October on the lake
As autumn deepens, Lake Como reveals a different kind of beauty. Crisp mountain air, vibrant fall colors, and hearty, comforting meals invite you to experience the region from a new perspective. This month, we’re venturing up the mountains surrounding the lake to showcase some of the best restaurants with breathtaking views and seasonal delights. Whether you’re looking for traditional, rustic dishes or refined takes on Lombardian cuisine, these mountain restaurants offer the perfect combination of unforgettable meals and awe-inspiring views.
Best Mountain View Restaurants Around Lake Como
Here are five must-visit restaurants high in the hills and mountains above Lake Como. Each provides spectacular views and authentic regional dishes, making them perfect autumn destinations.
1. Ristorante La Madonnina di Barni (Barni)
Location: In the peaceful village of Barni, above Bellagio.
Why Go: A rustic, charming restaurant that’s perfect for those seeking traditional Lombardian flavors with a mountain view. The intimate, cozy interior is ideal for an autumn meal, and the menu features hearty, seasonal dishes. Its location in Barni offers a tranquil escape from the busier tourist spots.
Cuisine: Traditional Lombardian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
What to Try: Risotto con Funghi Porcini (risotto with porcini mushrooms) or Capriolo in Salmì (venison stew in red wine sauce).
2. Il Gatto Nero (Cernobbio)
Location: Perched on a hill above Cernobbio, offering panoramic views of Lake Como.
Why Go: Il Gatto Nero is known for its romantic setting, sweeping views over the lake, and refined Italian cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, this upscale restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or a quiet evening of elegant dining. The terrace offers spectacular vistas of the lake, especially at sunset.
Cuisine: Upscale Italian cuisine with seasonal twists on classic dishes.
What to Try: Linguine al Gatto Nero (linguine with seafood) or Filetto al Pepe Verde (fillet steak with green peppercorn sauce).
3. Trattoria Baita Belvedere (Bellagio, Monte San Primo)
Location: High on the slopes of Monte San Primo, above Bellagio.
Why Go: With incredible views of both Lake Como and the surrounding Alps, this family-run trattoria offers a cozy mountain setting for those looking to experience traditional Lombardian food. It’s a great stop for hikers exploring the nearby trails and offers a warm, rustic ambiance, especially on cooler days when the fireplace is lit.
Cuisine: Hearty mountain dishes from Lombardy.
What to Try: Pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese or Polenta con Funghi (polenta with mushrooms).
4. Taverna Due Castagni (Schignano)
Location: In the mountain village of Schignano, not far from Argegno.
Why Go: This family-run restaurant is a local favorite, known for its authentic mountain cuisine and friendly atmosphere. The name, "Due Castagni" (Two Chestnuts), reflects its location among chestnut trees, which are plentiful in the area. The restaurant offers lovely views of the mountains and is a peaceful, authentic experience away from the more touristy spots.
Cuisine: Traditional mountain dishes made with local ingredients.
What to Try: Brasato al Vino Rosso (braised beef in red wine) or Polenta Uncia (polenta with butter, cheese, and garlic).
5. Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento (Mezzegra)
Location: In the village of Mezzegra, near Tremezzina.
Why Go: This historic trattoria offers a warm, rustic environment and a strong connection to Lombardy’s slow food traditions. It’s a quiet retreat where you can enjoy traditional recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere is perfect for those seeking an authentic, home-cooked Italian meal.
Cuisine: Traditional Italian cuisine with an emphasis on Lombardian specialties.
What to Try: Tortelli di Zucca (pumpkin-filled pasta) or Coniglio alla Cacciatora (hunter’s style rabbit).
Ingredient of the Month: Sage (Salvia)
October’s ingredient of the month is sage (salvia), an aromatic herb that plays a starring role in autumn cooking across Italy, especially in the Lombardy region. Sage is prized for its earthy, peppery flavor, which pairs perfectly with rich, comforting dishes. From butter sauces to stuffed meats, sage adds depth and fragrance to many classic Italian recipes.
Here are five delicious ways to enjoy sage this season:
Sage Butter Sauce (Burro e Salvia): This simple yet classic Italian sauce is made by frying fresh sage leaves in butter until crispy, then drizzling the fragrant butter over freshly made pasta, gnocchi, or ravioli. The butter takes on the earthy aroma of sage, making it a perfect pairing for rich, hearty dishes like pumpkin-filled ravioli or ricotta-stuffed gnocchi.
Sage-Stuffed Pork Loin (Arrosto di Maiale con Salvia): Pork loin is often stuffed with fresh sage leaves, garlic, and sometimes pancetta, then slow-roasted until tender. The sage infuses the meat with a deep, herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with a side of roasted potatoes or polenta. This dish is a comforting autumn favorite in many households around Lake Como.
Polenta with Sage and Mushrooms (Polenta con Funghi e Salvia): Polenta is a staple in Lombardian cuisine, and one of the most popular autumn variations includes sautéing wild mushrooms with sage and garlic. The earthy mushrooms and fragrant sage complement the creamy polenta, making this a perfect side dish or even a vegetarian main course.
Fried Sage Leaves (Salvia Fritta): Fresh sage leaves are dipped in a light batter and fried until crispy. These simple yet flavorful bites are often served as an appetizer or snack alongside an aperitivo. The crispy texture and herbal aroma of sage make them a delightful treat, and they pair well with a glass of local white wine.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter
Pumpkin ravioli is a beloved autumn dish across Northern Italy, and when paired with sage butter, it becomes a perfect expression of seasonal flavors. The sweetness of the pumpkin is balanced by the earthy, nutty flavor of the sage, creating a beautifully rich and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
500g fresh pasta dough (or store-bought wonton wrappers)
1 ½ cups roasted pumpkin puree
½ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg yolk
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg
8-10 fresh sage leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, combine the roasted pumpkin puree, ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until smooth.
Assemble the ravioli:
Roll out your pasta dough (or use pre-made wonton wrappers). Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each dough square. Fold over and press the edges firmly to seal the ravioli. Repeat until all the filling is used.
Cook the ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli in and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain carefully.
Make the sage butter:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter browns slightly and the sage becomes crispy.
Serve:
Toss the cooked ravioli in the sage butter, coating them evenly. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and extra crispy sage leaves.
Why We Love It: This Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter is the epitome of autumn comfort food. The richness of the butter combined with the herbal flavor of sage brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, making this a perfect dish for a cozy October dinner.
Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from the Lombardy region. Its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the sweetness of the pumpkin.
We hope you take the time to explore these fantastic mountain restaurants and try cooking with sage this October. As always, we look forward to sharing more seasonal recipes and culinary adventures with you next month!
See you on the lake,
The Lake Como Kitchen Experience Team