Looking for where to eat in Brunate? If you have taken the Como-Brunate funicular up from Como, you are probably hungry and searching for the perfect spot. Good news: Brunate is home to MamaGina, an Italian bistro with what many call the most beautiful dining view on Lake Como — a panoramic terrace at 500 metres above the water.
Where to Eat in Brunate: MamaGina, the Restaurant with the Best View
MamaGina is not just a restaurant — it is a complete Italian experience. Located in the heart of Brunate, just a few minutes walk from the funicular station, it combines authentic home-style cooking with a terrace that overlooks the entire Lake Como basin, from Como to Bellagio and beyond.
The Terrace
The star of MamaGina is the outdoor terrace. Perched on the hillside, it faces west — meaning you get the full sunset experience during dinner. Tables are set with simple elegance, and the panorama does the rest. On clear evenings, you can see the twinkling lights of lakeside towns all the way to the Swiss border.
The Indoor Bistro
When the weather turns, the indoor dining room offers a warm, intimate atmosphere. Exposed stone walls, soft lighting, and large windows that still frame the lake view. It is the kind of room where you want to linger over a second glass of wine.
What to Eat at MamaGina
Gina, our chef, brings the soul of Italian home cooking to every plate. The menu celebrates Lombard tradition with a few signature twists that have made MamaGina famous among locals and visitors alike.
The Three Iconic Dishes
Every restaurant has its legends. At MamaGina, three dishes have become absolute must-orders: the Spaghetti MamaGina (a secret recipe that our guests keep coming back for), the Lasagna MamaGina (layers of slow-cooked ragu and creamy bechamel), and the Mega Tiramisu — a generous, Instagram-famous dessert prepared fresh daily following Nonna Gina’s original recipe.
From Breakfast to Dinner
MamaGina is open all day. Start your morning with an Italian breakfast — espresso, fresh cornetto, and that view. At lunch, lighter options like bruschette and fresh pasta. Aperitivo hour brings cocktails and taglieri on the terrace. And dinner is the full experience: antipasti, primi, secondi, and that legendary tiramisu.
How to Get to MamaGina
Take the Como-Brunate funicular from Piazza De Gasperi in Como (7-minute ride). From the Brunate station, it is a 3-minute walk to MamaGina. We recommend arriving for aperitivo around sunset and staying for dinner — the evening light from the terrace is unforgettable.
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