Ristorante Sottovento

If you’re looking for a breath-taking view, an oasis of peace, and simple cooking with a creative touch to fulfil your pursuit of beauty and perfection, all you need to do is head towards Lecco. Just five minutes from stunning Varenna and its historic lakeside promenade, la via dell’Amore, is the Ristorante Sottovento, nestled in an idyllic setting between the lake and the mountains.

You are in Lierna – one of Lake Como’s many tiny fishing hamlets – at number 3 via Imbarcadero. The owner, Ignazio Gnecchi, will welcome you into his humble abode and make you feel instantly at home, advising you on the perfect table for your special occasion and getting you settled into the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere before leaving you in the expert hands of his team. He is assisted in the dining room by a highly qualified and capable young team who will be able to guide you through the dishes on offer from chef Ivan Bartesaghi.

The menu wants for nothing: there are dishes for vegetarians and lovers of meat or fresh fish from the lake, as well as dishes for fans of risotto and fresh handmade pasta, prepared on the premises. The food is intrinsically linked to the traditions of the area, reinvented with a simplicity and creativity that cannot fail to meet your every need and desire (we do however suggest that you advise us of any allergies or intolerances at the time of ordering to make sure your experience is absolutely perfect). The menu features flavours of the lake and mountains as well as those of the sea, with dishes created with lovers of the Mediterranean in mind. To accompany your meal, the wine list offers a range of labels which span the various regions of Italy, including a couple representing local vineyards. The only exception? Brochet-Hervieux and Pannier champagne.

The setting is elegantly minimal, with urban design lending a touch of lightness and timeless sobriety to the historic early twentieth-century building which houses the Ristorante Sottovento. It is an absolutely perfect location for any occasion, whether it be a lunch with friends, a family Sunday or a romantic dinner for two. It is a cozy, intimate space which offers the privacy you need to make every moment special.

The stunning terrace overlooking Lake Como boasts an undisturbed view over the landscape. The courtyard by the entrance leads to a little jetty, with direct access to the restaurant, where your gaze will be drawn towards a magical panorama: the deep green hills around Lecco and Bellagio, thick woodland and Alpine peaks–snow-covered until May, creating a backdrop for the sails, oars and boats on the lake, as well as the intrepid swimmers who brave the water even in the harshest of winters. The eye travels as far as the tip of Bellagio where the Como and Lecco branches of the lake come together on the edge of Valtellina and Valchiavenna.