Eating in Luino: where people actually go
The short answer: Luino is where you actually get to choose – about 6 kilometres south of Maccagno, a good ten minutes by car, and reachable by train and boat without one. For fish, go to Trattoria da Elia e Ugo; for an evening that is an occasion, the Leon d'Oro at the Camin Boutique Hotel; for pizza without a debate, the Vecchio Granaio. And if you want the best-regarded kitchen around, drive up to Poppino to the Locanda al Riposo.
Ten addresses in the largest town on the eastern shore – from an eight-table fish trattoria to a hotel kitchen with a garden terrace.
By occasion: In the centre · Pizza and down-to-earth · Meat and fine dining · Above the town
In the centre
All within walking distance of each other, around the harbour and the old town.
Due Scale
Mediterranean and upscale pizza, by the harbour
In the historic Palazzo Due Scale opposite the marina, with frescoed ceilings and walls. A step up from an ordinary pizzeria without becoming stiff – the right address when the evening should be something but nobody wants to change clothes. Google Maps
Trattoria da Elia e Ugo
fish, very small
Fish from the lake and from the sea, few tables, correspondingly good reviews and correspondingly quick to fill. Turn up without a reservation and you will eat somewhere else. Google Maps
Osteria Al Cantinone
Lombard cooking
Regional cooking in the oldest wine cellar in town. The place to find out what people here actually cook rather than what tourists order. Very busy, and opinions differ accordingly. Google Maps
CUBO Cucina e Bottega
light cooking, good at lunch
More modern and lighter than the rest of this list, half restaurant and half shop. Pleasant after a morning at the market when something bigger is planned for the evening. Google Maps
Pizza and down-to-earth
For evenings when nobody wants a debate.
Ristorante Pizzeria Il Vecchio Granaio
pizza
Very consistently well reviewed, for years. The uncomplicated family evening where nothing goes wrong. Google Maps
Trattoria Pizzeria Manzoni
pizza and trattoria
Big enough for groups, down to earth, plenty of regulars. If there are eight of you, call here. Google Maps
Osteria Pizzeria Alla Ferrovia
pizza, by the station
Unfussy and practical if you arrive by train – the station is right next door. Google Maps
Meat and fine dining
Steak House Ristorante Trippolini
meat
For everyone who wants a steak after a week of fish, pizza and risotto. Large portions, no ambiguity. Google Maps
Leon d'Oro at the Camin Boutique Hotel
Viale Dante Alighieri 35 – fine dining
The upscale address in town: modern cooking with Mediterranean roots under chef Michele Loffredo, in the ground-floor rooms of the hotel, with a garden terrace in summer. Open evenings except Monday; no Sunday lunch. Phone 0332 530 118. Google Maps
Above the town
The detour that pays off.
Locanda al Riposo
Poppino, Via Bonga 2B
In Poppino above Luino, and with the best guest reviews on this entire list. A small locanda, regional cooking, little passing trade. Call ahead: 0332 530 810. Google Maps
What to know about Luino
- We are not paid by any of these places. No commission, no partnership, nothing in return.
- Wednesday is market day. One of the largest weekly markets in northern Italy, and half the region turns up. For dinner the day makes no difference; for parking it makes a great deal – come early or take the train or the boat.
- Luino has a station and a boat pier. Both connect to Maccagno. If you want wine with dinner, that solves the way back – check the timetable first.
- Opening hours are not listed here. They change too often. Call ahead or check Google Maps, especially outside high season.
- The closing day is usually Monday or Tuesday. The Leon d'Oro closes on Mondays and does not serve Sunday lunch.
- Colmegna is on the way. About two kilometres before the town centre, right on the water – if what you actually want is a table with a lake view.
Frequently asked questions about Luino
How far is Luino from THE CAMP?
About 6 kilometres south of Maccagno on the same shore, roughly ten minutes by car. Luino also has a station on the Bellinzona–Luino railway and a boat pier, so you can get there without a car.
When is the market in Luino?
Every Wednesday. It is one of the largest weekly markets in northern Italy, with clothing, leather goods, cheese, ham, fruit and vegetables. The streets and car parks fill up accordingly – arriving by train or boat is the calmer option that day.
Where is the best fish in Luino?
At Trattoria da Elia e Ugo, a very small trattoria serving fish from the lake and from the sea. With so few tables, book ahead.
Is there a fine dining restaurant in Luino?
Yes, the Leon d'Oro at the Camin Boutique Hotel, Viale Dante Alighieri 35. Modern cooking with Mediterranean roots and a garden terrace in summer. Open evenings except Monday, no Sunday lunch, phone 0332 530 118.
Which restaurant near Luino has the best reviews?
The Locanda al Riposo in Poppino above the town, Via Bonga 2B. A small locanda with regional cooking, phone 0332 530 810. Booking is recommended.