Listen… You can hear the tranquility.
I am at one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in the world. Locanda dell’Isola Comacina is situated at the tip of Isola Comacina, a small island in the middle of Lake Como that holds a mysterious curse. The restaurant boasts a stellar clientèle of the rich and famous, with the likes of George Clooney, Richard Branson, Elton John, Brad Pitt and other celebrities.
Isola Comacina – an island in Lake Como
The island is reached by boat, and we arrive on Navigazione Laghi from Como, an hour and half boat ride so picturesque that it feels like mere minutes.
View of the restaurant from the boat
The restaurant is perched on a hill and we ascend through a private walkway that leads directly to the patio.
Entrance to Locanda dell’Isola Comacina
We are greeted by Benvenuto Puricelli, the “Oste” or host of the Locanda and he shows us to the best table overlooking the languid waters of the lake. For a few moments, I am led to believe that we are the only guests, and for fifteen minutes, we have the place to ourselves until a Dutch couple arrive followed by three Brits with young children.
Vino with a view
Lunch at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina is part of our anniversary trip, a culinary celebration that had us dining at Alain Ducasse’s Le Jules Verne in Paris, Guy Martin’s Le Grand Véfour in Paris, Burj Al Arab in Dubai for afternoon tea and other notable establishments.
Cin-Cin
We toast to this celebratory lunch with a Cantina di Negrar Soave Classico, the wine that is set with the menu.
At the Locanda, the same set menu has been served since 1947 and it remains an exquisite example of simplicity. Six courses are offered which include a “finishing touch” with a finale that makes it a unique experience.
First Course: Antipasto All’isolana
Antipasto All’isolana begins with half a tomato topped with a slice of lemon, salt, extra virgin olive oil and oregano.
Tomato with a slice of lemon
Vegetable dishes
This is followed by a selection of vegetables dressed in olive oil which vary according to the seasons.
Assorted antipasti dishes
There are beans, celery, carrots, baked onions, sweet peppers, courgettes and beetroot – cooked and drizzled in olive oil.
Sweet peppers
Baked onions
Every dish is an example of simplicity and flavour, and as much as I enjoy the food, I cannot prise my eyes from the view ahead.
First course with a view
The antipasto course continues with Proscuiotto Tipo Praga, ham that has been cooked in a steamer then lightly smoked in a wood oven and thin slices of Bresaola della Vatellina, air-dried beef that is aged in their cellar.
Proscuiotto Tipo Praga (L) and Bresaola della Vatellina (R)
Second Course: Trota Alla Contrabbandiera
The first of the hot dishes arrive with Trota alla Contrabbandiera, a fresh salmon trout cooked on a wood grill.
Salmon trout served at table
The trout is boned at the table and served dressed with salt, lemon, extra virgin olive oil and pepper.
Trota Alla Contrabbandiera
The fish is said to be sourced from the lake and it is a generous serving that is tender and flavoursome.
Third Course: Rottami di Pollo in Padella
Rottami di Pollo in Padella is described as chicken that is opened, “crushed”, fried in oil in an iron pot then finished in a wood oven.
Rottami di Pollo in Padella – Chicken
The skin is lovely and crisp, and the flesh is tender and moist. The dish is served with a green salad.
Fourth Course: Grana all’escavadora
The cheese course of Parmiggiano Reggiano is a delight in presentation. Chunks are cut from the middle of the form and given into the hand of the diner “to provide a great emotional impact”.
Grana all’escavadora
Parmiggiano Reggiano cheese
Cheese served in hand
Fifth Course: Arance Alla Castellana
Prepared at the diner’s table, sliced oranges are served with “fior di vaniglia” ice cream and covered with crema all’isolana or Crema di San Giovanni.
Arance Alla Castellana prepared at table
Arance Alla Castellana with crema all’isolana
Sixth Course/Finishing Touch: Caffe All’uso delle Canaglie in Armi
The final course begins with a long standing tradition and the sounding of the bell. The host makes his entrance wearing a bobble hat and a tartan waistcoat. While burning brandy and sugar in a copper pot, he recounts the story of the island before he adds it to the coffee.
Benvenuto Puricelli telling the story of the island
Exorcism of fire
In 1169, the Bishop Vidulf of Como put a curse on Isola Comacina, (Isola Comense or Cumana as it was known). “No longer shall bells ring, no stone shall be put on stone, nobody shall be host, under pain of unnatural death.” Ever since, inhabitants of the island have been trying to exorcise the curse.
Copper pots with sugar and brandy
Previous owners of the original restaurant were known to have met an ill fate. And in 1976, Benvenuto Purcelli bought the restaurant from Lino Nessi, who was told in 1949 by the English writer Francis Dale to undo the curse with fire rituals.
Sugar and brandy
Consequently, every meal ends with the burning of brandy in a pot before sugar and coffee are added and it is served to guests – an “exorcism of fire” or a blessing to ensure the safe return of guests home.
Coffee being served
Brandy coffee with that amazing view
The interior of the Locanda is a reminder of the popularity of the restaurant. In the bar area with overhanging plates, photos of Benvenuto and the celebrities who have dined here grace the walls.
Bar area
Overhanging plates
Benvenuto, the “Oste” (the host)
Photo wall of celebrities
An indoor dining room with a rustic decor reminiscent of a Swiss chalet offers an alternate ambience to terrace dining with spectacular views.
Interior of dining room
Fireplace
Dining room mural
Lunch at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina amidst the natural beauty of Lake Como is an unparallelled experience. The location alone leaves you in awe. The food in its simplicity and abundance ensures your satisfaction. The hospitality of the Oste embraces you like an old friend of the family while the history of the island and its curse is a mind trip back in time. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, it is an experience that you will always hold close to your heart.
Getting There and Visitor Tips
Navigazione boat
- The set menu price per person including wine, water, cover charge and tax is 64 euros. No credit cards are accepted.
- Bookings can be made through the restaurant’s website. Check for opening times during summer and winter.
- Not all ferry services stop at Isola Comacina. Check www.navigazionelaghi.it for the timetable.
- Allow yourself some time to explore the island on foot before lunch. The island is beautiful in its tranquility and you get a feel for its history. Check out the Photo Tour of Isola Comacina
- Lunch is a leisurely affair not to be hurried. If returning to Como after lunch, you are most likely to miss the 14:21 boat. You can either wait for the next one at 16:39 the small café/bar near the landing dock, or catch a boat to Bellagio or other towns to explore the surrounds.
Locanda dell’Isola Comacina
Isola Comacina
Lake Como, Italy
http://www.comacina.it
[…] the gardens of Villa Melzi and eating gelato. We celebrated our wedding anniversary again on Locanda dell’ Isola Comacina, the fabled restaurant in the middle of Lake Como with an unparalleled water view and almost had […]
Woooooow! Looks like a beautiful meal in the perfect setting. The fish looks so tasty but I’m craving some of that prosciutto!
Julia
The fish was so moist and full of flavour, and a very generous serving!
Wow… Amazing views! The history of the island is fascinating. What a way to purge the curse!
Stunning place, isn’t it… and when you leave, you feel like you’ve partaken in tradition and rituals!
What a brilliant setting for lunch – a piece of heaven on earth I’d say. One day, I’ll pack my laptop, DSLR and iPhone along with me and head there for lunch too. Can you sense my envious tone now? LOL
No… not at all 😉 Though I suggest you’d leave technology behind, apart from a camera and just absorb the experience 🙂
I love these forensic deconstructions of posh dinners! Shame I missed this place when I was there. 62 euros is not bad value for a menu like that in Italy. The bit of ceremony at the end sounds fun too.
The value for money is incredible when you consider you’re dining at the only island in Lake Como and the servings are very generous. As lovely as it would be to experience it in the height of summer, I’m glad the place wasn’t full when we went in October. Perfect weather, as you can see!
This must truly be one of the most beautiful and tranquil places on earth! So serene and peaceful,let alone the great food and wine that you are enjoying!
It will always remain as one of the places that are unforgettable. Our host made ensured everything was perfect, even remembering that we were there to celebrate our anniversary!
I love the simplicity of the meal and the placing of the cheese in hand. And with that view as a backdrop, what a lovely way to spend an afternoon!
Gorgeous place! I too liked the personal touch with the cheese, almost a kind of offering to every guest…
Wow!! How utterly stunning and so very beautiful. 🙂 I love that you got to see and experience this. 🙂 I’ve been dreaming of visiting Lake Como since I watched A Month by the Lake or At the Lake – whatever it’s called. 🙂
Mr G describes Lake Como as the “most beautiful place on earth” and I can understand why (mine is Bora Bora). You’d love it, even in winter with snow capped mountains, and you get to dine indoors at the Locanda with that fabulous view around you!
What a beautiful location for lunch! Lake Como looks so gorgeous. I love the photos and story behind the final course. Very unique!
It’s difficult to remain focussed on the food when you have that view and serenity around you. The entire experience is unique indeed!
A beautiful post and story, both of your anniversary dinner and the one about the curse. I will make sure to visit this restaurant on my next trip!
Thanks Kathy! When I was writing this article, I thought it might be one of those things that really appeal to you if you make it to Como 🙂
[…] you are dining at Locanda dell’isola Comacina, you may not consider a stop at this small but significant island that has been cursed for […]
[…] highlights included the finale party at Greenhouse by Joost in Sydney, the unforgettable lunch at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina in the middle of Lake Como, the decadent dinner at Le Grand Véfour in Paris and the Cuizen […]
Que bellesa mi isla
[…] Comacina, Italy Stunning water views, tranquility and tradition are what makes the experience at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina unforgettable, and nothing to do with the celebrities that frequent it […]
I was taken to this exquisite restraunt by the manager of the Mclaren Racing team, Alistair Campbell. It was his favourite place and he had taken the entire team to celebrate their win in Monte Carlo. I recall it was a £100 per head and the entire place was filled. The food wonderful and the atmosphere brilliant it’s so unique and the story telling and flames fulfill the expectation of something out of a story book. No wonder George visits regularly.
I was in Lake Como to convalesce after surviving grade four breast cancer. Twenty two years later I’m here to say that the magic, not curse of comacina island truly worked.
We have been going to this restaurant since 1972. We have recommended it to many of our friends and everyone just loves it. Benvenuto is so nice and welcoming. The food combined with the view is spectacular. One must experience this at least once in their life. Definitely put it on your bucket list. We love it most for lunch because we enjoy the view and the tranquillity, and the sounds of the church bells ringing. We look forward to going again this year!
[…] Isola Comacina, Lake Como […]