Ristorante Sociale – Como’s Homegrown Family Favourite

Attached to an old papal residence around the corner from the Duomo di Como, Ristorante Sociale is an establishment that has become accustomed to dishing up the divine.

More than 200 years old, the restaurant first appeared in 1813, when it was brought into being along with the Homonym Theatre – before moving to its current location just 100 yards away from the lake on Via Rodari. 

It is here, away from the hustle and bustle of the piazzas, that locals will dip into on a winter evening, or escape to on a summer afternoon to sample familiar fare served up by three generations of women from the same family.

“For over 30 years, the family has been serving traditional cuisine and more, becoming a reference point for Como residents and tourists who want to feel ‘at home’,” explains Alice Aldeghi, who runs the restaurant with her mother Sabrina and grandmother Silvana.

“In 1990, when the restaurant first opened in its historic location, my grandmother and mother opened it together. My mother then met my father, and they worked together. Many members of the family have contributed by working at the restaurant over the years.”

Described as ‘a little tradition, a little season’, the menu is a homage to hearty Lombardy cuisine with Sociale playing to its strengths of local produce and resources. There’s not a pizza in sight. 

Alongside homemade pasta, veal and polenta punctuate a menu dedicated to the region’s roots, making for an authentic experience. On Destination Calcio’s visit, it was difficult to overlook the tender breaded veal cutlet with rustic roast potatoes at €24, and even harder still to share.

This focus on the provincial means the dining experience is accompanied by the chatter of Comaschi accents – a strong indication that you are on to a good thing. Some of that chatter comes from staff from the local football club, who can be found dissecting a result at the Sinigaglia over risotto and red wine on occasion. Como’s president pops in from time to time, too.

“Como’s promotion to Serie A has certainly brought in a lot of business, both for the matches and for the fans,” says Alice. “We have a large number of regular customers, including many from the surrounding area.”

Those local characters exist no matter which of the three areas you are seated, each owing to a very different experience. The ground floor is intimate, with the bare brick walls and booths adding to the sense of secrecy around one of Como’s best finds.

The first floor on the other hand is light and airy thanks to a modern chandelier and bright yellow walls. A large showpiece fireplace giving it a sense of grandeur that is heightened by a wall of wines.

The third option is a summer affair, with a small courtyard offering diners an al fresco approach in the shadow of the church of San Giacomo. 

Wherever you take your seat, Alice and her family will make sure it feels a little bit like home.

Address: Via Rodari, 6, 22100 Como, Italy

Open: Lunch – 12pm-12.15pm Thurs-Mon; Dinner: 7pm-10.15pm Wed-Mon

Reservations: Email info@ristorantesociale.it or whatsapp the restaurant on +39 349 730 8732