Il Cavatappi

We sat in the covered alleyway just outside the restaurant, enjoying a delicious dinner accompanied by the warm breeze from the lake. The food was both flavourful and beautifully presented, and the service was attentive and genuinely pleasant. I had made the reservation the day before by visiting the restaurant in person and leaving an €80 cash deposit — a practice that seems fairly common in Varenna. For a restaurant of this quality, I wouldn’t hesitate to put cash down again.

Visited Varenna over the May bank holiday weekend and decided to try this restaurant after seeing it recommended on several blogs. Varenna itself is absolutely beautiful, and the restaurant is tucked away along one of the town’s charming, picturesque alleyways. We had booked an indoor table, which was cosy, though not as pleasant or comfortable as the outdoor seating. The tables inside were quite small and packed closely together, which made it feel a bit cramped. The service, however, was excellent—polite, attentive, and very welcoming. As for the food, it was good but didn’t quite live up to the high expectations we had for Italian cuisine. We tried the octopus pasta and the osso buco—both were well-cooked and nicely presented, but lacked that memorable "wow" factor we were hoping for. I wouldn’t say it’s the restaurant’s fault necessarily—it may just be a case of too much online hype raising expectations a little too high. One important tip: definitely book in advance. Varenna was overrun with tourists the day we visited, and without a reservation, we likely wouldn’t have found a place to eat.

The atmosphere is great and food is more than delicious! We managed to have a table even though we didn’t have a reservation but it our stay was not during the peak season. I recommend making a reservation upfront as there is a limited number of tables. The staff were really super friendly and nice. I absolutely recommend the place!

We had an excellent experince dining here on our first night in Varenna. We were lucky to get a table straight away. We ordered the duck ragu, beef sirloin, tiramisu and chocolate cake. All the food was excellent.

Traditional food in a cute tiny space! We were a table of 6 and they found us really fast a table inside! The ossobuco was amazing, the perfect combination between the taste of carrots and the meat! Very friendly staff and a good choice not far from the hot views of the lake!

My wife and I are here when we stayed in Varenna this past May. We had the meat and cheese board followed by the pasta with Duck Ragu accomplices by a lovely Barolo. We were in Italy for 23 days and this one of our highlights. The food was fresh and flavourful and the location with the tables set right along the narrow street is magical. I will be chasing that Duck Ragu flavour for a while.

We had pasta with fish (18), pasta with octopus (18), beer(8) and bottled water(4) together with coperto(2x3) this came to 52 euro. Bread was provided and a small entry of sausage in pastry. The quality of the dishes were high and the service was attentive so if you can afford it go for it. Most of the customers were tourists.

This is a beautiful restaurant in the heart of sweet Varenna. The owner was kind enough to keep the restaurant open for my family as a walk in guest. It was the uncontested best meal I had in Lake Como. The caprese salad is both light and rich with a wonderful buratta. The lemon ricotta ravioli were to die for and the octopus was so deliciously enjoyable and fresh. The staff even provided a stain remover for my sister who spilled something. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

I came to Il Cavatappi with my boyfriend for lunch shortly after they opened at noon. We did not realize how popular this place was so got a table right away without a reservation but people quickly came before 12:30pm and then there was a wait. Our servers were both very kind and professional. They were very patient when we tried to speak to them in Italian and helped us understand the different dishes. We sat inside since it was a little cool out and it felt like such and intimate and authentic place! We really loved the nice but casual ambiance. We got some white wine which was delicious and refreshing. For food we tried: - house caprese salad: this came with fresh sliced tomatoes, creamy burrata and hints of basil, olive oil, and pesto over toasted bread. Amazing appetizer! The creaminess of the burrata went perfectly with the nutty pesto and sweet tomatoes. Would recommend. - octopus: I did not get a photo of the menu so I cannot remember what this was called. The octopus was grilled to perfection, had great flavor and a tender texture. It was over a bed of this chickpea mash which reminded me of hummus but without the lemon or tahini. Very tasty too! - calamarata: this was my first time having this dish and I enjoyed it. Calamarata is a shape of pasta which resembles squid rings. In this case it was cooked perfectly al dente and was paired with this tomato based sauce that had tangy olives and squid. I really loved this dish and thought the complex flavor profile was very good. It was very filling despite looking misleading small. The olives were very salty but they were small so they added a nice punch to the dish. Definitely worth giving it a try. - orochiette: my boyfriend got this and he loved it! The pasta shape was orichiette which are small half seashells and it came with cuttlefish. This was a lot milder than the calamarata dish since it had olive oil, a little garlic, the fish and some greens. His was also cooked very well and al dente. - tiramisu: for dessert we got their tiramisu which came in a little cute cup. The sweetness level was perfect without being overwhelming, and the flavor of espresso was perfectly balanced by this creamy mascarpone cream that may have had some egg yolks to make it richer. It had some cacao sprinkled on top which was also so good and really tied everything together. If you want dessert here, definitely try the tiramisu! Overall, lunch here was very good! The place fills up fast so I recommend that you get here on the earlier side (at noon) or be willing to wait. The service was fantastic and the food is just what you hope out of a small and authentic Italian restaurant. Restaurant is on the pricier side but the quality of ingredients was excellent and the portions were generous. Would come back again!

When I tell you I had tears in my eyes when I tried the shrimp & potato gnocchi, I'm not kidding. It was THAT INCREDIBLE! This meal was a dream, make reservations in advance. I loved everything about this place

We didn't have a reservation, but arrived 20 minutes before they closed the lunch service. The host/waiter sat us down and we had a delicious meal.

Seems like a very very good spot in Varenna, overall good for us but now wow-ed. Maybe I ordered the wrong dishes? Braised Veal - tender and flavorful but a bit too much fat parts for me. Rigatoni - texture of the Rigatoni was good, but felt the flavor was slightly underwhelming. Tiramisu - so good! Expected much more.

It's a very good place if you want to try non-traditional pasta. The Sicilian pesto one and the rabbit ragout one are really good. The lamb shank is so soft and flavorful. The tiramisu is just another heaven.

Simply amazing! Our last night in Varenna was magical here. I was a bit worried as most reviews state that you should have a reservation. A lot of restaurants in Varenna close early and have 1-2 seatings and most get booked up pretty fast with the amount of tourists in the area. Luckily, we went around 6:15 (they open at 6) and got one of the only available, non-reserved tables. Parties that came in after us were refused a seat. If you have the option, I do recommend booking a table to guarantee a spot here! The space is small with only six tables inside and a few outside. We started with a bottle of house white wine which was so light and refreshing. For food, we were debating between a number of dishes but decided to do the smoked trout tartare, duck ragout, and veal cheek. Let me say that all of the dishes were 10/10. They even split the duck ragout in separate bowls for us. The veal cheek was so tender and seasoned to perfection. This was a perfect end to our trip in Varenna. I have dreams about my meal here! We had a fun night getting to know our table neighbors as well and weren't rushed out of the restaurant at all. Also, our entire meal for two was under $90 which is pretty amazing considering the dishes we ordered. Please make this a go to spot on your list!

Best restaurant I've ever been to. Hands down. I have dreams about it. Would move to Varenna if I could eat here every day.

Delicious!! Excellent t service, ambiance and food. Highly recommend. Very veggie friendly. The staff are all really nice too. This is a great place for authentic Italian food !

Best food we ate in Lake Como. Get a reservation, and try any specials they have for that night. Wine choices were fabulous, and staff was great!

Small and quaint. Reservations a must! Staff is excellent and food delicious. Ate here two nights while staying outside of Varenna. This place is perfection. The first night we sat outside as the indoor tables were taken. Used google translate to get a reservation for another night. Thank you to the wonderful staff!

I was really excited to try this place but unfortunately did not even make it to being seated. Before I even finished asking if they had availability he stopped me and said no and his tone was very short. I went to the place next door, Sorgovino, and the host greeted us with open arms. Some things just happen for a reason.

You know that dream you have of the perfect small restaurant with perfect atmosphere, service, and food? Well, this is that place. A very warm welcome from Giuseppe. Delicious food from Riccardo. Prosecco Bortolin Angelo, €20. Simultaneously crisp and fruity. Amuse bouche - a soft cheese topped with an olive. You will want more than just this single tasty bite. But, you won't get it. Trout tartare - lightly smoked trout on a bed of purple potatoes. OMG. Needed zero seasoning as the capers and lemon were just right. Lagrein. Raldt by Peter Zemmer, €24. I love this grape and style. Fettuccine with silky duck ragout. The amount of duck flavor was spot on and we only added some fresh ground black pepper. Pasta was al dente. Cheese plate with 6 rich cheeses. A taste range from mild to strong. Worked very well with the red wine. Panna cotta. Vanilla and orange. Boring. The only weak item. Coffee and grappa riserva. + service - excellent. + table linens + music. Italian songs that you know. + large, thick cloth napkins + Broggi flatware. Hefty and stylish. + Atmosphere is perfect. Warm. Cozy. It seats 14 happy diners. €98.50 for dinner for two.

Possibly the best meal of my life! I started with the orecchiette and was blown away! The waiter said it is a "particular taste" and "fishy" but I found it to be perfect and just "fishy" enough! My fiancé who hates fish even enjoyed it! I couldn't have enjoyed it more. My fiancé has the tortelloni which he said was incredible - The small bite i had was amazing! We were both so happy with our choices! For the main dish I had the fish which was so good it literally brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't put my fork down, it was so good! My fiancé had the beef, cooked medium rare (pretty rare), and he loved it! We truly cannot say enough amazing things about the food here. We had the tiramisu & the "dessert of the day" and LOVED every bite. When i say best meal of my life, I really mean it! We had a beautiful table outside, and the service was incredible. HIGHLY recommend for anyone in Varenna!

Excellent food - get a reservation or get there at 6! To get a table outside. (Only item that wasn't great was the salad with bread in it) otherwise - all fab!

Our first night in the town of Varenna on Lake Como was at ll Cavatappi and it was a highlight of our two days there. The restaurant is located in a long alley with a couple of outside tables. Inside or outside are both good options. Our meal from start to finish was excellent. The chef sent out an amuse which was tasty, nice start. Our two starters were burrata and diced fresh tomatoes and a "summer salad" which was a combination of grains, seeds, tomatoes and herbs in a tasty tomato sauce. Both starters were delicious and beautifully presented. The mains were just as good, a large beef fillet with a peppercorn sauce and roasted lamb on top of a mix of corn and pasta. Both were prepared perfectly and were large portions. For dessert we shared a locally made spice cake with blueberries and custard sauce. This was a major yum and nice end to dinner. Also had a bottle of red wine that was a great match with our food. Great service from the staff made for a relaxing dinner. ll Cavatappi is an excellent choice if having dinner in Varenna. Be sure to set a reservation in advance.

We had a perfect meal at this tiny, intimate place. The food was perfection, chef and owner warm and gracious, and the decor especially charming. I can't imagine a better dining experience in Varenna.

We made reservations at this very quaint restaurant on the Varenna side of Lago di Como, Italy. It was top notch, the wait staff was extremely friendly, professional and spoke English. The food was delicious as you can imagine (see the photos) If Lago di Como in Italy is ever on your radar, make sure you reserve a table in advance as they are very popular and fill up quickly.

One of the best meals I've had in Italy. Yes, you have to be there early or late to get in but it's well worth it. The sauces are incredible and the dishes are so different than the other restaurants. Try to ask about the table in Italian and tell them you're happy to wait. Be gracious and patient -- they will return the favor.

Absolutely outstanding. We were so glad to have made reservations here via our hotel concierge, as it was quite busy within 15 minutes of us sitting down. With our 6:30pm reservation, we were also lucky to have the opportunity to sit in one of just 3 outdoor tables in front of the restaurant. Our meal was terrific and our favorite in 3 dinners in the Milan/Lake Como region. We had the burrata/deconstructed caprese, the warm prawn salad (soooo good, and a great value with 6-7 perfectly cooked large prawns for I think just 14 euro - a daily special off-menu), and shared the fettucine with duck ragout. Every course was fantastic, really flavorful, very fresh. Would happily dine here again and recommend to any friends visiting the Como region. Service was friendly, spoke sufficient English, and the food came relatively quickly - we were done and back to the train station to catch a 7:45pm train that evening (no dessert, no lingering over after dinner drinks). No table cover.

Difficult to find, this very small and charming restaurant is on a side alley. You won't accidentally wander in. You must know where you're going. But the effort is worth it. There are only 12 chairs in the whole place. The restaurant is smaller than my master bedroom. The people are delightful. The food is a revelation. Try the veal cheeks and the pasta with duck ragu. Great.

Went here for lunch after my husband smelled it out - literally. We walked by a few times the day prior and he went "that's where we need to go. It smells incredible." Aperol spritzes and appetizer were tasty. I had a swordfish pasta dish that was quite hearty, kept me full for hours afterwards. The tiramisu was a delight! Pretty presentation and very delicious. I loved the vibe of this restaurant, it was in one of the many alleyways of Varenna. A hidden gem. Definitely check out!

This place is truly amazing! We wandered over for a later lunch and they were just turning a group of three away. I figured they were closing soon and was about to walk away, when my husband overheard enough of the conversation to realize they were turning the trio away because they only had a table for two. Perfect for us! They sat us right away and it was wonderfully cozy inside. We both opted for a pasta dish -- a swordfish pasta for him and I had the special, which was a short rolled pasta with pesto and it was OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD. I was blown away by how fresh and flavorful and perfectly al dente it was. I'm beyond glad it worked out and we were able to eat here.

We travel a lot and always search for the best places to eat . We drove from Milan to spend a day at varenna . It was definitely worth it ! This restaurants is quite authentic, few tables ,yet very friendly staff . Food is so so good .. worth every penny !! And location is simply a hidden gem ! Average price list . Make sure u book ur table ahead of time .

We made it to Varenna as our last couple days of stay in Italy. It sure was a long drive here! It was during closing hours when we walked in this restaurant. They were more then happy to serve us. The ravioli was great and the salmon was cooked just right not dry! Perfect! The decor had a gentle romantic setting and restaurant seats about 12.

Very small restaurant with a compelling menu that's unlike a lot of the more tourist-oriented restaurants in Varenna. It seems more genuine and local than the competition--yes they'll serve duck ragu in the middle of August, because that's what they do, and you should get the duck ragu.

This restaurant was one of the highlights from our recent visit to Lake Como. We enjoyed it so much that we went twice in five days. The staff was very attentive and efficient. We initially got a bottle of wine that we didn't like and they graciously exchanged it for another. My wife said the eggplant was the best she'd ever had. I loved the swordfish pasta ragout enough to order it twice. Among other things we had exquisite cheese platter and extraordinary tiramisu. The food was phenomenal. We sat outside and were blessed to have beautiful weather and a lovely view. You will not be disappointed.

Dined here twice while in Varenna, Italy in August 2021. Good food. This is a very small restaurant and they are a tight little team that hustles. Don't be surprised if you wait 15-20 mins to be asked for your order or before they offer water. My advice is to book the earliest available reservation to get your orders in early. Loved the duck ragout and eggplant ravioli. Best tiramisu we've ever had. Give this place a try!

Delicious!! Small, sweet atmosphere nestled in a beautiful narrow stone pathway just above the water. We ate at one of three tables outside. The ravioli, salmon, and lasagne were all wonderful. We had incredible desert (it was a special - vanilla cream with chocolate and biscotti).

Try the spinach tortellini. Home made and delicious. We didn't have a reservation but they let us dine if we were done in an hour. Only wine and beer, not a full bar. Food was excellent.

In my opinion, the best dinning experience of our Northern Italy trip thus far! We sat outside on the sidewalk which was very quaint and off the beaten path. The service was impeccable! The head chef visited our table and actually took our order....as he explained each dish and the history behind it. The lasagna was the best lasagna I've ever tasted. Amazing sauce and layers of super thin noodles made for the perfect combination of flavors! We also absolutely loved the ravioli! We will definitely re-visit this incredible restaurant!

I had three dinners in Varenna and this was by far the best! Reservations are a must as there are only seats inside for around 16, with a couple of tables outside on the narrow pedestrian-only street. The amuse bouche was an olive on top of a cashew-cheese cream on a cracker, which while seemingly simple, was quite tasty and a lovely start to the meal. I also had a tuna carpaccio which came over a fresh salad and saffron cream (the tuna didn't have much flavor, the only not incredible aspect of this meal), a divinely pillowy gnocchetti with three types of tomatoes (fresh, sundried, and some third), and a scoop of goat cheese to be mixed in; and delicious local beef sliced and medium rare, served over a bed of spinach, tomatoes, and grated local cheese, which kept it fresh. We opted to share a chocolate terrine, which was light yet rich, topped with chopped pistachios. The local wines were solid, the service supremely friendly.

The best food I had the whole time in Italy. And it is such an experience. You have to go here, and you have to make reservations at least a couple days in advance if your going to dinner. Which we didn't know but we stopped in for lunch and got a table. There are only three table inside and it has stone walls. The chef Mario is also the owner I believe and has one helper who helps take orders and things. They both speak perfect English too. The food is just divine. And it's obvious Mario loves it too so it's just a great experience.

Amazing dinner and wonderful dining experience. The chef and waiter made you feel like you were home. Food was prepared for us while we watched the chef cook. Make reservations ahead you won't be disappointed.

Wonderful lunch, very charming hosts.The spinach ravioli with saffron sauce was very creative and wonderful. The gnocchi with porcini were excellent as well. The secondi, grilled lamb especially, and desserts were just as carefully prepared. We loved it!

We were so very lucky to get one of the tables in this small restaurant when other diners did not show for their reservation. Every course was fantastically delicious and beautifully presented! Our seating faced the kitchen and we enjoyed watching the care and skill taken to prepare our meals. Tell the young-chef-in-training that we were very impressed! One of our highlights in Italy.

This was by far the best meal we had in Italy. We enjoyed lunch here on a VERY rainy October day and were the only patrons in the restaurant. My wife enjoyed a mushroom ravioli dish, and I a swordfish gnocchetti sardi dish. Both were very fresh, well balanced, and full of flavor. You could tell a lot of care went into each of our dishes (not just b/c we were the only ones there!). Our appetizer of grilled vegetables was excellent as well. We had the same appetizer at several other places in Italy, but you could tell at some places the vegetables were either frozen or boiled (despite being on a grilled plate), but not here! A little off the beaten path and difficult to find, but I'm glad we battled the elements and found this gem!

We came here today based on the review from a previous person on yelp. The location on the map is not correct, it's actually on 20 September. We arrived later than expected but Mario was more than happy to feed us. The service and the food were fantastic, along with a great bottle of red wine. Highly recommend stopping by for lunch or dinner.