Lake Como isn’t just about stunning lakeside views and opulent villas; it’s also a place where food and wine are woven into the very fabric of daily life. The region’s small towns and hillside vineyards produce some of Italy’s finest wines and most delicious regional specialties. Whether you’re savoring a glass of local vino in a cozy wine shop or strolling through markets with a guide, Lake Como offers authentic tastes that keep travelers coming back. One tour we especially like is the Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake, which combines expert-led tastings with local delicacies in a refined setting.
For those wanting to go deeper into Como’s culinary scene, the Lake Como Food Tour – Eat like a real Local takes you off the tourist trail and into local eateries, pairing regional dishes with wines in a relaxed small-group atmosphere. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive experience that mixes market visits with town exploration, the Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market offers a hands-on taste of local life, including cheese, charcuterie, and even wine tastings. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into each of these top-rated options.
1. Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake
At number 1 on our list, the Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake offers a refined, small-group experience led by a professional sommelier. For around $76, you’ll spend about 90 minutes in an elegant wine shop near Como’s historic old town, sampling a variety of regional wines. What makes this tour stand out is its intimate setting—limited to just 12 people—creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere perfect for learning about Italy’s diverse wine production.
Your sommelier will guide you through each varietal, sharing insights about its origins and production process. Alongside the wine, you’ll enjoy Italian snacks like meats, cheeses, and bread that complement the flavors perfectly. Guests consistently praise the host’s knowledge and friendliness, with reviews highlighting the “excellent wines,” “great commentary,” and a “memorable experience.” The tasting notes provided help you remember your favorites later, making it a practical choice for wine enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a sophisticated, small-group activity that combines education and tasting, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers seeking an intimate, educational experience with local flavors in a refined setting.
2. Lake Como Food Tour – Eat like a real Local
Number 2 on our list is the Lake Como Food Tour – Eat like a real Local, which runs about three and a half hours for $115. This tour offers a fantastic way to go beyond tourist spots and discover authentic Como cuisine. Your local guide will take you through the historic center, stopping at favorite neighborhood eateries to sample classic regional dishes like polenta uncia, nuvola cake, and high-quality cured meats—all paired with excellent Italian wines.
What makes this tour special is its focus on local favorites only known to residents, giving you insight into Como’s culinary traditions. The itinerary includes visits to landmarks such as the cathedral and a historic wine shop, with time to enjoy ice cream and coffee, finishing with a true taste of local life. Guests love the personable guide, Janis, describing her as “warm, knowledgeable, and full of contagious enthusiasm,” and many appreciate the relaxed pace that allows for genuine interaction. It’s best suited for those who want a full cultural and culinary immersion in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a genuine, relaxed experience sampling Como’s best local foods and wines.
3. Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market
A unique experience, the Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market offers a taste of local life with visits to the market on select days. For about $173, you’ll join a small group of eight for 2 to 3 hours, exploring Como’s markets and specialty shops. The tour shines in its mix of market discovery and authentic tastings, including cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, gelato, and regional wines.
Guests rave about the “enjoyable conversation” and the chance to see where locals shop and buy their ingredients. You’ll learn about regional products as you walk through the heart of Como, making this a perfect choice for foodies who love to see the behind-the-scenes of local food culture. The tour also includes visits to beautiful piazzas like Piazza San Fedele and Piazza del Duomo, adding a scenic element to your gastronomic journey.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want an insider’s look at Como’s food scene with a mix of market exploration and tastings.
4. BELLAGIO FOOD TOUR + Villa Melzi
Number 4, the Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi, offers a full six-hour excursion combining a walking tour with multiple tasting stops in the charming town of Bellagio. Starting with Italian espresso—an absolute must—you’ll stroll through its steep alleys, sampling pastries, pizza, and meeting local farmers and producers along the way. The tour culminates in the stunning gardens of Villa Melzi, providing a scenic and relaxing finish.
What sets this experience apart is its mix of cultural insight and food. You’ll visit organic farms, learn about local cheese and olive oil production, and sample their products directly. The reviews mention “delicious tastings, engaging guide, and beautiful scenery,” making it a great option for those wanting a leisurely, immersive day. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, full-day experience combining food, culture, and nature.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who appreciate a mix of town exploration and farm-to-table tasting, with scenic highlights.
5. Bellagio Local Food Tasting E-Bike Tour
Number 5 is the Bellagio Local Food Tasting E-Bike Tour, a lively way to combine outdoor activity with regional cuisine. For about $309, this 3.5-hour guided ride takes you through Bellagio’s countryside and small towns, stopping at cafes and farms to sample cheeses, pastries, pasta, and regional produce. The use of E-Bikes makes the hilly terrain accessible, even if you’re not an avid cyclist.
What makes this tour stand out is the blend of active sightseeing and food tasting, with stops like Guello farm for berries and yogurt, and a picturesque view from the “Big Bench” of Civenna. Reviewers love the “spectacular scenery,” “fantastic food,” and the fact that the guide makes everyone feel comfortable, even if they’re nervous about biking. Lunch and drinks are included, making it a well-rounded, day-long adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to combine scenic biking with authentic local flavors.
6. Lake Como Food Tour
The Lake Como Food Tour offers a three-and-a-half-hour culinary walk for about $136. It’s ideal for those who want to savor multiple regional dishes like pizza, polenta, and sweet treats while discovering Como’s hidden culinary spots. The tour includes visits to local bars and restaurants, with a focus on regional wines and craft beers.
Guests enjoy the opportunity to learn how local foods are made and the chance to explore Como’s streets with a friendly guide. The small group size of no more than 11 people ensures personalized attention. One reviewer describes it as “a fun way to explore and taste the local scene,” especially for travelers who love sampling without rushing.
Bottom Line: Great for small groups seeking a relaxed, food-focused exploration of Como’s culinary landscape.
7. Como Food Tour
Number 7, the Como Food Tour, is a more traditional walking experience lasting about three hours. For $332, it emphasizes local delicacies like olive oils, cheeses, and wines while sharing interesting facts about Como’s architecture and history. It’s a well-rounded introduction to the town’s flavors and stories, highlighting landmarks like the Duomo and Basilica di San Fedele.
Guests comment on the engaging guide and the quality of the tastings, with some noting that the tour allows them to discover new eateries they might not find on their own. It’s especially suited for those interested in a more in-depth, guided discovery of Como’s food scene and architecture in tandem.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full story behind Como’s food and sights with an emphasis on local history.
8. Wine and Food Tasting PRIVATE Guided Tour
This exclusive Private Wine and Food Tasting Tour is designed for groups up to seven, priced at $640. It offers 6–8 hours of personalized touring of boutique wineries in Valtellina, with visits to two or three cellars. You’ll sample rare vintages paired with gourmet local foods, plus optional visits to castles or basilicas.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and personalized attention. Guests rave about the “customized itinerary” and the chance to try hard-to-find regional wines. The private driver means no worries about drinking and driving, and you can tailor your day to suit your interests. It’s perfect for wine connoisseurs seeking an exclusive, in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Best for serious wine enthusiasts wanting a tailored, private day in Italy’s vineyard regions.
9. Como and Brunate Food Tour
Number 9, the Como and Brunate Food Tour, features a five-hour exploration of Como’s culinary and scenic highlights. For $226, it combines tasting stops with a scenic trip up to Brunate by funicular. You’ll sample local baked goods, wines, and visit key landmarks like the Piazza Cavour and the historic market.
Guests say it offers “a delightful day of walking, tasting, and sightseeing,” with personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. The combination of food and breathtaking views makes it particularly good for travelers who want a well-rounded day of activity and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a full, scenic experience blending food, culture, and views.
$225.93 per person
10. E.V.O. Oil of Lake Como Tasting + Food Pairings
Rounding out our list is the E.V.O. Oil of Lake Como Tasting + Food Pairings, offering a one-hour visit to an olive grove. Priced at about $81, it involves learning about olive oil manufacturing, tasting different varieties, and pairing them with local ingredients and regional wine.
Guests appreciate the “wonderful host,” Alice, and the chance to see where olive oil is made in a beautiful setting. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a quick, authentic experience that combines agriculture with gourmet tasting.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a short, high-quality taste of Lake Como’s olive oil and food traditions.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour
When selecting the best food tour in Lake Como, consider your budget, availability, and interests. If you love wine and want an intimate tasting experience, the Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake is unbeatable. For a full-day adventure that mixes farm visits and town strolling, try the Bellagio Food Tour + Villa Melzi. Budget-conscious travelers or those wanting a quick, high-quality olive oil tasting will enjoy the E.V.O. Oil Tasting.
Check your energy level and interest in outdoor activity—cycling enthusiasts will love the E-Bike Tour, while history and architecture buffs might prefer the Como Food Tour. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Lake Como offers a remarkable variety of food tours catering to different interests and activity levels. Whether you’re drawn to intimate wine tastings or full-day explorations of local farms, the region invites you to taste Italy’s finest in a setting that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. For a sophisticated experience, the Wine and Food Tasting PRIVATE Guided Tour provides exclusivity and depth. If your focus is on authentic local flavors, tours like the Lake Como Food Tour or Como Food Tour will satisfy your appetite.
Remember, booking ahead guarantees a spot in these popular experiences. No matter which you choose, a food adventure in Lake Como is sure to be a highlight of your trip, combining regional flavors with stunning scenery for a truly memorable experience.