Fresco is the kind of place that makes you double-check you're still in Como and not suddenly in…read moreNYC, LA, or a Michelin restaurant bar. The cocktails are inventive, elevated, and layered with thought, yet the atmosphere is relaxed and elevated while also unpretentious. Andrea, the owner, is part mad scientist (he has his chemistry set in the front window) and part storyteller. He crafts flavor profiles with house-made natural extracts that feel both novel and perfectly balanced. We had a blast geeking out with him about spirits while Satish and the rest of the team kept the night lively with warm hospitality and a bit of history woven into every pour. The naturally flavored home made welcome apertif and little bites were a charming touch, but the real highlight was realizing this wasn't just a drink, it was a total experience. Tonight's serendipitous nightcap was magical and we'll be back... again and again.

This bar literally needs a 6/5. I haven't had such an intimate and enjoyable experience at a…read morecocktail bar since ~2010. The ambiance was amazing (low light, jazz music). The owner was truly passionate about his craft. A beautiful desert was offered on the house alongside the first round. Of course, the drinks were incredible. The company too! I walked out the front door in a state of bliss. Oh yeah! I also forgot to mention that they infuse and subsequently diffuse their own alcohols, alongside making a chamomile based bitters with a 150 year-old recipe.

Located right outside the Cathedral it's a good location to sit outdoors on a nice day. There were…read moreeven some very good buskers singing on the sidewalk during our visit. Service was quite fast and they have a traditional wood pizza oven. These ovens cook the pizza fast, and some times the edges get over done, but it's a small price for a true Italian pizza. The menu has a small selection of pizza, as well as panini and pasta, and desserts. There are also a selection of coffee's, soft drinks, wine by bottle or glass, beer and cocktails. It's a bit away from the crowds so less hectic while still right where you want to be.

We came just for cocktails. All of them perfecto in my opinion. I got a lasagna to go for late…read morenight much and oh boyyyy it was delicious!!!! I know the photo looks disgusting, but it was one of the best lasagna's I've ever had! Maybe i had too maybe cocktails and my taste buds were enhanced, but give it a try! Only 9 euros!

Right off the plaza, perfect spot to take a load off your feet from shopping and drink your…read moreachiness away. Jazz vibe which is too cool ~ dark, red & black ambience, chillax beats. Service ~ eccellente! Poised yet friendly, multiple staff coming around making sure we are taken care of. Come here for a cool vibe. Jazzy spot for cocktails & more cocktails.

I ordered pasta. Staff asked me to wear a bib, presumably because I'm American. Nobody else at the…read morerestaurant was wearing a bib. German couple next to me confirmed they were insulting us because we were American. Food was mostly fine, except we asked for a steak medium well and it came out less than rare. Staff forgot my wife's order, it came out 25 minutes after the other orders. Ambiance was nice, but wouldn't eat here if you're American, don't like wearing bibs, like steak, or expect your entrees to be served together.

Food: 5 Value: 5 (arguably a 6/5)…read moreService: 5 Ambiance: 3.5 The single greatest Italian cuisine meal I've eaten to date. We found this restaurant through Google Reviews and generally had high hopes, but were blown away by the experience. We ordered salads to share, drinks, and pasta before a tiramisu - I went for a seafood pasta (see pictures) and negroni. We definitely could have avoided getting the two salads; portions were massive and we ended up not finishing either salad. My main course was delicious. The pasta had a zesty, fresh flavor between the lemon, olive oil, parsley and tomato, but the welcome surprise was seeing mounds of mussels, clams and shrimp inside the dish (I'm from New York and expected maybe 10 total) that took me almost 5 minutes to deshell before I went to town on it. Cocktails were excellent - hard to see from the photos but huge and delicious. Resulted in a great midday buzz. Limoncello spritz was also good but perhaps too strong for a lunchtime drink. Other courses ordered: - Lamb ravioli - Had 1-2 bites and tasted good, but probably a 3.5-4. Not really up to my palate and compared to my own entree, hard to beat :) - Carbonara - Solid. Incredibly rich and this was an entree where the large portions actually hurt more than helped - Salads - Hard to tell bc I was full of pasta Minor ding if anything is the ambiance. It's a block or so away from the crazy shore of Como but still was getting a bit loud by the time we left. Not a real complaint and didn't affect our experience, but if you're looking for a more quiet and relaxed experience you might want to go to a less touristy area. Thank you for a lovely meal!

Horrible service and food. Served us rotten food and didn't not exchange our food. Do not recommend.read more

One of the best gelatos. My kids said this was their favorite, and they tried a lot. I have to…read moreagree as they have a lot of flavors and each one is perfection. There's usually a line, but it moves fast. One line to go in and one line coming out. Its located right across the ferry. They have seats and benches which was nice. The view is nice also as you get a direct view of the lake. I highly recommend this.

Solid gelato; but definitely not worth the crazy lines. And because they're so insanely busy, they…read moredon't let you taste flavors, they rush you, and be incredibly rude at times. I personally liked Gelab Gelataria and Gelato Crea Lake Como better, because of the gelato quality and being all natural. Andddd way shorter lines because they're not over hyped! In any case, if you do come when lines are short, get 3 flavors at once, and in a cup because their gelato is watery and melts FAST! I liked pistachio, stracciatella, and their caramel hazelnut. My friends liked their vanilla and peach. I admit there's better gelato elsewhere - even in and out of Italy. But sure, this is definitely the most popular spot in Como and near the water. I actually think that's why it's got the longest lines. Location, not quality.

Como bday! Si! Came…read morehere for midnight drinks for my birthday! Super cute. Live music!! Food!! Tiny spot, full of people. Didn't know Como have this many people!!! The bar was super cute. Small, dark, roomy and dog friendly!!! Yey italia!! Saw a few tiny little pups way past their bedtime :) And! Doesn't make this place less romantic or speak easy ish. The cocktail menu was short and sweet. Jazz! Spritz!! Gin cocktail was what I went for mainly for the ingredients. I do love a good herb in my drink! And the spritz!!! All the spritz!! Flowers, rosemary! And of course,a dry martini with extra olives! Olives stuffed with cheese!! Yummmm! Best part about Italy is prices. Even the most expensive in Como isn't crazy expensive. It was super reasonable! This was a second stop for my midnight bday drinks! Left a year older! :D Super warm, laid back!! Just a perfect way to ring in the new year!! Walked right back to my hotel! Love that its right in the middle of como!

Great Bar in Como.... small, few tables and jazz on Sunday's…read more The Aperitivo is great, the prices are reasonable and the staff is helpful, welcoming and speaks English ! Reserve in advance.. specially for the Sunday evening Jazz which starts at 730pm.

This place had amazing food. We had a party of 7 and were sat right away. The only issue is that…read moreoutside it was raining and one person did have to sit in the rain. But overall the food was great!

In the middle of the Como historic district, this is a couple blocks from the Cathedral and several…read moreblocks from the lake. I stumbled upon this place and grabbed a table outside. Definitely glad that i did. I started with the obligatory bottiglia d'acqua, I quickly ordered a nice bottiglia di Greco di Tufo. Wine was good. Life was good. First course. I had the Insalata D'Este - which could easily have been a main course. It was a nice big bowl of arugula and mixed greens with tomatoes, green olives, fresh slices of mozzarella, and anchovies on top. Had I known that it was così grande, I would have stopped there. But thank goodness I ordered Le Lasagne, because it was the best Lasgne that I have ever had. If it's on the menu while you are here - order it! Don't expect a huge monstrosity that you might get in Little Italy back home, this is molto raffinato. The only thing that compares is the lasagna that mia zia made for me in Roma. I was instantly transported back to my first trip to Italy in 1986....

Loved this place! Buratta bruschetta is a must! Also all of the pastas are delicious!read more

Best bruschetta ever. Amazing & generous wraps. Yummy pasta. Good wine selection and a good…read moreselection of moderately priced bottles to choose from. Charming owner & waiter. We went 2 nights in a row and unfortunately never had room for dessert. Offered a closing complementary limoncello on both occasions. A Must Try!

Visiting from the states. This place was right down the street from out place. Excellent service…read moreevery time we came down and great menu options. Would definitely recommend checking it out.

My wife and I visited La Vecchina for dinner in early June, 2014. La Vecchina was the least formal…read moreoption in the vicinity of our hotel (The Grand Hotel Imperiale) with outdoor seating. The cocktail/wine/beer menu was extensive and the drinks were excellent. The dinner menu was limited to some items for sharing and sandwiches. We shared the prosciutto e melon, which was excellent, and the portion was very generous for two people. The special for the evening, a homemade gnocchi pasta with tomato, zucchini (vegetables grown in the waitress' garden), and a light sauce was excellent. The apple cake with homemade vanilla gelato is their signature desert and is simply wonderful. The service was friendly and helpful. I would recommend La Vecchina for dinner or pre/post dinner drinks.