Castello di Vezio
The castle on a hill just above the old part of Varenna is an ancient medieval stronghold surrounded by an old olive grove. It offers an exhibition of birds of prey with flight demonstrations in the afternoon by the falconer of the castle. The tower and the vaults dating back to the First World War can also be visited. There is a restaurant near the castle, too.
Open: April - October - 10 a.m./sunset
Closed in case of rain more
Victoria Restaurant
This is a delightful restaurant, opposite the big church, which is often packed. It can accommodate about 100 people. It makes great pizza marinara (perfect for a shared starter) and their gnochi in blue cheese sauce are impossible to describe - super yummy does not even begin to make it justice. Full dinner, excl. drinks, is about €25. Their white wine from the tap is really nice.
Lunch: 12:30-14:00
Dinner: 19:30-22:00 more
Vecchia Varenna
This is a small restaurant, sitting about 25 people on the patio under the stone archway, and a few more inside the old house. It is incredibly popular with locals, many of whom travel miles from other towns and villages to eat there. It specialises in fish dishes, some of which can be rather unpredictable. It is not cheap. Mains are about €17.
Lunch: 12:30 - 14:00
Dinner: 19:30 - 21:30 more
Albrego Bar
A very popular bar amongst the locals under the mid-range hotel Beretta. The bar-cum-club appears to be open very, very late, and people come there to catch up on their gossip and play games. more
La Frulleria
This is a gem of the village. There are ice-cream places (gelaterias) and ice-cream places. This one is the latter. They made the best ice-cream at the Lake Como. They also make shakes, savoury snacks, and dainties. They have a number of tables on a stone terrace overlooking the lake, the harbour and ... other restaurants and bars. more
Il Molo
A great restaurant and bar in the old part of the village, right by the old haarbour and the little pebble beach. Tables at the waterfront, with incredible view. The place specialises in risottos, but their pizza is also superb. Pizzas from €7.50, mains €9-€16. more
Nilus Bar
This fantastic little place right by the old harbour, has a great menu, unbelievable pizza, white beer from tap, incredible view, and is so cozy! Pizzas €6.50, beers €4.50. more
27 MQ
This place is run by a couple Marco and Daniele. They run this place as if it was in England or something. They do great
breakfasts, sandwiches, cocktails, and aperitifs (in Italy, this means any kind of alcoholic drink), and they located at the small piazza between the two churches. It is very popular, particularly with the foreign residents. more
Al Barilott
This is an excellent place for a drink, and although there is an internet access it is not free. Al Barilott is also a tobacco shop where you can find cigars, stamps, train tickets, cameras, and memory cards. Plus, it is a pub and a wine bar. more
Al Barilott
An extremely popular pub and wine bar right opposite the townhall. Their cappuccinos are legendary and their choice of wine is unique. Mainly locals come here, but strangers are welcome, too. It also has an internet point. more
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