Menaggio is a small but very popular town on Lake Como that doesn’t have as many restaurants as Belaggio. However, you can find a few excellent restaurants, especially if you are willing to go a little outside the main center. Most restaurants here are quite typical for this region, so you can expect to find various pasta and meat dishes on the menu, as well as delicious lake fish.

But you can also find a few unusual restaurants with international dishes. Reservations are not mandatory, but they are highly advisable, especially during the summer months when the town is crowded with tourists. Here are the best restaurants in Menaggio:

(This article contains 5 restaurants in Menaggio, which are best in our subjective opinion. The order of the restaurants is not related to the quality they offer. Every restaurant has its pros and cons, so choose the one based on your personal preferences.)

Pizzeria CO.RI

Pizzeria CO.RI is a wonderful authentic Italian restaurant tucked away in the hillside with a wide open view of the lake. This is actually a little hidden gem outside of Menaggio’s main center. To reach it, you will have to hike a bit, but it is a charming walk, mostly along cobbled alleys. If you are coming by car, there is a free parking lot and plenty of space, which is very convenient. Keep in mind that Pizzeria CO.RI is not a fancy restaurant, but it is still an amazing place for having a nice family atmosphere rather than romantic dinner.

Most of the seating is under a huge covered terrace with a stunning view of the lake below and the distant mountains. The menu is nicely varied with typical dishes of this region, such as lake fish, pasta, and meat dishes. Therefore, if you want to try authentic food from the north of Italy, this restaurant is the place for you. There is also a wide range of pizzas, which are also very good.

The restaurant has a very cozy and different vibe from the other restaurants in town, so come here if you want to relax and enjoy good food paired with local wines for a reasonable price. This lovely place tends to be very popular in the summer, so it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Pizzeria CO.RI is closed from November to April, so you can visit it only during the season when it is open every day from 6:00 PM (18:00 hours) to 9:00 PM (21:00 hours).

Ni Sushi

Ni Sushi is a different kind of restaurant in Menaggio for those who need something that is not Italian. It is located a little off the beaten path but still close to the pedestrian zone and Lake Como. The restaurant is pretty small, with a basic interior and only a few tables. There is no outdoor area, so finding available tables sometimes can be tricky. But Ni Sushi even delivers their food to hotels, so you can always opt for takeaway.

There is a good selection of super fresh sushi, including vegetarian options. You can even order some non-standard sushi if you feel adventurous. We particularly liked sashimi, maki, and miso soup. For dessert, there are amazing rice balls filled with ice cream. Prices are okay for sushi restaurants, but you can spend a lot if you are really hungry because sushi is light food. Ni Sushi is open every day except Tuesday from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 2:30 PM (14:30 hours) for lunch and from 6:00 PM (18:00 hours) to 11:00 PM (23:00 hours) for dinner.

Pizzeria Lugano Ristorante

Pizzeria Lugano Ristorante is a lovely restaurant run by a local family located close to the center of Menaggio. It has an outside patio and two floors full of tables inside for its guests. However, this place is very popular with locals and tourists, so it is advisable to reserve your table in advance. Also, the upstairs dining room has a great old-fashioned basic pizzeria charm, and you can even see the lake from there.

Most guests visit this restaurant because of its delicious pizzas with thin crusts made in wood ovens. If you want to eat your pizza somewhere else, you can order it for takeaway. But there is a good selection of other great dishes, among which we recommend stakes, lamb chops, rosemary potatoes, and spaghetti vongole. There is an amazing homemade tiramisu for those with a sweet tooth.

Vegetarians will also be happy at Pizzeria Lugano Ristorante because they will find more choices than in other restaurants. Worth mentioning is that the menu has an English translation, which is very helpful and not so common in small Italian towns. Prices are reasonable and much cheaper than in the restaurants with a view of the lake. Pizzeria Lugano Ristorante is open every day except Tuesday from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 3:00 PM (15:00 hours) for lunch and from 6:30 PM (18:30 hours) to 11:00 PM (23:00 hours) for dinner.

Trattoria La Vecchia Magnolia

Trattoria La Vecchia Magnolia is another authentic family-run restaurant with a wide range of classic and specialty Italian dishes. It is located in the hills above Menaggio, from where you will have a lovely view of the lake. You will find mostly local people here, which is always a good sign. Furthermore, the restaurant is super welcoming to all, yet not too touristy, so you will have a nice break from the crowds of the town.

The food is quite simple but very delicious. They even have some simple dishes like chicken breast and simple potatoes, which is great for those who love dishes cooked from home. However, there are also various kinds of pasta, lasagna, salads, pizzas, fish, and risotto that are full of flavor. Desserts are also absolutely recommended as well as local wines. Portions are really generous, so you will not go home hungry.

There is a cozy interior and a tree-covered courtyard where you can eat your meal. Keep in mind that Trattoria La Vecchia Magnolia is located around a 15-minute walk uphill from the center of Menaggio, so if you are not a fan of walking or if it is too hot, you should get a taxi or come by car.

The parking lot is free and pretty big, so you won’t have problems with finding your parking spot. Trattoria La Vecchia Magnolia is closed from November to April like other restaurants located a bit outside Menaggio. During the season, it is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 1:30 PM (13:30 hours) for lunch and from 6:30 PM (18:30 hours) to 9:00 PM (21:00 hours) for dinner.

Osteria il Pozzo

Osteria il Pozzo is the last restaurant on our list. It is a pleasant eating place located just off the main square. This restaurant is known for its rustic charm, friendly family atmosphere, and delicious Italian cuisine without being too expensive. Also, it is worth going to Osteria il Pozzo if you want a change from pasta and pizza and want to try something new like rabbit or pork shins.

You can choose between the outdoor patio and inside dining. Portions are quite big, so most dishes will be enough to fill you up. So if you want to eat well, be serviced like a king, and experience super friendly staff, then this is the place for you. Osteria il Pozzo is open every day except Wednesday from 12:00 PM (12:00 hours) to 2:00 PM (14:00 hours) for lunch and from 7:00 PM (19:00 hours) to 9:00 PM (21:00 hours) for dinner.

Where to find the best restaurants in Menaggio?

If you want to eat well at reasonable prices in Menaggio, your options are limited. However, there are a few amazing restaurants where you will have a true Italian dining experience. But, if you don’t do your research, you may also encounter some restaurants that are overpriced, crowded, or low-quality, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Therefore, it is advisable to read reviews before choosing a restaurant in this lovely town.

Restaurants outside the main center are usually cheaper and have better food quality than those located directly by the lake. Also, try to find restaurants where locals go for lunch or dinner. This information is better gathered on the street or in local shops rather than in hotels because they may contract with some restaurants to get small provisions for every lead. We are sure that you won’t be disappointed with whichever restaurant you choose from our list. Bon Appetit!