Aperitif on Lake Como? I like to go here
Cocktail hour is the time of day when the watchword is “relax”.
I really like to do it with friends.
And a mix of right details can make the aperitif time a very special moment: a wide range of cocktails and wines to choose from, quality of food, and of course a wonderful location.
I am sure that each one definitely has its own personal list of favorite places perfect for an aperitif.
Mine is the one below, always ready to get longer!
Aperitif on Lake Como
1# Lo Scalo (Cremia)
Believe me, it is a must for an aperitif on Lake Como! If we talk about cocktails, it is, according to many the number one on the lake.
If you have a look at the ingredients that they used to create their drinks, you immediately realize that each of their cocktail is the result of the perfect balance between flavors. Local fruits and herbs is the basis of all their creations. Their drinks are served in beautiful glasses with different shapes and talk about the territory of Lake Como.
Also the location contributes quite a bit to making the time spent here special: it is an area of the lake where there is always a quiet, holiday atmosphere.
On the horizon are the mountains and towns of the Upper Lake. All around small beaches and a beautiful promenade that takes you from Cremia to Musso, all along the edge of the lake!
2# Luciano Bottega Caffè (Laglio)
Exactly the kind of place I’m crazy about, with great character and a good story to tell!
Once a butcher’s store, it now looks like a bottega, where what you can do is decide to enjoy a good coffee, stock up on excellent local products, and even enjoy a Mr. Appetizer.
The idea of changing clothes, without losing its identity and enhancing the territory and its products, comes from Luciano’s sons, Andrea and Alessandro. The result is a lively and welcoming environment where you understand that what they focus on is quality.
I was tempted by the “tartarina del Luciano” (tatar) accompanied by grilled vegetables and a glass of Domasino‘s. They spoiled us by offering a noodle of cold cuts and cheeses.
All much appreciated :-)!
Remember that in the summer, at cocktail hour, it may not be easy to get a seat here. It is a very popular place and they don’t take reservations.
But there is a trick: take your time!
After all, you are there for a moment of relaxation, and the context in which it is set sweetens the wait: you drop by, leave your call sign and phone number, and go for a stroll in the surroundings. It is plenty of beautiful corners to see, indeed! (P.S. It is located a stone’s throw from Clooney’s villa).
And last, but not least, right in front of the Luciano’s Bottega there is also a small Vespa Rental, with 8 beautiful original Piaggio on display and available.
3# Millesimo (Carate Urio)
Once again, the strength of the this other establishment (just a short time ago, a typical village bar) lies in the careful research of the products they choose to offer the customer.
Here it would certainly be a shame not to enjoy a good glass of wine.
In fact, every bottle they offer has been chosen from among the many small, quality wineries scattered throughout Italy. Jacopo, one of the owners’ sons, is the wine expert: a degree in oenology, curiosity about the product and a lot of passion.
The dishes then are also a real treat for the palate! I recommend the beef carpaccio, with grana shavings and homemade pesto and the 24-month aged crudo, with burrata and arugula.
Next time I will definitely try the Cantabrian anchovies, with buffalo mozzarella or one of their ciabattine, which they say are so good.
Personally, I also loved the atmosphere, intimate and quiet, with attention to details, perfect for savoring the evening.
4# Lido di Ossuccio
It is a lively place, very popular with young people, where there is often music and theme nights, especially on weekends. I like to go there when I feel like meeting old friends!
But it is also perfect for more intimate aperitifs (and dinners): the setting in which it is set, with the Comacina Island right in front of your eyes, certainly makes it one of the most evocative and romantic places in the center area of the lake.
5# Aquadulza (Tremezzo)
Although you have to give up the lake view here, the lack is well compensated for by the beautiful atmosphere of the restaurant and the quality of food and drink.
They brew their own beer and it is also their ace in the hole, what made them famous around here in 2013. Yes, because the name of the place (opened in 2017 in a 200 years old building) is actually first and foremost the brand name of their 4 beers: the 3MEZZINA, the VIA REGIA, the PATRIA and the 24Sei.
We had our aperitif on the terrace, with a good glass of white wine. But for dinner we moved to one of the small dining rooms inside, retro in style, with original floors and walls, and got advice on the right beer to go with our dishes.
Excellent meat, refined ingredients and always looking to tradition!
6# Nené (San Giovanni hamlet in Bellagio)
This place was recommended to me by a friend that lives in Bellagio!
It is located among the streets of San Giovanni, a characteristic hamlet of Bellagio, less traveled by tourists, but perhaps also for this reason very charming.
What better excuse to get to know an unusual face of one of the most famous villages on Lake Como than to enjoy a good aperitif accompanied by excellent cold cuts?
In fact, the keynote of even this venue is said to be its products, also purchasable, carefully selected and preferably local.
7# Porto Diciotto (Pianello)
I would call it the perfect place for a casual, unpretentious aperitif in a beautiful setting.
It is a little place with a very holiday appeal!
And while you’re in this part of the lake, don’t miss the stroll along the Bréva e Tivàn lakeside pedestrian walkway!
This list of course is always ready to get longer!
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