La Cucina della Marianna: A Family-Run Gem on Lake Como [Review]

If you are looking for a place to enjoy authentic, creative, and seasonal Lombard cuisine, you might want to visit La Cucina della Marianna, a small and charming restaurant in Griante, Italy. La Cucina della Marianna is run by a mother-and-son duo, who prepare and serve the dishes with passion and care. The restaurant has a fixed menu that changes every month, based on the availability of local ingredients and the inspiration of the chef. The restaurant also has a stunning view of Lake Como and the mountains, creating a romantic and scenic atmosphere.

How was the food?

The food at La Cucina della Marianna was exquisite and surprising. I tried the gourmet menu, which consisted of four courses: an appetizer, a first course, a second course, and a dessert. The menu was honey-themed, meaning that every dish had honey as an ingredient or a garnish. The honey was sourced from a local producer, and it added a sweet and aromatic touch to the dishes.

via: green pasta 2

The appetizer was a cheese flan with honey and walnuts, served with a salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. The flan was creamy and smooth, with a salty and nutty contrast from the cheese and the walnuts. The honey drizzled on top gave it a delicate and floral flavor, while the salad added some freshness and crunch.

The first course was a homemade pasta with honey, lemon, and ricotta cheese, topped with poppy seeds. The pasta was fresh and tender, with a light and refreshing sauce that balanced the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the lemon. The ricotta cheese added some creaminess and richness, while the poppy seeds added some texture and color.

The second course was a roasted pork loin with honey and mustard, served with roasted potatoes and carrots. The pork loin was juicy and tender, with a crispy and golden crust. The honey and mustard glaze gave it a sweet and spicy flavor, while the potatoes and carrots were soft and flavorful.

The dessert was a honey cake with whipped cream and berries, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The cake was moist and fluffy, with a sweet and buttery taste. The whipped cream and berries added some lightness and freshness, while the powdered sugar added some sparkle and sweetness.

How was the ambiance?

The ambiance at La Cucina della Marianna was cozy and elegant. The restaurant had a rustic and refined decor, with wooden tables and chairs, white tablecloths and napkins, and silver cutlery. The restaurant also had a beautiful and spacious terrace, where we could enjoy the breathtaking and serene view of Lake Como and the mountains. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the service was smooth and professional. The restaurant had a quiet and intimate vibe, where we felt comfortable and pampered.

What would you recommend ordering from their menu?

There are two options to order from the menu at La Cucina della Marianna: the gourmet menu or the à la carte menu. The gourmet menu is a fixed menu that changes every month, and it includes four courses for €60 per person. The à la carte menu is a flexible menu that offers a selection of dishes that vary according to the season and the availability of ingredients, and it ranges from €18 to €26 per dish.

I would recommend ordering the gourmet menu if you want to experience the creativity and originality of the chef, and if you are open to trying new and unexpected combinations of flavors and ingredients. The gourmet menu is also a good value for the quality and quantity of food that you get.

I would recommend ordering the à la carte menu if you want to have more choice and control over what you eat, and if you prefer more traditional and familiar dishes. The à la carte menu also offers a wide variety of options, from appetizers and salads to pasta and meat dishes.

Do they accept walk-ins, or do I need a reservation?

La Cucina della Marianna accepts both walk-ins and reservations, depending on the availability and the size of your party. You can make a reservation online through their website¹ or by calling the restaurant at +39 0344 43111. However, if you are planning to visit during peak hours, such as weekends or holidays, it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation in advance, as the restaurant can get very busy and popular.

When is the best time to go?

The best time to go to La Cucina della Marianna depends on what you are looking for. If you want to enjoy a sunny and scenic atmosphere, you might want to go during the lunch hours, when you can sit on the terrace and admire the gorgeous and tranquil view of the lake and the mountains. If you want to experience a romantic and candlelit mood, you might want to go during the dinner hours, when you can enjoy the warm and cozy ambiance of the restaurant and the sparkling and magical lights of the lake and the villages.

Do they accept bookings for special events?

Yes, La Cucina della Marianna accepts bookings for special events, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and business meetings. The restaurant can accommodate groups of up to 40 people, and it can offer a customized and personalized menu according to your preferences and budget. The restaurant also has a stunning and romantic location, where you can celebrate your special occasion with a memorable and unforgettable view of Lake Como and the mountains. You can contact the restaurant’s owner and manager Marianna to discuss the details and availability of your event.

Is it worth visiting?

In my opinion, La Cucina della Marianna is absolutely worth visiting. The restaurant offers a unique and satisfying dining experience, where you can enjoy quality and fresh food, friendly and professional service, and cozy and elegant ambiance. The restaurant also has a reasonable and fair pricing, where you can get a great value for your money. La Cucina della Marianna is a wonderful place to discover, savor, and enjoy the authentic, creative, and seasonal Lombard cuisine.