Ristorante Insolito
A quiet spot by the Como Lake
Insolito is a small and welcoming restaurant nestled on the shores of Lake Como. Accessing it requires a bit of adventure, either via a steep, narrow cart track or by
boat, as it is located in front of the small metallic pier of Pognana Lario.
This small gourmet restaurant is spread over three floors and has exclusively 25 seats. The modest building dates back to the early 1900s, and the ground floor once housed a small restaurant which served lake cuisine.
With the renovation works, the patina and the external structure of the building was maintained as it was originally while the interior underwent a complete layout redesign. The main kitchen is located in the adjacent building, offering the chefs the same lake view enjoyed by the guests. To serve the dishes, the food is transported from the kitchen to the tables via the narrow outdoor staircase that connects the floors, adding a touch of intimacy to the dining experience.
Spaces and atmosphere
The ground floor, with its sunny terrace overlooking the water, houses a bar where a large Dolomia stone counter occupies the entire space of the room. A fixed furnitures hosting technical elements hide a small secret grotto carved in the Moltrasio stone from view.
On the mezzanine floor, a compact private room features a built-in bench that optimizes the use of the narrow space. A few small tables are arranged here, sharing access to a tiny balcony with views of the water and pier. Going up a stone staircase, you reach the main room which is characterized by heavy curtains which make the space flexible to multiple configurations.
The internal spaces, characterized by walls plastered with washed lime, are flooded with the reflections of the lake water, while the linen curtains soften the
severe materiality of the wood. The atmosphere at Insolito evokes a vaguely retro charm, reminiscent of early 20th-century lake taverns. The interior details, with their understated design, contribute to a sense of timelessness, blurring the lines between past and present. The tones of the stained wood and the natural materials used throughout the space reinforce this connection to a bygone era, creating an environment that feels both familiar and distant, as if suspended in an undefined past.
The stone flooring is characterized by a small format, common to many humble houses built at the beginning of the century. Seats, tables and fixed furniture were all custom made in stained oak wood.
A highlight is the large circular table on the top floor, a northern Italian vintage piece from 1950s that was repurposed from an old millstone.
Insolito offers a quiet and charming setting where guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, with the beauty of Lake Como as a backdrop.
