Ristorante Visteria — Restaurant in Varenna

As the reigning best restaurant in Lake Como, Visteria offers an unparalleled dining experience that transcends mere culinary delight. Our recent visit to this well established gem, led by the visionary Chef Sarno, left an indelible mark on our gastronomic journey.

From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness ensured we felt like cherished guests. As we settled in, the sun began to set offering a magical backdrop to our meal.

Chef Sarno’s inspired menu, a masterpiece of creativity and precision, was a pure joy to be consumed. The evening began with two amuse-bouche courses, each a tantalizing preview of the culinary wonders to come. The “fake tomato” and mini tacos were not only visually stunning but also a delightful explosion of flavors. The follow-up of roasted eggplant, yellow tomato, and eggplant parmigiana spheres were equally captivating, setting the stage for the gastronomic adventure ahead.

Bread, often an overlooked component of fine dining, was a star in its own right. The sourdough and sunflower seed bread alongside the buttery Girella, both perfectly paired with breadsticks aromatic with oregano and rosemary, highlighted the attention to detail that permeates Visteria’s offerings.

As we moved into the main courses, each dish told its own story. The squid with mint and zucchini was a refreshing start (and my personal favorite!), followed by the summery flavors of Palamita d’estate. The Fassona nel Bosco transported us to a forest with its rich, earthy flavors. The pasta courses were a testament to Italian culinary artistry; the Fusillo with squid and red shrimp was not only delectable but visually stunning, while the Scarpariello’s medley of five tomatoes was a vibrant presentation of what everyone imagines an Italian pasta could be. The Fassona beef, served as Controfiletto di Fassona, was cooked to perfection, embodying the robust flavors of the region.

A delightful pre-dessert, the Breva Gin Frizz with raspberry and gin, served as a refreshing though sour palate cleanser. The final course, Red Passion with berries and lychee, was a symphony of sweet and tart that left us craving more. The petit fours, including a Bounty-like creation, passion fruit with black sesame, and a playful taco with Abasolo, were the perfect finish. The Babà with Timoncello liqueur provided a sweet, lingering finale to an exquisite meal.

To complement the stellar cuisine, Visteria’s wine selection was exceptional, each pour enhancing the flavors of the dishes.

The personal touch of Chef Sarno, who greeted us warmly and shared his culinary inspirations, made the evening even more special. His passion and dedication to his craft were evident in every bite.

In summary, if you are looking for the best meal in Lake Como, Visteria is...

100/10 for everything!! My fiancée and I had the most incredible time here on a Friday. The view is absolutely incredible, and the property is magnificent. From the gentleman pointing is towards the restaurant to the staff at the restaurant, everyone was absolutely amazing. We decided on the tasting menu, 140€/pp. Each plate had a story to it, and the flavors all complimented each other so well!! I loved the amuse bouches, so delicate and different which prepared you for the meal so well!! I absolutely loved the risotto and the fish was splendid!!! The various bread products were amazing, the one that looked like a rose was possibly the best bread I've ever had in my life. The dessert was ON ANOTHER LEVEL!! the lemon raspberry pre-dessert was out. of. this. world!!! And the little Ferrero like dessert at the end was AMAZING. If you are in varenna, you will not regret this incredible...

What a great experience! From the moment we entered we were treated like guests of honor. The staff were excellent: the perfect balance between grace and professionalism, warmth and communication re courses, framing in just enough to increase pleasure of the meal. Several Amuse-bouche sets. One, a garden salad with 5 separate pieces. The tomato was divine, like suspended tomato bisque. A ripe tomato in the sun. The sea bass was perfectly cooked and white as snow. The sommelier knew his stuff. Perfect suggestions enriched our dinner. Charisma led the team, adept in balancing the flow of the experience. She shined in pleasure of the work.

We got to meet the chef! Congrats to this new and exciting team. You’ve created a memorable and exciting dining experience in the heart of beautiful Varenna. Thank...