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Pricimo ScoreHidden Gem
Il Cavatappi: Proper Italian Cooking in the Heart of Varenna
Il Cavatappi is a welcoming Italian restaurant located in Varenna, right in Varenna center on Via XX Settembre. Come for the warm, playful service and stay for a meal that happily stretches into a long, lazy evening—exactly how dinner should feel on Lake Como.
The kitchen leans into quality and restraint: think ultra-fresh burrata, tender octopus over silky chickpea purée, and pasta with that perfect bite that’s hard to find outside Italy. If you’re hungry-hungry, go for the lamb—there’s a version that arrives properly generous and cooked with care. Pair it with a good bottle and settle in; this place rewards slow dining and people-watching in the square.
For value, Il Cavatappi hits the sweet spot: you’re paying for real ingredients and attention, not just a pretty location. Expect a mid-range splurge by Varenna standards, but you’ll leave feeling like your money went to the plate—not the view.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead (tables go fast), or show up early for lunch—then order the octopus starter and build the rest of your meal around it. If you want one memorable meal in Varenna restaurant territory, make it here.
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Syrine Brahim
in the last weekWhat an amazing experience !! Really enjoyed my visit. The welcome was warm and the service was quick. The food was delicious and very well prepared. A great place that I would definitely recommend!
Tracey Jason
in the last weekReally great find in Varenna! Nice it opens at 6:30 pm so you can make the last ferry. Service was impeccable and great food. Very cute little spot!
Lyna mahri
in the last weekWe came from Paris for a weekend in Italy. We fell in love with this restaurant! The staff were warm and attentive to detail; even when we were outside, they were attentive and very efficient. Special mention to Lorenzo, who was very pleasant! A huge thank you again to the team, it was absolutely fantastic! 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️
N A
3 months agoI could have bought frozen lamb from a random supermarket and it would have tasted better than what they served. For the price they charge, it’s frankly a ripoff. What made the experience even worse was the staff’s attitude: the waiter insisted, in a rather bossy tone, that we pay one single bill, even though each of us was charged a service fee. You either apply a service fee per table or allow separate bills. You can’t have it both ways. Having lived in Italy for years, I can say I’ve rarely had such an unpleasant dining experience.
Lucie Hroníková
3 months ago