Lake Como: Food Walking Tour

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Lake Como beyond its postcard-perfect views, a food walking tour like this one from Do Eat Better Experience might be just what you need. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this tour offers a genuine taste of Como’s culinary charm, all wrapped up in a friendly, relaxed package.

What really catches our eye is how this tour balances delicious regional specialties with stories about the city’s fascinating history. Plus, the mix of historic eateries, modern cafes, and trendy spots promises a well-rounded glimpse into Como’s food scene.

One thing to keep in mind is the duration—at around 3.5 hours, it’s a manageable but fairly full experience. It’s not a sit-down meal from start to finish, so be prepared for some walking and snacking along the way.

This tour is excellent for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone who wants a taste of local life along with their meals. If you enjoy trying regional dishes and learning about the place you’re visiting, this experience might just be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Food Experience: Sample regional specialties and drinks at carefully chosen stops around Como.
• Discover Como’s Culinary Culture: Stories about local ingredients and traditions add depth to each tasting.
• Variety of Stops: From historic wine shops to trendy cafes, the route offers a diverse mix of dining environments.
• Engaging Guide: Knowledgeable and lively guides enhance the experience, sharing stories and local insights.
• Value for Money: Multiple tastings, drinks, and a relaxed pace make it a solid way to enjoy Como without overspending.
• Flexible and Inclusive: The tour accommodates different dietary needs and offers options for children under five.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Lake Como Food Walking Tour

An inviting start at Piazza Duomo

The journey begins in Piazza Duomo, right in the heart of Como. Meeting a friendly, knowledgeable guide here is your first step into the city’s vibrant streets. From the very start, you get a sense of local life, with the backdrop of the historic cathedral adding a charming touch to your introduction.

The wine stop: a toast to Como

The tour kicks off with a 45-minute wine tasting in a traditional, historic wine shop. This is an excellent way to set the tone—sampling high-quality local wines paired with a few bites, all while soaking in the atmosphere of a classic Italian wine cellar. Several reviewers mention how engaging and informative their guides are during this part, often sharing stories about the wine’s origins and the region’s viticulture.

Sampling street food and local delicacies

Next, you’ll move to a 30-minute street food segment, where you’ll snack on a slice of gourmet pizza—something Italians love to eat on the go. The reviews highlight how authentic and delicious the pizza is, with many saying it’s a true taste of local street food culture. Sampling pizza while strolling through the streets makes for a relaxed, immersive experience.

Then, the main part of the tour is a 75-minute lunch at a historical wine shop, where you’ll indulge in a chop-board of cured meats and a glass of local wine. Several reviews mention that the lunch is generous and thoughtfully prepared, giving you a hearty taste of traditional Italian cuisine in a cozy setting.

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The regional specialties: polenta and sciatt

Following lunch, the tour takes you on to taste polenta, which in Como is more than just a side dish—it’s a local staple. Made from corn and buckwheat flour, and served with braised meats, cheese, or melted butter, it’s a hearty dish that offers insight into Alpine regional eating habits.

A highlight for many is the chance to try sciatt, crunchy pancakes with cheesy centers, known locally as “sciat.” Several guests rave about how delicious and unique this snack is, offering a different perspective on Italian street food that isn’t always as well-known.

Sweet treats and lakeside strolls

The tour continues with Nuvola cake, a fluffy, cloud-like dessert that’s both light and satisfying. Alternatively, some prefer a refreshing gelato as they walk along the lakeside promenade, soaking in lake views and the sunset. This flexible stop adds a dash of leisure and beauty to the experience.

Coffee and concluding thoughts

As the tour winds down, you’ll stop at Piazza Cavour for a 15-minute coffee, typically an espresso, to round out your culinary journey. Many reviews suggest this is the perfect way to savor the flavors and chat about the day.

Who is this tour best suited for?

Looking at the reviews, it’s clear this tour appeals most to those seeking an authentic, relaxed taste of Como’s food and culture. It’s well-suited for adults, foodies, and curious travelers wanting a mix of history, local stories, and delicious bites. Children under five are free, so families with little ones might find it doable, but be prepared for some walking and the social setting.

What We Love About the Tour

The guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. The fact that several reviewers mention guides like Janis, Chiara, Francesco, and Mario by name highlights how important a personable, engaging guide can be to making the experience memorable. They do more than just direct traffic—they share stories, answer questions, and give a real sense of local life.

The variety of food stops is another big plus. You’re not limited to one type of cuisine but get to sample regional specialties, street food, wines, and desserts. This diversity means you leave not just full, but also with a better understanding of what makes Como’s culinary scene special.

Many people mention the value for money. For a little over three hours, you’re getting multiple tastings, drinks, and an insider’s look at Como’s food scene. Considering the quality and variety, most reviews agree it’s worth the price.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

A handful of reviews mention that portions could be smaller, or that they would appreciate more frequent, bite-sized tastings rather than full dishes at each stop. If you’re a light eater or prefer to graze rather than indulge in larger portions, you might find some stops a bit filling.

The tour duration of 3.5 hours means a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since the guide may switch between English and Italian, non-Italian speakers should be prepared for some bilingual commentary.

Lastly, weather can be a factor—since much of the tour is outdoors or in open-air cafes, a rainy day might affect your experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour lasts around 3.5 hours, starting at Piazza Duomo. It’s best to wear comfortable shoes given the walking involved.
• The group size is small, with a maximum of 12 people, so it feels intimate and personalized.
• You’ll be served at least one dish or drink at each stop, including options like wine, beer, or soft drinks.
• Children under 5 are free, making it a family-friendly activity if your little ones are happy to walk.
• The tour requires a minimum of two people to run, so if you’re traveling solo or in a small group, you might need to wait or reschedule.
• The tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians? While the tour features cured meats and polenta with braised meat, many stops include cheese and vegetarian-friendly options. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

How long does the wine tasting last? The wine tasting takes about 45 minutes, providing a good sampling of local wines in a traditional setting.

Are drinks included in the tour? Yes, water, wine, beer, or soft drinks are included at each tasting stop, making for a relaxed experience.

Can I join this tour with children? Yes, children under 5 can join for free. However, since the tour involves walking and tasting several dishes, it’s best suited for children who are comfortable with that.

What kind of food will I taste? Expect regional delicacies like cured meats, gourmet pizza, polenta, sciatt pancakes, Nuvola cake, and gelato, among others.

Is the tour walking easy? Yes, it’s a walking tour through Como’s charming streets, but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund or reschedule if needed.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to experience Lake Como through its flavors and stories, this food walking tour offers a well-rounded, satisfying glimpse into local life. You’ll enjoy authentic dishes, sip regional wines, and learn about Como’s culinary traditions—all with the guidance of passionate, knowledgeable locals.

It’s an especially good pick for food lovers, curious travelers, or those wanting a relaxed but engaging way to explore Como beyond the lakeside views. The small-group setting and excellent reviews suggest it’s a reliable choice for a memorable half-day adventure.

While it might not satisfy if you’re seeking an all-you-can-eat feast or a gourmet fine dining experience, it more than makes up for it in authenticity, friendliness, and variety. Pack your comfortable shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready for a flavorful stroll through one of Italy’s most picturesque towns.

Note: Always check availability and confirm dietary considerations with the tour provider before booking. Enjoy your culinary journey in Como!

You can check availability for your dates here: