Al Prato's terrace with red-clothed tables in a quiet square in Varenna

Al Prato

Restaurant · Wine Bar · Varenna

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About us

In Piazza del Prato, a few steps from Varenna's lakefront, there is a quiet little square where time slows down. This is where Giovanni and Anna welcome the guests of Al Prato, a restaurant and wine bar that has become the village's gastronomic landmark: ranked first among Varenna's restaurants by travellers from all over the world.

In the kitchen, chefs Giulio and Arden work with ingredients chosen with rigour. The lake sets the menu: missoltino, smoked lavarello, lasagna with lake-fish ragù. Alongside them, sea and land meet in squid-ink tagliolini with prawn ragù and stracciatella, beef tartare with Tuscan black truffle, and lamb chops in an almond and mint crust.

Every dish reaches the table composed like a work of art, without ever losing its substance.

The wine list, curated with a wine bar's devotion, ranges from Valtellina Nebbiolos to labels from all over Italy.

Away from the lakefront crowds, Al Prato remains an authentic corner: you come for the lake, you return for the food.

No. 1 restaurant in Varenna — Tripadvisor
Al Prato's dining room with laid tables and the wine cellar shelves

Gallery

Grilled octopus on green bean cream with a butterfly garnish
Burratina with Cantabrian anchovies on courgette cream
Cured meats platter with cherry tomatoes and fresh vegetables
Taragna polenta ravioli with porcini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes
Tagliolini with prawn and mussels
Risotto with red prawn and squid ink
Scallops with black venere rice and fresh fruit on a slate plate
Lamb chops with seasonal vegetables and potato gratin
House dessert in a jar, chocolate cream with redcurrants
lake fish missoltino squid-ink tagliolini truffle tartare scallops grilled octopus daily blackboard wine list

What our guests say

«Compliments to hosts Giovanni and Anna and to chefs Giulio and Arden: wonderfully skilled, true professionals. First-rate ingredients, and not a single dish that doesn't leave its mark: a spectacular tartare, a sublime scallop and squid-ink risotto. No wonder it's number one in Varenna.»

Tiziano R

Tripadvisor · April 2026

«Excellent dishes, impeccable service, professional and warm. A superb wine list. By now one of the few restaurants where we can bring our friends from all over the world, certain to make a good impression.»

Mirella B

Tripadvisor · April 2026

«The best restaurant I have eaten at on Lake Como. Wonderful lasagna, and squid-ink tagliolini with prawns and burrata blended to perfection. Dessert is presented like a work of art. Courteous, efficient staff.»

Galizia L

Tripadvisor · August 2025

«A few steps from the lakefront I found this little corner of paradise in a quiet square: I felt at home. I wanted good lake fish and that's exactly what I got, with an excellent wine. Prices in keeping with the quality and presentation of the dishes.»

Giovanni Antonio C

Tripadvisor · January 2025

«An intimate dinner for two. Elegantly pleasant setting, courteous and professional service. Excellent lasagna with lake-fish ragù, a fine Valtellina Nebbiolo, delicious house desserts. See you next time, and we mean it.»

Dario B

Tripadvisor · January 2025

Book a table

Booking is appreciated. In high season, it is essential.

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We reply within minutes on WhatsApp

Phone
+39 348 712 4389
Email
alpratovarenna@libero.it
Hours
Monday12:00 – 14:00
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday12:00 – 14:00 · 19:00 – 21:00
Thursday12:00 – 14:00 · 19:00 – 21:00
Friday12:00 – 14:00 · 19:00 – 21:00
Saturday12:00 – 14:00 · 19:00 – 21:00
Sunday12:00 – 14:00 · 19:00 – 21:00

Find us

Piazza del Prato, 6

23829 Varenna (LC)
Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

In a quiet little square, a two-minute walk from Varenna's lakefront. From the ferry landing, walk up towards the old town: look for the terrace with the red tables.

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