Ilana & Andres
Things To Do & Places To Eat
Visit The City Of Como
The city of Como, located at the southern tip of Lake Como, is steeped in rich history and Italian culture making it a must-visit! You can walk the lakeside promenade from Hotel Centrale or the Hilton to the center of Como. Known to be the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy, Como's Cathedral exhibits stunning architectural features including a teal blue dome and typical Gothic features.
If everyone can have it, I don't want it
Art, design and pre-loved luxury fashion. Three stories that come together on Lake Como to give life to a one-of-a-kind concept store. A few steps from the entrance to Villa d’Este! The boutique’s ground floor will host unique pieces by Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and other Maisons found and selected for Tessabit by Rewind Vintage Affairs.
Vincenzo Dascanio Café
Open from 9:00 to 22:00, it is perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, or an aperitif to accompany the colorful macarons, small pastries, and floral cakes in perfect VD Style. You WILL NOT be disappointed. Ilana & Andy's Order: Vitello tonnato al punto rosa con salsa tonnata di una volta & a Club Sandwich. Make sure to walk down the street to the Founder and Creative Director of the homonymous brand, Vincenzo Dascanio's concept/design store.
Kitchen
Nestled in a green oasis on the very edge of Como town, this romantic spot showcases the stylings of Chef Andrea Casali. In line with Casali’s respect for nature and its cycles, ingredients are local, seasonal, and sustainable – some grown in his own biodynamic garden (a great spot for pre-dinner drinks!). Ilana & Andy's Order: Bottoni di Parmigiano Reggiano–pasta “buttons” filled with melt-in-your-mouth parmesan and garnished with nashi pear gel, foie gras mousse and balsamic pearls.
Ristorante Materia
One of Lake Como’s top restaurants, Materia is the brainchild of Davide Caranchini. His passion for cooking took this Como native to Paris, London and finally the Nordic cuisine mecca of Noma. The a la carte and 5, 7 or 12-course tasting menus – including the “Green Power” for vegetarians – are amazingly affordable, even when paired with sommelier Luca’s selection of (mostly natural) wines. Don’t miss dish: Banksy–smoked yogurt stenciled as The Flower Thrower on a white oblong plate with a side of hay cream and chamomile gelato to be mixed and eaten with the hands.
Harry's Bar
Ilana & Andy's Order: Foie gras, Tartare of beef fillet or Vitello tonnato, Mediterranean sole, and Lemon sorbet.
Ristorante Trattoria del Glicine
A pleasant drive into the hills above Cernobbio, Trattoria del Glicine is housed in a stately 19th-century residence and one of the best restaurants on the Lake with a view. Don’t miss dish: Pacchero con sugo di polpo alla Gabriele–large hollow tube-shaped pasta served with a sumptuous octopus sauce.
Trattoria Del Fagiano
Trattoria Del Fagiano is one of those rare Lake Como restaurants that serves classic dishes just like Mamma used to make. A collection of old copper pots on the wall, well-trod terracotta tiles underfoot, and the warm welcome from the Donegana family give this trattoria an old-world feel. And with such healthy portions of delicious Italian comfort food, you are guaranteed never to leave hungry. Don’t miss the terrace tables during the summer months for an al fresco treat! Don’t miss dish: Strozzapreti al ragù di fagiano–hand-rolled pasta twists in a sauce packed with local pheasant
Ristorante Una Finestra Sul Lago
Ilana & Andy's Order: Potato millefeuille, La Carbonara Pizza, and the Spaghetto.
Pasticceria Poletti
Tucked away in the old town of Cernobbio this cafè is perfect for a little sweet treat. In the back of the pasticceria they have a small terrace, which is ideal on a hot summer morning. Ilana & Andy's Order: An Italian classic: cappuccino and croissant (ask, because they have different fillings. They are all good, but the best one is the custard!).
