There's a case to be made for how the restaurants between Milan and Lake Como are worth the drive alone. Just over 30 miles from Milan, Lake Como is a popular day-trip destination for travelers to the Lombard capital – if their itineraries don't allow for a few days at the lake itself. Sure, you can hop on a train and be there in an hour, but the lovely landscapes between Milan and Lake Como provide an idyllic backdrop for a scenic drive – one that's spangled with plenty of excellent restaurants.
In recent years, the restaurants between Milan and Lake Como have upped their ante. The competitiveness of Milan has prompted chefs to look outward and upward, aiming to attract clientele while maintaining the regulars. The lively restaurant scene along the lake's coasts - in particular the one close to Como city – affirms the power of this approach.
So, on that note, here's a look at 15 of the best restaurants between Milan and Lake Como.
1. Pomiroeu - Seregno
In the heart of the town, chef Giancarlo Morelli maintains a restaurant characterized by well-furnished rooms and an exquisite underground cellar. The menu comprises the chef's classics, both those of tradition and creative riffs that touch distant shores. website
2. Pierino Penati - Viganò Brianza
One of Italy's longest consecutively starred restaurants, Pierino Penati is helmed by chef Theo Penati, the owner's son. Risottos remain one of the strengths, from classic to modern recipes along with those undercut with a touch of creativity, such as the sweet red pepper one pictured below. But, honestly, from appetizers to desserts, there's not a weak dish to be found. website
3. La Refezione - Garbagnate Milanese
Reliability and hospitality render La Refezione popular – and not only for those who live in the area. The simple and well-finished cuisine seeks inspiration from all around Italy. Located inside the Sporting Club, the restaurant plays host to a small museum of paintings and sculptures. website
4. La Piazzetta - Montevecchia
On a clear day, diners seated outside can admire the Brianza landscape and the Milanese skyline. While the interior is retro, the cuisine is anything but – the dishes are moderately creative but always lively. For dessert, the house strudel is a must. website
Warm celeriac cream with crunchy wafer and steamed halibut at La Piazzetta
5. Osteria Il Gallo Nero - Vertemate con Minoprio
There's a lot of Tuscany packed into the menu of this well-kept venue hidden in the middle of Abbey Park. It's run by a young couple who gives great care to raw materials, showcasing top-quality cured meats and cheeses. The cooking is direct – the meat excels but the fish is also of note. website
6. Il Moro - Monza
This small temple of Sicilian cuisine comes from the Butticé brothers, who opened the spot in 1996. The menu invites guests to discover regional cuisine presented as a whirlwind of memories and dishes. The Journey to Sicily menu is a must, but the contemporary option is also worth a try. website
One of the seafood-centric offerings at Il Moro
7. Il Gusto della Vita - Meda
This pleasant spot features the cuisine of the Indian chef Dhian Singh, who grew up in Monza. The colors, flavors, and aromas of his heritage enrich classic Italian dishes. And guests drink very well here too. website
8. La Buatta del Kangaroo - Cormano
From the outside, the restaurant looks like a simple suburban bar. However, inside you'll find a selection of excellent grilled meat. Much of it is Australian style, but there's no shortage of porchetta and arrosticini. There are numerous tasting menus available. website
9. Derby Grill of the Hotel de la Ville - Monza
A local hotel and restaurant institution, Derby Grill at Monza's Hotel de la Ville is impeccably led by the Nardi family. The kitchen is entrusted to Fabio Silva, whose soul is rooted in Campania but he's good at everything. The service and wine cellar are excellent. website
10. Doma Nun - Carate Brianza
There is no shortage of talent, ideas, and courage in Luca Alfonso, the young chef-owner of this spot in the heart of Brianza. All the dishes play on unpredictable but centered combinations. The tasting menus are recommended. Curiosity: the name, in dialect, means “only us.” website
11. In Galera - Bollate
The first and only prison restaurant in Italy, inmates work here, guided by a professional chef and maître d'. But it's not just a beautiful integration project. The ambiance is well designed and the menu is creative. Overall, a surprising experience. website
12. Il Portico - Appiano Gentile
Chef Paolo Lopriore is one of the greatest chefs to emerge from the kitchen of Gualtiero Marchesi, the first chef in Italy to earn three Michelin stars. He opened Il Portico, which holds one Michelin star itself, in 2016. Here, nothing is trivial, starting with the choice of putting the (perfect) elements on the table to create the dish. Tasting menu only. website
Sharing and tradition are the philosophy of chef Paolo Lopriore
13. Osteria Manzoni - Barzago
This family-run modern osteria is a renovated house, complete with elegance and a panoramic view. The menu, which touches all regions, balances tradition and imagination, and there's no shortage of freshwater fish. website
14. Cantuccio - Albavilla
For the last 15 years, this spot has delivered classic, direct, and delicious dishes. Mauro Elli, a pioneer of good food in the Lecco area, revisits tradition while adding a creative flair. The winery is among the best in the area. website
Ravioli with tomatoes, scampi and Andria burrata
15. Bianca sul Lago - Oggiono
Located in the brand new relais overlooking the lake, this elegant restaurant presents chef Fabrizio Albini's contemporary take on traditional Italian cuisine. There's also a chef's table that seats up to 20 people.