Much loved by the famous food and wine expert Luigi Veronelli, missoltini is a typical specialty of the culinary tradition of Lecco, a city on the eastern shore of Lake Como, just over an hour from Milan, mainly known for being the birthplace of Alessandro Manzoni, who set his novel I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) here. Between a stroll along the beautiful lakeside, offering unique views and panoramas in every season, and a visit to the historic center, Basilica di San Nicolò, Palazzo Belgioioso, Ponte Azzone Visconti, and Villa Manzoni, there is a way to satisfy your appetite.
Where to eat missoltini in Lecco
Antica Osteria Casa di Lucia
Trattoria. In a 17th-century building where it is said Lucia Manzoni lived, Carlo Piras opened this establishment over 40 years ago, and it remains one of the best in the city. Like few others in the area, it preserves and promotes the recipes of the lake and mountain typical of this charming part of Lombardy. The menu respects the season and offers local classics such as valley cured meats and cheeses, missoltini with polenta, game and mushroom dishes. All in a warm environment with a fireplace and vintage memorabilia or in the charming outdoor pergola. Carefully selected wines.
Antica Osteria Casa di Lucia – frazione Acquate via Lucia, 27 – 0341 494594 – www.osteriacasadilucia.com
Il Barcaiolo
Trattoria. A former bowling alley transformed into a popular and convivial place, especially for locals. The offering is divided into three: a coffee bar for breakfast or an aperitif, a restaurant, and a pizzeria (with a wood-fired oven for baking bread). For lunch, there are convenient all-inclusive formulas that vary daily, and the evening menu is more substantial. Don't miss the polenta with missoltini, tagliatelle with missoltini, perch risotto, lake fish fry, and grilled lavarello. When the weather allows, seating is available in the spacious outdoor area.
l Barcaiolo – frazione Pescarenico piazza Era, 2 – 0341 1841234 - https://barcaiolo-lecco.business.site/
Da Ceko il Pescatore
Fishmonger & Kitchen. The historic Ghislanzoni family fish market, thanks to the ingenuity and enthusiasm of Massimiliano (son of the founder, Francesco, known as Ceko), has been offering high-quality cuisine for a few years, using not only fresh lake fish but also sea fish. Many tempting options include their own production of missoltini with roasted polenta, missoltini salad with fennel and orange, lavarello in crust with potatoes, lake fish in green sauce, and even homemade desserts depending on the day. Alternatively, you can enjoy a rich aperitif. Before leaving, buy the "house" delights under glass.
Da Ceko il Pescatore – frazione Pescarenico piazza Era, 8 – 0341 284101 – www.cekoilpescatore.it
Corte Fiorina
Trattoria. A stone's throw from the lakeside, the historic Palazzo Bovara, dating back to 1830, in a pedestrian area, hosts this reliable restaurant in the heart of the city, with rustic and warm interiors, featuring brick walls and arches. The cuisine takes inspiration from tradition but spans in various directions, including dishes with sea fish and meat. The lake is highlighted in grilled missoltini with olive oil and red vinegar with polenta croutons, cappellacci pasta filled with lake fish sautéed with cherry tomatoes and olives, and pan-seared lake fish with dill aroma.
Corte Fiorina – via G. Bovara, 17 – 0341 289160 – www.cortefiorina.it
L'Ek Bistrot
Bistrot. A short walk from the lakeside, a reputable address with a popular outdoor area and a small but comfortable indoor space. Luca Dell'Orto, chef and owner, maintains the solidity of the proposal based on local excellences and good creativity. In the enticing menu – differentiated for lunch and dinner – there are always gourmet pizzas, excellent risottos, the catch of the day with vegetables, filet alla Rossini, and options for vegetarians and vegans. Try the cardoon, bagna cauda with missoltini, quail egg. Various convenient lunch formulas, a concise wine list but with well-chosen labels.
L’Ek Bistrot – piazza 20 Settembre, 50 – 0341 1693747 – www.lekbistrot.it
Orestino Ristorante Pontile
Trattoria. Established by Oreste Curti, known as Orestino, in 1950, still today under the same family management. The declared specialties of the place are the cart of boiled meats, the roast cart, handmade fresh pasta, and last but not least, lake fish. You will find grilled missoltini with polenta, risotto with perch fillets, grilled lavarello with baked potatoes. Leave some room for homemade desserts (crème caramel, tiramisu, pistachio semifreddo); missing them would be a mistake. Bed and breakfast Casa Orestino, under the same ownership.
Orestino Ristorante Pontile – lungoLario C. Battisti, 4 – 0341 362380 – www.orestino.it
Vecchia Pescarenico
Trattoria. In the alleys of the picturesque small fishing village, a famous address in the area for its freshwater and sea fish cuisine, although lately, the former tends to prevail. Fortunately, the menu still includes the great classics of the local tradition, starting with grilled missoltini with balsamic vinegar and polenta, followed by perch fillet risotto and trout. Artisanal ice creams and sorbets conclude the experience. There are options for vegetarians and a small but focused selection of wines. A well-kept environment, without excessive formalities; pleasant outdoor seating.
Vecchia Pescarenico – frazione Pescarenico corso Carlo Alberto, 5 – 0341 368330 – www.vecchiapescarenico.it
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