Sometimes the most memorable discoveries are found in the places you least expect. When I asked my hotel concierge for a recommendation that was local, casual, and in the Lake Como area, she suggested Osteria La Beuc in Cernobbio. Tucked away in the historical center of town at Via Cavalotti 1, the restaurant sits down a hidden alley off the main street. A taxi will drop you nearby, but you’ll need to walk a couple of minutes along a narrow cobblestone lane before arriving at the entrance.
The building itself is more than a century old, originally a neighborhood bar, and much of its charm has been preserved—restoration of windows, doors, and flooring are all lovingly maintained. Today, it has been reimagined as a family-friendly osteria, reinterpreting traditional dishes from Lario and other Italian regions.
The atmosphere is unpretentious and inviting. The first room holds the bar and some wooden tables, while the second dining area is dressed with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, simple wooden chairs, mismatched glasses, and black-and-white photographs of Lake Como. An antique telephone on the wall adds to the nostalgia. Between the two rooms, the restaurant seats around 80, with space for another 24 guests outside along the street.
The menu features regional comfort food crafted with seasonal ingredients sourced from artisanal suppliers. Expect charcuterie plates, an authentic gnocco frito, five different polenta dishes (ours came topped with two fried eggs), fresh salads, pastas, and hearty mains like veal Milanese with potatoes. Daily specials, written on a small chalkboard, might include tagliatelle with ragù or a rich porcini risotto, which was out of this world.
The wine list was a pleasant surprise—ranging from approachable local bottles to high-end Super Tuscans. We enjoyed a wonderful Brunello di Montalcino for just €70, with all wines fairly priced. Desserts were equally charming: a ricotta crostata, a fig tart for €7, and a small bowl of chocolate-covered orange peels with rum.
Service was warm and genuinely welcoming. Though the menu was entirely in Italian, the staff happily explained each dish, making us feel instantly at home. Prices were refreshingly reasonable for this part of Italy, and the cooking carried the comforting simplicity of food made in someone’s home.
If you’re looking for authentic, no-frills Italian food served with heart, Osteria La Beuc is a wonderful find. Recommended. Happy dining.
Shanea
10/23/2025
