Lake Como Food Tour: Walking Lunch & Local Specialties

Summary

Como’s flavors on foot with a local—polenta, wine & sweet surprises

You’ll wander through Como’s winding streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut to pizza by the slice, family-run wine shops, and secret bakeries serving Nuvola cake. Taste polenta uncia and Sciatt pancakes while hearing stories you won’t find online. Expect laughter, espresso breaks, and maybe even a new favorite dessert—all wrapped up in one relaxed afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We started walking just behind the Cathedral in Como, the stone still cool from last night’s rain. Our guide—Chiara, born here—waved us over with a grin and immediately pointed out a bakery window stacked with golden loaves. I could smell yeast and coffee drifting out as we set off. First stop was a tiny wine shop tucked between gelaterias; the owner poured us a glass of something dry and local (I missed the name, too busy eyeing the plates of cured meats). Salty, peppery, almost melting on my tongue—honestly, I didn’t expect to like it that much at 11am but here we were.

Next was pizza by the slice—apparently a real tradition for people living in Como. We stood outside in the shade eating ours off napkins while Chiara told us about her favorite lake swimming spots (she wouldn’t give away all her secrets though). The square was busy with locals chatting over espresso; I tried to order mine in Italian later and got a laugh from the barista. There’s something about eating standing up that makes everything taste different—more alive maybe?

And then came this cake called Nuvola—means “cloud”, which fits because it nearly fell apart in my hands. Apricot jam inside, soft as anything. We finished with polenta uncia (that’s polenta mixed with buckwheat flour and cheese) and these crunchy little pancakes called Sciatt that oozed cheese when you bit in. I’m not usually big on heavy food but this was different—comforting somehow. The whole time Chiara kept sharing stories about her grandmother’s recipes or how people here argue about the best gelato flavor (hazelnut vs pistachio is apparently serious business). I still think about that view of the mountains past the rooftops while sipping my last coffee.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Local food tasting tour in Como

• Meet local expert at meeting point
• Start tour at Cathedral
• Taste cured meats with wine
• Eat pizza by the slice downtown
• Try traditional Nuvola cake with coffee
• Enjoy polenta with braised meat and Sciatt

Top questions

How long does the Lake Como food tour last?

The tour covers several stops around central Como over lunch hours; exact duration isn’t specified but plan for half a day.

Is lunch included in the Lake Como food tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with water, coffee, and one alcoholic beverage for adults.

Are vegetarian options available on this food tour?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking; let them know your dietary needs ahead of time.

Does the tour include traditional dishes like polenta uncia?

Yes, you’ll try traditional dishes such as polenta uncia and Sciatt pancakes during the tour.

Is there pickup included for this Lake Como food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet your guide at a central meeting point near Como Cathedral.

Can children join the Lake Como food tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Will we visit local bakeries on this food tour?

You’ll stop at bakeries to try specialties like Nuvola cake along with other local eateries.

Do I need to tell them about allergies before joining?

Yes, inform them of any allergies or dietary restrictions at booking so they can accommodate you safely.

What’s included

Your day includes tastings of local specialties like cured meats, pizza by the slice, Nuvola cake filled with apricot jam, polenta uncia with braised meat or cheese, Sciatt pancakes—and finishes with Italian coffee. Bottled water is provided throughout plus one alcoholic drink for adults; all led by a knowledgeable local guide starting from central Como.