Agriturismo Barcola

We never got to try the food or service, which is a shame because we’d come for our first visit after seeing all the good reviews. It was Sunday, the staff were clearly busy, and we hadn’t booked, but there were just two of us and we arrived early. We thought we might be fitted in after a wait. Instead, we waited patiently while one waitress went inside after we asked about a table, then came back and carried on serving other people without saying anything. A second waitress asked the same thing and disappeared too. When a third finally came out to tell us there were no tables, we were already feeling ignored and about to leave. In my experience, restaurant owners and staff in Italy are usually very pleasant and helpful, so this was a first. The stress at Agriturismo Barcola was obvious in how they treated potential customers. We won’t be back.

The rooms are basic and sit above the restaurant, so evenings can get a bit noisy. I took that as a good reason to go downstairs and eat with the locals. The food at lunch or dinner is very good, especially the local dishes, and I’d recommend the polenta with garlic and cheese. The staff are generous and wonderful. We’ve stayed twice, and the Agriturismo is quiet and sheltered in a little valley, handy for exploring Como with plenty of good hiking nearby. Thoroughly recommended.

The sausage and gnocchi are worth trying. We had such a good meal here, with amazing food, a lovely atmosphere, and really kind people. It’s a nice local place.

Friendly staff, generous portions, and inexpensive. The food was simple and very meat-focused. It wasn’t my best meal, though, as mine seemed short on sauce and flavor. The place was busy and popular, so maybe I just got unlucky.