Agriturismo Barcola

First visit to try the restaurant after reading so many good reviews about the food and service. However, we never got the chance to sample either! The staff were obviously very busy as it was Sunday and we unfortunately hadn’t booked but we thought as there were only two of us and we were early, they would manage to fit us in even if we had to wait a while for a table to become available. No such luck! After waiting patiently, one waitress eventually approached us and we asked if they had a table for two. She disappeared inside the restaurant where we thought she was finding us somewhere to sit. However, she came back and continued to serve other customers without a word to us. After another patient wait, a second waitress came out, asked us the same and again, disappeared without saying anything. We waited further and, as we were starting to feel ignored, were about to walk out when a third waitress came out to inform us there were no tables. A first for Italy, where most restaurant owners or waiting staff go above and beyond to be pleasant and helpful. The staff at Agriturismo Barcola are obviously stressed and it shows in their service to potential customers. Such a shame but we certainly won’t be going back!

We've stayed here twice - it's really convenient for touring Como and there's lots of great hiking nearby. The Agriturismo sits in a little valley, very quiet and sheltered from the road. Rooms are basic, but clean and are sited above the restaurant, which means it can be a little noisy in the evening, but that's a great excuse to join the locals downstairs. The staff are wonderful, and generous and the food, either at lunch or dinner, is very good and features local dishes. I would particularly recommend the polenta with garlic and cheese. Thoroughly recommended.