Lake Como is famous for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and luxurious villas, but this Northern Italian gem also has a burgeoning coffee scene. Whether you’re strolling along the lake, exploring the cobbled streets of Como, or relaxing in a quiet lakeside café, enjoying a well-brewed coffee is a quintessential part of the experience. From classic Italian espresso to artisanal brews, here are some of the top spots to enjoy a coffee in the beautiful Lake Como region.
1. Bar Pasticceria Monti – Como
If you’re in the town of Como, you can’t miss Bar Pasticceria Monti. This historic café and bakery has been serving locals and visitors for decades, offering not only exceptional coffee but also a selection of mouthwatering pastries. Start your day the Italian way with a perfect espresso or cappuccino paired with a freshly baked croissant. The elegant atmosphere and friendly service make this a must-visit spot in Como.
Must-Try: The classic cappuccino with a buttery cornetto—an ideal Italian breakfast.
2. Caffè Mazzini – Bellagio
Located in the heart of Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most picturesque towns, Caffè Mazzini is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee break while taking in the views. This charming café offers outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by. Their menu features expertly brewed espresso drinks made with high-quality Italian beans, as well as delicious gelato if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Must-Try: A macchiato paired with a scoop of gelato—coffee and dessert all in one sitting.
3. Bar Il Molo – Varenna
For a café with an unbeatable view, head to Bar Il Molo in the town of Varenna. This lakeside gem offers breathtaking views of Lake Como’s serene waters, perfect for a relaxing coffee experience. The café’s terrace overlooks the lake, making it a wonderful spot to sip a cappuccino or espresso while soaking in the scenery. Their casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Must-Try: The espresso—simple, strong, and the perfect companion to the lakeside views.
4. Pasticceria Poletti – Menaggio
In the charming village of Menaggio, Pasticceria Poletti is a beloved bakery and café known for its artisanal pastries and excellent coffee. With a history dating back over 70 years, this family-run pasticceria has mastered the art of Italian coffee and baking. Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon espresso or a leisurely cappuccino, you’ll find that their pastries, like the light and flaky sfogliatelle, are the perfect accompaniment.
Must-Try: The cappuccino and sfogliatella combo—a taste of Italian tradition.
5. Villa d’Este Bar – Cernobbio
For a truly luxurious coffee experience, visit the bar at the iconic Villa d’Este, one of Lake Como’s most famous and glamorous hotels. Located in Cernobbio, this historic property offers a refined setting where you can enjoy an impeccable coffee while gazing out at the lake’s shimmering waters. The service is as exquisite as the surroundings, making this a special place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon coffee.
Must-Try: The espresso martini—coffee meets elegance in this chic lakeside venue.
The Verdict: Lake Como’s Coffee Culture
Lake Como may be renowned for its breathtaking views and historic villas, but its coffee scene is equally worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for a quick espresso on the go or a relaxing coffee with a lakeside view, this region has plenty of cafés that combine excellent coffee with Italy’s signature hospitality. Take your time, sip slowly, and enjoy the beauty of Lake Como—one cup at a time.
What’s your favorite coffee spot around Lake Como? Let us know in the comments below!
1. Bar Pasticceria Monti – Como
If you’re in the town of Como, you can’t miss Bar Pasticceria Monti. This historic café and bakery has been serving locals and visitors for decades, offering not only exceptional coffee but also a selection of mouthwatering pastries. Start your day the Italian way with a perfect espresso or cappuccino paired with a freshly baked croissant. The elegant atmosphere and friendly service make this a must-visit spot in Como.
Must-Try: The classic cappuccino with a buttery cornetto—an ideal Italian breakfast.
2. Caffè Mazzini – Bellagio
Located in the heart of Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most picturesque towns, Caffè Mazzini is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee break while taking in the views. This charming café offers outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to relax and watch the world go by. Their menu features expertly brewed espresso drinks made with high-quality Italian beans, as well as delicious gelato if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Must-Try: A macchiato paired with a scoop of gelato—coffee and dessert all in one sitting.
3. Bar Il Molo – Varenna
For a café with an unbeatable view, head to Bar Il Molo in the town of Varenna. This lakeside gem offers breathtaking views of Lake Como’s serene waters, perfect for a relaxing coffee experience. The café’s terrace overlooks the lake, making it a wonderful spot to sip a cappuccino or espresso while soaking in the scenery. Their casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Must-Try: The espresso—simple, strong, and the perfect companion to the lakeside views.
4. Pasticceria Poletti – Menaggio
In the charming village of Menaggio, Pasticceria Poletti is a beloved bakery and café known for its artisanal pastries and excellent coffee. With a history dating back over 70 years, this family-run pasticceria has mastered the art of Italian coffee and baking. Whether you’re stopping by for an afternoon espresso or a leisurely cappuccino, you’ll find that their pastries, like the light and flaky sfogliatelle, are the perfect accompaniment.
Must-Try: The cappuccino and sfogliatella combo—a taste of Italian tradition.
5. Villa d’Este Bar – Cernobbio
For a truly luxurious coffee experience, visit the bar at the iconic Villa d’Este, one of Lake Como’s most famous and glamorous hotels. Located in Cernobbio, this historic property offers a refined setting where you can enjoy an impeccable coffee while gazing out at the lake’s shimmering waters. The service is as exquisite as the surroundings, making this a special place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon coffee.
Must-Try: The espresso martini—coffee meets elegance in this chic lakeside venue.
The Verdict: Lake Como’s Coffee Culture
Lake Como may be renowned for its breathtaking views and historic villas, but its coffee scene is equally worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for a quick espresso on the go or a relaxing coffee with a lakeside view, this region has plenty of cafés that combine excellent coffee with Italy’s signature hospitality. Take your time, sip slowly, and enjoy the beauty of Lake Como—one cup at a time.
What’s your favorite coffee spot around Lake Como? Let us know in the comments below!
