Food: 5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 There is only a handful of restaurants in Varenna for dinner and this one is top of my list. Previous night I ate at different restaurant and it was ok so I didn't have much expectation coming to this but I was wrong. I ordered Grilled octopus, Burrata with tomatoes for appetizer and flat noodles pasta with duck meat for main course. Also ordered house white wine to start. The restaurant filled up quick. They brought cured meat with cheese on the house while I was waiting for the food. The dishes came out not so long after. Octopus was cooked right about of time, it was very tender. I enjoyed the pasta very much. All the dishes tasted so well that I want to order some more but I was full. This is my go to restaurant if I come to Varenna again. Highly recommended read more

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Came here for dinner on Varenna and they did not disappoint. We ordered Caprese con burrata, egg tagliatelle with duck white ragu, and crispy octopus tentacles. All those dishes were delicious with great amount of seasonings. We did not have reservation for dinner but we were the first one there; so the staff gave us a table. Dinner dishes came out quick. Tiny restaurant but good service and ambience was good with family style dinning. Highly recommend those dishes to try if you come to this restaurant on Varenna. read more

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This place was one of the most popular dinner spots with quite a bit of people waiting. We thankfully didn't have to wait too long as a pair. If your group is larger than a pair, it might be best to split into smaller groups. We ordered white wine, san pelligrino, pasta with fish, a burrata salad and salmon topped with pistachios. The salmon and burrata salad had such distinct and strong flavors. The burrata was refreshing and the salmon was savory with a nice crisp. The pasta was delicious, however the flavors were a bit dull. The food here was 11/10 and would love to come back ~ read more

Il Cavatappi - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

We came here close to closing and were lucky enough to snag a seat indoors. The inside seating is limited and the tables are quite close together. The service is friendly but slightly slower - we only saw one waiter and someone we believe was the chef. Overall, food is good! Neither pasta was particularly memorable but both were tasty. We also ordered two Aperol spritzes but they didn't taste like Aperol - instead it tasted as though Campari was mixed in, which wasn't my favorite. For any international travelers, they accept credit card! read more

Il Cavatappi - Pasta and Aperol spritzes - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

What a delicious meal we had on our last day in Varenna. It is the best meal we have had on our trip. This is a small cozy restaurant, only 6 tables inside but there are some outside tables. We had a 45 minute wait for a table. It was rainy and cold but worth it. We had the Caprese salad with Baratta cheese and wonderful tomatoes. It was big enough to share. For the main dishes we had pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and lemon, with a Parmesan cheese sauce, and lamb shank with mashed potatoes. The pasta was spot on with a light lemony flavor, the lamb was tensor and succulent. Not to be forgotten was the red wine. We chose a bottle of Barbaresco that was smooth with great legs. Unfortunately we were too full for dessert. read more

Il Cavatappi - Caprese salad with Burrata cheese - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

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We came here for dinner and ordered a variety of food. We ordered octopus, salmon, lasagna, and another pasta dish. My favorite was the octopus. It was perfectly seasoned and very flavorful. I also loved the lasagna. The other dishes were also very delicious. This restaurant is very popular so I would highly recommend getting reservations. We came the day before and they said they can't take any people without reservations. The restaurant is very small but the food was worth it. read more

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In a few words... Food, Exceptional Service, delightful Ambiance, very nice whether inside or out read more

I have traveled to Italy several times now, across multiple regions and cities, and I have to say that Il Cavatappi has shown the rudest service I have ever received in Italy. Bottom line, up front: if you are a person of color, don't bother with this restaurant. My family and I arrived at the restaurant an hour and a half before closing. We waited for about twenty minutes at the end of the line, as instructed. Tables start to clear, and they seat the couple in front of us. The host looks at us and says, "They are our last table for the night. There are other restaurants down that way , I'm sure you'll like them." They then immediately proceed to shoo us out of the area we were waiting at (where they told us to wait). Again, it was over an hour before they closed, they had tables open, and we were the last people in line, yet they made us leave after having us wait. Looking around at their patrons and after reading other reviews, it's no wonder why we were treated this way. It's sad to think such blatant discrimination exists in Italy. And for what it's worth, since we waited in line for a while, we had ample time to look at the food that the tables around us were being served. The fare looked comparable to an American Olive Garden, but we figured we'd stay and wait because we were already there, and we were hungry. So in retrospect, maybe we were lucky that the racist staff turned us away, so we didn't have to endure consuming their TV dinner "Italian cuisine." People of color, please spend your hard earned money elsewhere, and don't waste your precious vacation time being made to feel embarrassed and humiliated. Il Cavatappi, il tuo comportamento è brutto, vergognoso e riflette male la cultura italiana. Mi dispiace per te. Riceverai ciò che meriti. read more

I came to Il Cavatappi with my boyfriend for lunch shortly after they opened at noon. We did not realize how popular this place was so got a table right away without a reservation but people quickly came before 12:30pm and then there was a wait. Our servers were both very kind and professional. They were very patient when we tried to speak to them in Italian and helped us understand the different dishes. We sat inside since it was a little cool out and it felt like such and intimate and authentic place! We really loved the nice but casual ambiance. We got some white wine which was delicious and refreshing. For food we tried: - house caprese salad: this came with fresh sliced tomatoes, creamy burrata and hints of basil, olive oil, and pesto over toasted bread. Amazing appetizer! The creaminess of the burrata went perfectly with the nutty pesto and sweet tomatoes. Would recommend. - octopus: I did not get a photo of the menu so I cannot remember what this was called. The octopus was grilled to perfection, had great flavor and a tender texture. It was over a bed of this chickpea mash which reminded me of hummus but without the lemon or tahini. Very tasty too! - calamarata: this was my first time having this dish and I enjoyed it. Calamarata is a shape of pasta which resembles squid rings. In this case it was cooked perfectly al dente and was paired with this tomato based sauce that had tangy olives and squid. I really loved this dish and thought the complex flavor profile was very good. It was very filling despite looking misleading small. The olives were very salty but they were small so they added a nice punch to the dish. Definitely worth giving it a try. - orochiette: my boyfriend got this and he loved it! The pasta shape was orichiette which are small half seashells and it came with cuttlefish. This was a lot milder than the calamarata dish since it had olive oil, a little garlic, the fish and some greens. His was also cooked very well and al dente. - tiramisu: for dessert we got their tiramisu which came in a little cute cup. The sweetness level was perfect without being overwhelming, and the flavor of espresso was perfectly balanced by this creamy mascarpone cream that may have had some egg yolks to make it richer. It had some cacao sprinkled on top which was also so good and really tied everything together. If you want dessert here, definitely try the tiramisu! Overall, lunch here was very good! The place fills up fast so I recommend that you get here on the earlier side (at noon) or be willing to wait. The service was fantastic and the food is just what you hope out of a small and authentic Italian restaurant. Restaurant is on the pricier side but the quality of ingredients was excellent and the portions were generous. Would come back again! read more

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Absolutely delicious food, by far the best in our trip. All four of us loved our meals and would happily come again. Lorenzo was friendly, helpful and attentive, and the restaurant itself was charming. read more

Wonderful food. Went back a second time for the same meal. Wish I was planning to be back in Varenna soon.

Best restaurant in Varenna! Need a reservation! Food excellent! Service excellent and ambiance sitting outside is nice. read more

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Seems like a very very good spot in Varenna, overall good for us but now wow-ed. Maybe I ordered the wrong dishes? Braised Veal - tender and flavorful but a bit too much fat parts for me. Rigatoni - texture of the Rigatoni was good, but felt the flavor was slightly underwhelming. Tiramisu - so good! Expected much more. read more

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We were lucky to get a reservation at this wonderful small hidden gem in Varenna. Our food and wine were amazing. One of the best meals we had! Loved everything about it. read more

Il Cavatappi - Best Lasagna ever!! - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

Delicious food! You have to wait outside but we only waited less than 30 minutes, deformity worth it. Price was not too bad.

Simply amazing! Our last night in Varenna was magical here. I was a bit worried as most reviews state that you should have a reservation. A lot of restaurants in Varenna close early and have 1-2 seatings and most get booked up pretty fast with the amount of tourists in the area. Luckily, we went around 6:15 (they open at 6) and got one of the only available, non-reserved tables. Parties that came in after us were refused a seat. If you have the option, I do recommend booking a table to guarantee a spot here! The space is small with only six tables inside and a few outside. We started with a bottle of house white wine which was so light and refreshing. For food, we were debating between a number of dishes but decided to do the smoked trout tartare, duck ragout, and veal cheek. Let me say that all of the dishes were 10/10. They even split the duck ragout in separate bowls for us. The veal cheek was so tender and seasoned to perfection. This was a perfect end to our trip in Varenna. I have dreams about my meal here! We had a fun night getting to know our table neighbors as well and weren't rushed out of the restaurant at all. Also, our entire meal for two was under $90 which is pretty amazing considering the dishes we ordered. Please make this a go to spot on your list! read more

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It's a very good place if you want to try non-traditional pasta. The Sicilian pesto one and the rabbit ragout one are really good. The lamb shank is so soft and flavorful. The tiramisu is just another heaven. read more

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When I tell you I had tears in my eyes when I tried the shrimp & potato gnocchi, I'm not kidding. It was THAT INCREDIBLE! This meal was a dream, make reservations in advance. I loved everything about this place read more

We didn't have a reservation, but arrived 20 minutes before they closed the lunch service. The host/waiter sat us down and we had a delicious meal. read more

Delicious!! Excellent t service, ambiance and food. Highly recommend. Very veggie friendly. The staff are all really nice too. This is a great place for authentic Italian food ! read more

Il Cavatappi - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

You know that dream you have of the perfect small restaurant with perfect atmosphere, service, and food? Well, this is that place. A very warm welcome from Giuseppe. Delicious food from Riccardo. Prosecco Bortolin Angelo, €20. Simultaneously crisp and fruity. Amuse bouche - a soft cheese topped with an olive. You will want more than just this single tasty bite. But, you won't get it. Trout tartare - lightly smoked trout on a bed of purple potatoes. OMG. Needed zero seasoning as the capers and lemon were just right. Lagrein. Raldt by Peter Zemmer, €24. I love this grape and style. Fettuccine with silky duck ragout. The amount of duck flavor was spot on and we only added some fresh ground black pepper. Pasta was al dente. Cheese plate with 6 rich cheeses. A taste range from mild to strong. Worked very well with the red wine. Panna cotta. Vanilla and orange. Boring. The only weak item. Coffee and grappa riserva. + service - excellent. + table linens + music. Italian songs that you know. + large, thick cloth napkins + Broggi flatware. Hefty and stylish. + Atmosphere is perfect. Warm. Cozy. It seats 14 happy diners. €98.50 for dinner for two. read more

Il Cavatappi - Il Cavatapi - smoked trout tartare - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

Best food we ate in Lake Como. Get a reservation, and try any specials they have for that night. Wine choices were fabulous, and staff was great! read more

Small and quaint. Reservations a must! Staff is excellent and food delicious. Ate here two nights while staying outside of Varenna. This place is perfection. The first night we sat outside as the indoor tables were taken. Used google translate to get a reservation for another night. Thank you to the wonderful staff! read more

I was really excited to try this place but unfortunately did not even make it to being seated. Before I even finished asking if they had availability he stopped me and said no and his tone was very short. I went to the place next door, Sorgovino, and the host greeted us with open arms. Some things just happen for a reason. read more

Possibly the best meal of my life! I started with the orecchiette and was blown away! The waiter said it is a "particular taste" and "fishy" but I found it to be perfect and just "fishy" enough! My fiancé who hates fish even enjoyed it! I couldn't have enjoyed it more. My fiancé has the tortelloni which he said was incredible - The small bite i had was amazing! We were both so happy with our choices! For the main dish I had the fish which was so good it literally brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't put my fork down, it was so good! My fiancé had the beef, cooked medium rare (pretty rare), and he loved it! We truly cannot say enough amazing things about the food here. We had the tiramisu & the "dessert of the day" and LOVED every bite. When i say best meal of my life, I really mean it! We had a beautiful table outside, and the service was incredible. HIGHLY recommend for anyone in Varenna! read more

We made reservations at this very quaint restaurant on the Varenna side of Lago di Como, Italy. It was top notch, the wait staff was extremely friendly, professional and spoke English. The food was delicious as you can imagine (see the photos) If Lago di Como in Italy is ever on your radar, make sure you reserve a table in advance as they are very popular and fill up quickly. read more

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Excellent food - get a reservation or get there at 6! To get a table outside. (Only item that wasn't great was the salad with bread in it) otherwise - all fab! read more

We had a perfect meal at this tiny, intimate place. The food was perfection, chef and owner warm and gracious, and the decor especially charming. I can't imagine a better dining experience in Varenna. read more

Absolutely outstanding. We were so glad to have made reservations here via our hotel concierge, as it was quite busy within 15 minutes of us sitting down. With our 6:30pm reservation, we were also lucky to have the opportunity to sit in one of just 3 outdoor tables in front of the restaurant. Our meal was terrific and our favorite in 3 dinners in the Milan/Lake Como region. We had the burrata/deconstructed caprese, the warm prawn salad (soooo good, and a great value with 6-7 perfectly cooked large prawns for I think just 14 euro - a daily special off-menu), and shared the fettucine with duck ragout. Every course was fantastic, really flavorful, very fresh. Would happily dine here again and recommend to any friends visiting the Como region. Service was friendly, spoke sufficient English, and the food came relatively quickly - we were done and back to the train station to catch a 7:45pm train that evening (no dessert, no lingering over after dinner drinks). No table cover. read more

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We made it to Varenna as our last couple days of stay in Italy. It sure was a long drive here! It was during closing hours when we walked in this restaurant. They were more then happy to serve us. The ravioli was great and the salmon was cooked just right not dry! Perfect! The decor had a gentle romantic setting and restaurant seats about 12. read more

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Our first night in the town of Varenna on Lake Como was at ll Cavatappi and it was a highlight of our two days there. The restaurant is located in a long alley with a couple of outside tables. Inside or outside are both good options. Our meal from start to finish was excellent. The chef sent out an amuse which was tasty, nice start. Our two starters were burrata and diced fresh tomatoes and a "summer salad" which was a combination of grains, seeds, tomatoes and herbs in a tasty tomato sauce. Both starters were delicious and beautifully presented. The mains were just as good, a large beef fillet with a peppercorn sauce and roasted lamb on top of a mix of corn and pasta. Both were prepared perfectly and were large portions. For dessert we shared a locally made spice cake with blueberries and custard sauce. This was a major yum and nice end to dinner. Also had a bottle of red wine that was a great match with our food. Great service from the staff made for a relaxing dinner. ll Cavatappi is an excellent choice if having dinner in Varenna. Be sure to set a reservation in advance. read more

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One of the best meals I've had in Italy. Yes, you have to be there early or late to get in but it's well worth it. The sauces are incredible and the dishes are so different than the other restaurants. Try to ask about the table in Italian and tell them you're happy to wait. Be gracious and patient -- they will return the favor. read more

Went here for lunch after my husband smelled it out - literally. We walked by a few times the day prior and he went "that's where we need to go. It smells incredible." Aperol spritzes and appetizer were tasty. I had a swordfish pasta dish that was quite hearty, kept me full for hours afterwards. The tiramisu was a delight! Pretty presentation and very delicious. I loved the vibe of this restaurant, it was in one of the many alleyways of Varenna. A hidden gem. Definitely check out! read more

This place is truly amazing! We wandered over for a later lunch and they were just turning a group of three away. I figured they were closing soon and was about to walk away, when my husband overheard enough of the conversation to realize they were turning the trio away because they only had a table for two. Perfect for us! They sat us right away and it was wonderfully cozy inside. We both opted for a pasta dish -- a swordfish pasta for him and I had the special, which was a short rolled pasta with pesto and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD. I was blown away by how fresh and flavorful and perfectly al dente it was. I'm beyond glad it worked out and we were able to eat here. read more

We travel a lot and always search for the best places to eat . We drove from Milan to spend a day at varenna . It was definitely worth it ! This restaurants is quite authentic, few tables ,yet very friendly staff . Food is so so good .. worth every penny !! And location is simply a hidden gem ! Average price list . Make sure u book ur table ahead of time . read more

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Very small restaurant with a compelling menu that's unlike a lot of the more tourist-oriented restaurants in Varenna. It seems more genuine and local than the competition--yes they'll serve duck ragu in the middle of August, because that's what they do, and you should get the duck ragu. read more

This restaurant was one of the highlights from our recent visit to Lake Como. We enjoyed it so much that we went twice in five days. The staff was very attentive and efficient. We initially got a bottle of wine that we didn't like and they graciously exchanged it for another. My wife said the eggplant was the best she'd ever had. I loved the swordfish pasta ragout enough to order it twice. Among other things we had exquisite cheese platter and extraordinary tiramisu. The food was phenomenal. We sat outside and were blessed to have beautiful weather and a lovely view. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Difficult to find, this very small and charming restaurant is on a side alley. You won't accidentally wander in. You must know where you're going. But the effort is worth it. There are only 12 chairs in the whole place. The restaurant is smaller than my master bedroom. The people are delightful. The food is a revelation. Try the veal cheeks and the pasta with duck ragu. Great. read more

The best food I had the whole time in Italy. And it is such an experience. You have to go here, and you have to make reservations at least a couple days in advance if your going to dinner. Which we didn't know but we stopped in for lunch and got a table. There are only three table inside and it has stone walls. The chef Mario is also the owner I believe and has one helper who helps take orders and things. They both speak perfect English too. The food is just divine. And it's obvious Mario loves it too so it's just a great experience. read more

Il Cavatappi - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC

Delicious!! Small, sweet atmosphere nestled in a beautiful narrow stone pathway just above the water. We ate at one of three tables outside. The ravioli, salmon, and lasagne were all wonderful. We had incredible desert (it was a special - vanilla cream with chocolate and biscotti). read more

Il Cavatappi - Ravioli with spinach - Italian Near Me - Varenna, LC