Lake Como food in Como: lake fish, local shops and markets

In Como, the cooking looks to the lake and the surrounding mountains: freshwater fish, polenta, cheeses and simple desserts. Here is what to taste, the places in our guide, the shops where you can buy something to take home and how to find the markets.

The flavours of the lake

Perch (pesce persico): often served in fillets with risotto; it is one of the most sought-after dishes on Lake Como.
Missoltini: shad (agoni) dried and preserved according to lake tradition, to try with polenta.
Polenta: in many versions, including one dressed with butter and cheese from the valleys.
Miascia: a humble traditional Lake Como dessert made with stale bread and fruit.

Whether these dishes are on the menu depends on the restaurant and the season: ask what the kitchen is offering.

Where to eat: our selection

From the Easy Housing guide «Dove andare a Como» (Where to go in Como, v2, September 2026).

Ristorante Sociale: home cooking and lake fish, right behind the Duomo; our pick for lake fish;
Osteria del Gallo: an osteria in the historic centre with traditional dishes;
La Colombetta: fish dishes in an atmospheric former deconsecrated church;
Il Carrettiere (fish, Sicilian specialities and pizza), Pizzeria Donnarumma (Neapolitan pizza) and La Vita è Bella (Italian cooking with fish dishes), for a change.

We do not list prices, opening hours or reviews.

Bakeries, pastry shops and wine bars

Also from our guide:

Beretta Il Fornaio: a historic bakery; try the Nuvola, with apricot;
La Vecchia Como: pastry shop and café with typical Como sweets;
Enoteca Castiglioni: many labels and wines by the glass;
L’Erboristeria Tosetti: herbs, herbal teas and natural products in the centre.

The city markets

Como has weekly markets in town. Days, times and locations are published by the Comune di Como: check them on the official website before going, as they can change because of works, public holidays or events. At the market you will find fresh produce, handy if you are staying in an apartment.

For everyday shopping and waste rules, see Staying in Como. Remember that the centre is a ZTL (limited traffic zone): if you go shopping by car, check beforehand where to park.

More ideas

In the evening: Como in the evening.
Full itinerary: A weekend in Como.
Events: every year in early October there is Orticolario at Villa Erba, in Cernobbio, and the Festival della Luce returns with dates that change from one edition to the next.

Looking for a place to stay in Como? You'll find our homes below.

More guides on Como: Events in Como and on the lake, Getting around Como and Como in the rain. Some of our homes in Como: Three-bedroom apartment near Como Cathedral; Sailboat House, on two levels; Attic apartment in Como’s historic centre. Or see all properties.