Lake Como is one of the most beloved destinations in northern Italy. With its stunning setting and the vast range of activities to suit any itinerary, Lake Como attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best breakfasts and brunches on the lake to make sure each and every tourist can get a fine start to the day.
Pasticceria Amerigo
Patisserie, Pastry Shop, Italian, Pastries, Dessert, Fast Food
This is definitely one of the best known patisseries and bars in Mandello del Lario, a town under the province of Lecco, which is located on the eastern bank of the right hand branch of Lake Como. After a plurennial, thorough preparation at some of the most prestigious institutions of Italian patisserie, the original proprietor and patissier of this bar, Amerigo, from whom the name of the place comes, opened Pasticceria Amerigo in 1954. The son and other family members soon followed him in his undertaking and passion, thus creating a multifunctional space where breakfast is just the tip of the iceberg.
Gelateria Lariana
Located in the beautiful Como, at the southern end of the western branch of the lake, Gelateria Lariana offers, alongside delicious, reasonably priced ice creams, fresh fruit as well as the so called brioche con gelato, one of the special treats the sweet-toothed are particularly fond of in Italy. Alternatively, kick start your day with a wonderful affogato al cioccolato, ice-cream with hot chocolate and possibly whipped cream.
Baita Monte Goj
Situated just a five minute drive away from Como, this house in the mountains is a most beloved refuge for those who want an accessible getaway or a family and friends gathering at weekends. Enjoying an enchanting view of Lake Como and the surrounding area thanks to its elevated position, Baita Monte Goj is committed to employing only the best of ingredients and not yielding to frozen food. Each and every dish they serve is hand made the same morning, thus guaranteeing the utmost freshness of the food. If you’re looking for a great brunch with amazing local cuisine, this is the place to go.
Yogurt & Co.
If customers are up for an alternative breakfast or brunch in central Como, Yogurt & Co. definitely has something to suit. With standard yoghurt and light yoghurt as well as a wide range of toppings to choose from, any patron might take a while to pick just one cup with a few toppings. These include fresh fruit, varying depending on the season, cereals, chocolate in all forms and shapes, as well as all sorts of inviting creams. Alternatively, try a waffle or a crêpe.
OnnoLulu
Despite being housed in a rather non descript, ordinary building, OnnoLulu compensates what it lacks in appearance with an overwhelming quality of service and food. The décor is modern and essential, with quite a large counter displaying the pastries on offer and a fridge tempting customers to take away one of their wonderfully crafted ice cream cakes. Later on in the day, OnnoLulu also serves great cocktails at bargain prices.
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For those who like bio or simply healthy food, Il Ponte 1830 is where they want to be. This family run restaurant draws inspiration from the customs and traditions which are cherished in the family itself, which means that all the food they serve is prepared at the moment with vegetables, herbs and spices from their orchard. They offer great vegetarian options for those who are looking for a healthy brunch or lunch, but they do not neglect desserts either. These are usually accompanied with a wide range of great herbal teas with appealing blends and mesmerizing smells.
Bar Gelateria Helvetia
Bar, Italian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
Located on the waterfront in Tremezzina, on the right flank of Lake Como, this is one of the most visited cafés in the area. It is open throughout the day and attempts to cater to different wishes and needs by offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and even dinner. Indulge in a creamy cappuccino and a pastry while enjoying the view of the lake and the mountains around it. For the sweet toothed, Bar Gelateria Helvetia also has a good selection of ice cream flavors which can be combined with fruit and other toppings.
Pasticceria Melillo
Located not too far away from central Como, Pasticceria Melillo is definitely one those bars which anyone who loves Italian breakfast must visit. Opening at 7.30 every morning from Tuesday to Sunday, it serves a wide range of croissants which are as delicious as they look. The fluffy pastry is something which any customer admires before digging their teeth in and getting to the heart of cream, chocolate, marmalade or honey.
Bar Gelateria Gei
Bar, Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub, Italian
With a tradition dating as far back as 1890, these ice cream makers have already garnered a reputation as the local kings of their craft. The décor is rather old fashioned and reminds of times bygone, suggesting that Bar Gelateria Gei maintains its roots firm in the ground. Their breakfast menu comprises a good range of pastries, cappuccino, espresso and fruit juices but the ice cream is what’s to die for.
Bar Pace
Bar, Italian, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub
Bar Pace is located in Gera Lario, near the northern end of Lake Como and takes pride in offering a filling Italian breakfast and great salads for lunch. The staff are cordial, welcoming and extremely helpful when it comes to giving advice as to what to do in the nearby area and on the lake overall. The décor is simple, reminding visitors of wine bars and small scale restaurants. Bar Pace is run by a young couple who will do their best to make any patron feel at home. They also have a great selection of ice cream.
Luca is an Italian studying medieval and modern languages in England with a passion for food, art, and nature. He loves reading, writing, taking pictures and learning new things - and he always tries to advertize his city with poor results. Traveling is something Luca cannot do without, although he always feesl limited by the little time he has - he likes to do more stuff than he actually manages to do. Time generally slips through Luca's fingers and he hates that feeling. 24/7 books lover, he finds literature particularly appealing and loves having his head buried in books.
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