without ceremony, and a convivial, unpretentious room that fills with locals.
It makes a natural first or last meal on the lake for travellers arriving from Milan by train. Expect modest prices for very good regional cooking.
Guest Reviews
What an absolute gem! We stumbled upon Osteria del Gallo for lunch and it turned out to be the highlight of our time in Como. The daily menu (written on brown paper, pinned to the door: you know it's authentic!) had us at the pizzoccheri della Valtellina and the stinco di maiale con polenta. Both were outstanding: the pork shank was perfectly tender with a beautiful glaze, and the polenta was unlike anything we've had before. Rich, hearty, and full of flavour. The house red wine came in a carafe and paired beautifully with everything. The atmosphere is incredibly cosy: checkered tablecloths, wine bottles lining the walls, and a warm family-run feel that makes you forget you're a tourist. A few tips: the place is small and very popular with locals, so make sure to reserve in advance. The menu changes daily based on what's fresh, which says everything about the quality. Prices are extremely fair for what you get: this is real Lombardian home cooking at its finest. We came all the way from the Netherlands and this was hands down the best meal of our trip. Grazie mille! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming restaurant serving authentic local Italian cuisine, featuring a wonderful selection of house-made cheeses. The soup is rich and flavorful, while the hot dishes are perfectly prepared and deeply satisfying. The desserts are truly fantastic, offering a delightful finish to the meal. A warm and inviting place to enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Absolutely loved our evening at Osteria del Gallo in Como. Tucked away on the beautiful Via Vitani, this place feels like the kind of authentic northern Italian osteria you hope to stumble across but rarely do. Fantastic atmosphere, warm service, great wine, and proper traditional Lombardy food done simply and well. The setting outside on the old stone street made the whole evening feel very special. A perfect final night in Italy. Highly recommended if you want something authentic, romantic, and full of character.
Greetings fellow travelers. Stop reading this review and come here right away for lunch or dinner. This establishment gets packed out quickly, so arrive early. The menu changes daily. The selection is always inviting. Order your heart's content. You will be surprised how fabulous it is. I tried their house wine, both the red and the white none disappointed, In fact it exceeded my expectations. The cuisine here is local and with local ingredients. Take note of their polenta. It is like nothing you've ever had before outside this area. I had to purchase several packages to take home. They also sell wine and other provisions at this trattoria. When I come back to Como this is the first place I will come to eat. The owner, Paola and her staff treat you with a warm welcome and serve you like your family. Praise is all I have for this trattoria.
It is a family-owned restaurant run by three generations. The owners, a warm and friendly Italian family, create a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is small and bustling, with the owner seemingly knowing most of the customers. I enjoyed three different Italian dishes, along with tiramisu and house wine. Everything—from the food to the ambiance and hospitality—was wonderful.
Details
More Restaurants in Lake Como
Albergo Milano
Varenna, on the eastern shore, is quieter and less polished than Bellagio, which is exactly its appeal. The waterfront is lovely, with a narrow lakeside promenade and a handful of restaurants that catch the afternoon sun and the views across to the western mountains.
Bilacus
In Bellagio, the waterfront restaurants along the lungolago tend to trade on location rather than quality. For better cooking, head uphill to the quieter streets behind the waterfront, where Bilacus serves reliable Lombardian cuisine in a pleasant courtyard in the old town.
Crotto dei Platani
A crotto is a traditional Lombard restaurant built into or against a natural rock formation, using cool air from mountain caves as a natural refrigerator, a technique that predates electricity by centuries. Crotto dei Platani, in the small village of Brienno on the western shore, is one of the finest examples. The terrace extends over the water beneath enormous plane trees, and on a still summer evening it is as atmospheric as dining gets.