Simon and Lindsey’s Guidebook
Family favourite
This restaurant has a welcoming inside eating area but in the summer you can enjoy 'al fresco' dining in the square by the fountain. This restaurant books up very quickly during the summer so it’s wise to book ahead. Good food, friendly service, they are always happy to provide colouring book and pencils for your children. Tel. 031 832110
10 minutes walk, 3 minutes drive
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La Piazzetta
6 Piazza RomaThis restaurant has a welcoming inside eating area but in the summer you can enjoy 'al fresco' dining in the square by the fountain. This restaurant books up very quickly during the summer so it’s wise to book ahead. Good food, friendly service, they are always happy to provide colouring book and pencils for your children. Tel. 031 832110
10 minutes walk, 3 minutes drive
Situated on the lakefront in Argegno, this hotel/restaurant is under new management. The menu is varied and includes fish from the lake. The covered terrace permits you to enjoy stunning lake views in all weather. Tel. 031 821116
Has a boat dock
5 minutes by car or 10 minute walk
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Villa Belvedere Como lake Relais
1 Via MilanoSituated on the lakefront in Argegno, this hotel/restaurant is under new management. The menu is varied and includes fish from the lake. The covered terrace permits you to enjoy stunning lake views in all weather. Tel. 031 821116
Has a boat dock
5 minutes by car or 10 minute walk
Specialities such as lemon ravioli are served in this little restaurant. The dining area of this restuarant is beautiful in the summer. It is situated on the lake shore and has spectacular views of the ‘Isola Comacina’. Tel. 034 456637
Boat dock for private mooring. 15 minutes by car
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Locanda La Tirlindana
5 Piazza Giacomo MatteottiSpecialities such as lemon ravioli are served in this little restaurant. The dining area of this restuarant is beautiful in the summer. It is situated on the lake shore and has spectacular views of the ‘Isola Comacina’. Tel. 034 456637
Boat dock for private mooring. 15 minutes by car
You have to search for this little gem, in the heart of Cernobbio, close to the world famous, Grand Hotel Villa D'Este. With a beautiful garden hidden in the centre of town, you can enjoy a pizza or local cuisine in a peaceful atmosphere. Tel. 031 511154
20 minutes by car
Albergo Ristorante Giardino
73 Via ReginaYou have to search for this little gem, in the heart of Cernobbio, close to the world famous, Grand Hotel Villa D'Este. With a beautiful garden hidden in the centre of town, you can enjoy a pizza or local cuisine in a peaceful atmosphere. Tel. 031 511154
20 minutes by car
This small restaurant has an enviable position on the lake front in Lenno. The local market is in this area and takes place every Tuesday. The restaurant can be busy on market day so best to book ahead for lunch. Tel. 0344 55158
15 minutes by car from your villa
Via Carlo Lomazzi, 3
3 Via Carlo LomazziThis small restaurant has an enviable position on the lake front in Lenno. The local market is in this area and takes place every Tuesday. The restaurant can be busy on market day so best to book ahead for lunch. Tel. 0344 55158
15 minutes by car from your villa
Home cooking served in Italian style, with an English welcome by the owner's wife who loves looking after her guests. Lovely lake views. http://www.alveluu.com Tel 0344 40510
20 minute drive
Al Veluu Suites
11 Via RogaroHome cooking served in Italian style, with an English welcome by the owner's wife who loves looking after her guests. Lovely lake views. http://www.alveluu.com Tel 0344 40510
20 minute drive
This is a great venue for the whole family. Whether its simply a drink and a snack or a meal, Lorenzo will welcome you with open arms. There's a large playpark for the children as well as tennis courts and a boules court. You can get here and back by FUNIVIA from Argegno. Alternatively you can walk there and back.
Il capannone di Pigra
2 Via Santa MargheritaThis is a great venue for the whole family. Whether its simply a drink and a snack or a meal, Lorenzo will welcome you with open arms. There's a large playpark for the children as well as tennis courts and a boules court. You can get here and back by FUNIVIA from Argegno. Alternatively you can walk there and back.
A really great location for the family. Plenty of outside safe place for the children as well as good traditional cooking. You can walk from the house up a path through the woods - turn left and keep walking straight up. You will be there in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive in 5 minutes. http://www.lagriglia.it Tel: 031 821427
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La Griglia
1 Via SchignanoA really great location for the family. Plenty of outside safe place for the children as well as good traditional cooking. You can walk from the house up a path through the woods - turn left and keep walking straight up. You will be there in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive in 5 minutes. http://www.lagriglia.it Tel: 031 821427
A small family owned restaurant with a lovely private room serving authentic lake food. Matteo, the young chef, takes pride in his work and will be keen to chat with you. he also has a good knowledge of wine which he sources from this region as well as further afield. Tel:031 329 315 6679
La Locanda dell'Oreste
2 Via RomaA small family owned restaurant with a lovely private room serving authentic lake food. Matteo, the young chef, takes pride in his work and will be keen to chat with you. he also has a good knowledge of wine which he sources from this region as well as further afield. Tel:031 329 315 6679
This family run restaurant in Argegno serves authentic local food. It's within walking distance of the house and is situated on the bank of the river. Tel:+39 031 4474072
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La P'Osteria
3 Via Lungo Telo di SinistraThis family run restaurant in Argegno serves authentic local food. It's within walking distance of the house and is situated on the bank of the river. Tel:+39 031 4474072
‘La Corte’ pizzeria and restaurant, This family run restaurant, pizzeria offers good home cooking, excellent pizzas and a friendly service. Just opposite the ferry stop in Argegno, so very convenient if you are coming back from a day on the lake. Tel. 031 821455
10 minutes walk, 3 minutes drive
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Hotel Argegno
4 Via Milano‘La Corte’ pizzeria and restaurant, This family run restaurant, pizzeria offers good home cooking, excellent pizzas and a friendly service. Just opposite the ferry stop in Argegno, so very convenient if you are coming back from a day on the lake. Tel. 031 821455
10 minutes walk, 3 minutes drive
This traditional restaurant in the centre of Argegno serves plain and simple food. The menu is mostly based around the local produce such as fish from the lake. Tel: 031/821105
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Bar Motta
1 Piazza TestiThis traditional restaurant in the centre of Argegno serves plain and simple food. The menu is mostly based around the local produce such as fish from the lake. Tel: 031/821105
This is much favoured by the local population. It is the "go to" for many of our Italian neighbours who speak very highly of the food and the owners. risorgimento.mezzegra@gmail.com Tel:0344 41789
15 minutes by car from Argegno.
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Antica Trattoria del Risorgimento
8 Via Sant'AbbondioThis is much favoured by the local population. It is the "go to" for many of our Italian neighbours who speak very highly of the food and the owners. risorgimento.mezzegra@gmail.com Tel:0344 41789
15 minutes by car from Argegno.
Fine Dining
This popular Michelin starred restaurant is situated in the Intelvi Valley, only 20 minutes drive from Argegno. The food is exquisite. The restaurant sits in amongst a pine forest and near the beautiful Lanzo golf course. As well as Italian, Mediterranean and seafood, the restaurant can cater for vegetarians and gluten free diners.
20 minutes by car from Villa Gordona
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La Locanda del Notaio
This popular Michelin starred restaurant is situated in the Intelvi Valley, only 20 minutes drive from Argegno. The food is exquisite. The restaurant sits in amongst a pine forest and near the beautiful Lanzo golf course. As well as Italian, Mediterranean and seafood, the restaurant can cater for vegetarians and gluten free diners.
20 minutes by car from Villa Gordona
Francesco, the owner, is a great host. The food is excellent and the restaurant pride themselves in a very good selection of fine Italian wines. The restaurant was completely renovated this winter and has an enviable position on the lake front. Tel. 031 814038
Has a boat dock for private mooring 10 minutes by car
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Ristorante Crotto dei Platani
73 Via ReginaFrancesco, the owner, is a great host. The food is excellent and the restaurant pride themselves in a very good selection of fine Italian wines. The restaurant was completely renovated this winter and has an enviable position on the lake front. Tel. 031 814038
Has a boat dock for private mooring 10 minutes by car
As well as the wonderful views of the “first basin” of the lake, offered from its hillside position, you can enjoy the unusual specialities offered by this well-known restaurant in Cernobbio. This restaurant is favoured by the celebrities who come to the lake. It is important to book well in advance. Tel. 031 512042
20 minutes drive
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Il Gatto Nero
69 Via Della Liberta'As well as the wonderful views of the “first basin” of the lake, offered from its hillside position, you can enjoy the unusual specialities offered by this well-known restaurant in Cernobbio. This restaurant is favoured by the celebrities who come to the lake. It is important to book well in advance. Tel. 031 512042
20 minutes drive
The formal and elegant restaurant (jacket and tie are required for men in the evening) overlooks the lake and is situated in one of the most exclusive hotels on Lake Como. Glassed in or al fresco (the windows are automated and disappear in the ground) you can enjoy the Italian traditional haute cuisine in a splendid atmosphere together with the excellent wine list. Tel 031 3481
20 minutes drive
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Villa d'Este
40 Via ReginaThe formal and elegant restaurant (jacket and tie are required for men in the evening) overlooks the lake and is situated in one of the most exclusive hotels on Lake Como. Glassed in or al fresco (the windows are automated and disappear in the ground) you can enjoy the Italian traditional haute cuisine in a splendid atmosphere together with the excellent wine list. Tel 031 3481
20 minutes drive
Located in the Hotel Villa Serbellone, this elegant michelin star restaurant boasts molecular gastronomy. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere sublime. We recommend the desserts made at your table: frozen vapor mixed with cream to form an exciting ice cream. (Attire: Trousers and long sleeves for men’s evening wear). Tel 031 956426
30 – 60 minute boat trip/water taxi from Argegno
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Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
1 Via RomaLocated in the Hotel Villa Serbellone, this elegant michelin star restaurant boasts molecular gastronomy. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere sublime. We recommend the desserts made at your table: frozen vapor mixed with cream to form an exciting ice cream. (Attire: Trousers and long sleeves for men’s evening wear). Tel 031 956426
30 – 60 minute boat trip/water taxi from Argegno
Excellent restaurant with high quality service and romantic lake views. Situated on Lake Lugano, this Michelin star restaurant lives up to expectations. Recommended for lunch and dinner. Tel +41 91 973 48 00
60 minute drive
Ristorante Arté
1 Rivetta Alfonsina StorniExcellent restaurant with high quality service and romantic lake views. Situated on Lake Lugano, this Michelin star restaurant lives up to expectations. Recommended for lunch and dinner. Tel +41 91 973 48 00
60 minute drive
This exquisite restaurant has a magnificent location on the shore of the lake. It has a wonderful view of Bellagio and the mountains. The wine selection is superb and the knowledgeable staff will make sure you are well looked after. Tel: +39 0344 43166
20 minute drive
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Hotel Ristorante La Darsena
3 Via ReginaThis exquisite restaurant has a magnificent location on the shore of the lake. It has a wonderful view of Bellagio and the mountains. The wine selection is superb and the knowledgeable staff will make sure you are well looked after. Tel: +39 0344 43166
20 minute drive
Further afield
Taste the exclusive flavours of Lombardy cuisine in this restaurant at the exit of the Villa Melzi gardens. Tel .031952069 (with boat dock).
30 – 60 minute boat trip/water taxi from Argegno
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Ristorante Alle Darsene di Loppia
Via Melzi d'ErilTaste the exclusive flavours of Lombardy cuisine in this restaurant at the exit of the Villa Melzi gardens. Tel .031952069 (with boat dock).
30 – 60 minute boat trip/water taxi from Argegno
Weather permitting, dine out on the point of Bellagio’s promontory and enjoy this casual restaurant offering a wide range of dishes from the region. Tel. 031 951888
30 – 60 minute boat trip/water taxi from Argegno
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Ristorante La Punta
19 Via Eugenio VitaliWeather permitting, dine out on the point of Bellagio’s promontory and enjoy this casual restaurant offering a wide range of dishes from the region. Tel. 031 951888
30 – 60 minute boat trip/water taxi from Argegno
Boat dock. This delightful lake front restaurant is known for its owner/chef, Momi who is passionate about his cooking and looking after his guests. Ideal for a romantic evening while enjoying spectacular sunsets. Tel. 334 1202327
45 minute water taxi from Argegno
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Ristorante Momi
Frazione GirolaBoat dock. This delightful lake front restaurant is known for its owner/chef, Momi who is passionate about his cooking and looking after his guests. Ideal for a romantic evening while enjoying spectacular sunsets. Tel. 334 1202327
45 minute water taxi from Argegno
Situated on a wonderful terrace on Lake Lugano with lots of different menus to try featuring lake and mountain specialities. Tel. 0344 69132
60 minute drive
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Il Crotto Del Lago
3 Via FontanellaSituated on a wonderful terrace on Lake Lugano with lots of different menus to try featuring lake and mountain specialities. Tel. 0344 69132
60 minute drive
Situated on the lake shores in an old wind mill, this enchanting restaurant offers a wide range of dishes from the lake, sea and mountains and also a very good pizza. Tel. 034 486294
45 minute drive
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Ristorante La Baia
8 Frazione San VitoSituated on the lake shores in an old wind mill, this enchanting restaurant offers a wide range of dishes from the lake, sea and mountains and also a very good pizza. Tel. 034 486294
45 minute drive
City/town information
With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cache of a small town. Lugano lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains offering splendid viewpoints. The traffic-free historic town centre, the numerous buildings in Italianate Lombardy style, the exclusive museums, the mountains, lake and a packed calendar of events all invite visitors to see the sights, soak up the atmosphere – and enjoy "dolce far niente" (sweet doing nothing). Thanks to its mild climate, Lugano is a popular tourist destination in the spring when the camellias are in bloom. The town centre with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, and numerous parks with sub-tropical plants such as the Parco Civico on the shores of the lake invite you to laze around, enjoying the atmosphere. By the lakeside promenade are the Belvedere Gardens, where the parkland boasts not only camellias and magnolias but also countless sub-tropical plants and modern works of art. Besides this lovely modern town, there are many small villages dotted along the lakeside and you can visit them by car from Argegno in around 40 minutes.
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Lugano
With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cache of a small town. Lugano lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains offering splendid viewpoints. The traffic-free historic town centre, the numerous buildings in Italianate Lombardy style, the exclusive museums, the mountains, lake and a packed calendar of events all invite visitors to see the sights, soak up the atmosphere – and enjoy "dolce far niente" (sweet doing nothing). Thanks to its mild climate, Lugano is a popular tourist destination in the spring when the camellias are in bloom. The town centre with its Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, and numerous parks with sub-tropical plants such as the Parco Civico on the shores of the lake invite you to laze around, enjoying the atmosphere. By the lakeside promenade are the Belvedere Gardens, where the parkland boasts not only camellias and magnolias but also countless sub-tropical plants and modern works of art. Besides this lovely modern town, there are many small villages dotted along the lakeside and you can visit them by car from Argegno in around 40 minutes.
Food essentials
We have two small mini markets in Argegno. One is situated near the Piazza and the other is across the middle bridge. Both sell essentials although the one across the bridge has a better selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also buy bus tickets in this one. There is also a Post Office, a hairdresser and a range of bars, cafes and restaurants. Most importantly for the summer months, we have the BEST Gelateria! There is a launderette in the village.
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Argegno
Food essentials
We have two small mini markets in Argegno. One is situated near the Piazza and the other is across the middle bridge. Both sell essentials although the one across the bridge has a better selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also buy bus tickets in this one. There is also a Post Office, a hairdresser and a range of bars, cafes and restaurants. Most importantly for the summer months, we have the BEST Gelateria! There is a launderette in the village.
Bars
A really great small bar which has a great range of cocktails, beers and wine. They also serve food. The bar is owned and run by a family of brothers and their mum and is favoured by locals and tourists alike.
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Bar Motta
1 Piazza TestiA really great small bar which has a great range of cocktails, beers and wine. They also serve food. The bar is owned and run by a family of brothers and their mum and is favoured by locals and tourists alike.
We love Cafe Colombo for breakfast, lunch and aperitivi. It's location is in the centre of the piazza, next to La Piazzetta and from here you can watch the world go by and enjoy the sun.
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Cafè Colombo
4 Piazza RomaWe love Cafe Colombo for breakfast, lunch and aperitivi. It's location is in the centre of the piazza, next to La Piazzetta and from here you can watch the world go by and enjoy the sun.
This local and very traditional bar is owned by an ex world cycling champion, Robbie. His shirts are displayed on the walls of the bar. They serve drinks and light snacks all day. There is an outside sitting area where you watch the ferries coming in and the world go by. Tel: 031 228 2136
Bar Do. ge
12 Via MilanoThis local and very traditional bar is owned by an ex world cycling champion, Robbie. His shirts are displayed on the walls of the bar. They serve drinks and light snacks all day. There is an outside sitting area where you watch the ferries coming in and the world go by. Tel: 031 228 2136
Food scene
This is honestly the best gelato in the area. There is a good range of flavours and Andrea, the owner, is often seen bringing his own produce from his garden to make today's flavours.
Il gelato di Zoe
9 Piazza RomaThis is honestly the best gelato in the area. There is a good range of flavours and Andrea, the owner, is often seen bringing his own produce from his garden to make today's flavours.
A large well priced supermarket which sells everything you will need for your holiday. It is situated in a shopping mall just as you enter Como from Milan/Lugano. It is a great place to stock up before heading up the lake to Villa Gordona. From here, the house is around 30 minutes away.
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Bennet di Como Tavernola (CO)
2 Via AsiagoA large well priced supermarket which sells everything you will need for your holiday. It is situated in a shopping mall just as you enter Como from Milan/Lugano. It is a great place to stock up before heading up the lake to Villa Gordona. From here, the house is around 30 minutes away.
This is a very well priced supermarket in a great location for Villa Gordona. the produce is fresh and you can get everything you need in terms of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, meat etc. The only downside is the wine section which has a fairly limited selection. However, there are plenty of other places to buy your wine in the area so this is not a problem.
Lidl
4 Viale Giacomo MatteottiThis is a very well priced supermarket in a great location for Villa Gordona. the produce is fresh and you can get everything you need in terms of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, meat etc. The only downside is the wine section which has a fairly limited selection. However, there are plenty of other places to buy your wine in the area so this is not a problem.
We absolutely love this supermarket. As well as having a wonderful selection of excellent produce, it has many places for hungry shoppers to stop and have a bite to eat. Throughout the store there are a number of small bars and restaurants to choose from depending on your preferences. If you have a rainy day and are unsure of what to do, come here! All of our friends and family always request a trip when they visit.
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Iper La grande I a Grandate
2 A Via G. LeopardiWe absolutely love this supermarket. As well as having a wonderful selection of excellent produce, it has many places for hungry shoppers to stop and have a bite to eat. Throughout the store there are a number of small bars and restaurants to choose from depending on your preferences. If you have a rainy day and are unsure of what to do, come here! All of our friends and family always request a trip when they visit.
This is one of our TOP favourites. Even although it is tiny, it is worth a visit. The cheese, ham and fresh bread products are lovely. The owners are terrific and stock almost everything you could ever want in the smallest supermarket imaginable. Like Sigma, it is about a 15 minute drive North. (It is a 5 minute walk from Sigma)
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Dino market srl
30 Via StataleThis is one of our TOP favourites. Even although it is tiny, it is worth a visit. The cheese, ham and fresh bread products are lovely. The owners are terrific and stock almost everything you could ever want in the smallest supermarket imaginable. Like Sigma, it is about a 15 minute drive North. (It is a 5 minute walk from Sigma)
Hairdresser
The hairdresser is open every day and will happily take appointments. Tel: 031 821159
C & S Acconciature
24 Via Cacciatori delle AlpiThe hairdresser is open every day and will happily take appointments. Tel: 031 821159