Il Crotto — Restaurant in Lierna

I was so lucky to have visited this restaurant with my boyfriend while on holiday last week. I was surprised and impressed to find out that the owners were a husband and wife duo who also owned the hotel behind the restaurant. They were very accommodating checking in our room at their hotel and getting us in last minute to eat for before the kitchen closed for lunch. You cant help but smell the grilled food cooking while at the reception at the hotel, so naturally you will want to go eat right after checking in. The food did not disappoint; we had local fish from the lake, mixed grilled meat, creamy pasta and chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert. Our servers were 2 sweet older Italian ladies one with short brown hair and another with short black hair that wore sunglasses the whole time. She caught me accidentally taking her sunglasses as we walked out because I noticed a pair of sunglasses on a nearby table that I thought were mine as they were the same style, shape, and color (haha oops my bad). The whole place had a special family oriented vibe to it. The "husband" owner was cool; he invited me and my boyfriend for after dinner whiskey shots and the next morning he offered us coffee. I cant wait to show my mother the gold stud earrings in the shape of lake Como that I purchased for her in the hotel reception showcase. This place is like a one stop shop for vacationing at lake Como; as they have the hotel, restaurant and an awesome beach spot all in...

Il Crotto is truly a hidden gem. We arrived very late, almost at closing time, completely lost and starving — and yet, they welcomed us with open arms. this woman named Coca reopened the restaurant just for us, with so much kindness and heart that I immediately felt like I was having dinner at my family’s house.

The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was grilled to perfection, full of authentic, homemade flavor. The grilled potatoes were simply unforgettable, and every dish reflected so much love and care. When we arrived, they even welcomed us with sparkling drinks and a small starter, a detail that made the whole experience even more special.

The service was exceptional. The entire staff made sure throughout the evening that we had everything we needed, always checking if everything was perfect — and it truly was. The wine was outstanding, the atmosphere incredibly warm, and the hospitality unmatched.

I haven’t had such a beautiful, heartfelt dining experience in a very long time. If you are anywhere near this area, do not miss the chance to visit Il Crotto. It’s not just a meal — it’s an experience filled with genuine kindness, unforgettable flavors, and a...

Treated like we were a member of the family.

My girlfriend and I arrived maybe an hour before close. We were greeted with a (free) glass of bubbly on arrival and some amazing homemade bread and oil. Not only was there multiple different loaves of bread to sample but homemade gluten free bread for my gluten sensitive girlfriend to enjoy.

I ordered the Green Tagliolini with King Prawn and Lake Fish Roe - flavor was out of this world for such a simple dish. My girlfriend ordered the Salmon Trout - perfectly cooked w/ just the right amount of grilled vegetables to mix in. To finish we shared the homemade chocolate cake (also gluten free) - again, excellent.

We speak very little Italian but the staff was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. We were offered some dessert wines to go (also free) but what truly made the night special was when we were heading out the door.

My girlfriend and I packed poorly for this weather and it was pouring. The staff would NOT let us leave without an umbrella and a sweatshirt for my girlfriend. I felt like I was back home at grandma’s.

If you’re staying in Lierna, you absolutely have to make a stop at II...