FOOD MARKETS AND FOOD FAIRS IN COMO

Overview: The Mercato Coperto di Como is a bustling indoor market that offers a wide range of fresh local products, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish, and baked goods. It’s a central hub for residents and visitors looking for authentic, high-quality ingredients. Vendors sell everything from fresh lake fish to traditional Lombardy cheeses like Taleggio and Gorgonzola. It’s also a great place to find locally-produced olive oil, wine, and artisanal bread.
Address: Via Mentana, 5, 22100 Como CO, Italy
Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Suggested Products: Fresh vegetables, lake fish (like perch and lavarello), Lombard cheeses, and cured meats.
How to Get There: Nearest Bus Stop: Viale Varese – 5-minute walk.

Overview: This weekly farmers’ market focuses on locally-grown and organic products, directly from Lombard farmers. Visitors can browse fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, honey, meats, cheeses, and other regional specialties. The market promotes sustainable agriculture, and it’s a great opportunity to engage with local producers.
Address: Piazza Cavour, Como CO, Italy
Operating Days: Every Saturday morning
Suggested Products: Organic fruits and vegetables, local honey, artisanal cheeses, and free-range meats.
How to Get There: Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Cavour – located in the central square.

Overview: The Street Food Festival is an annual event in Como that celebrates the vibrant street food culture of Italy and beyond. Food trucks and stalls set up along the lakefront, offering a variety of dishes ranging from regional Italian street food to international specialties. Visitors can sample everything from fresh pizza and panini to seafood, sweets, and craft beers.
Location: Viale Geno, Como CO, Italy (Lakefront)
Dates: Typically held in summer, check for specific dates each year.
Suggested Dishes: Freshly-made pizza, seafood dishes, gelato, and artisanal craft beers.
How to Get There: Nearest Bus Stop: Como Lago – a short walk from the lakefront.

Overview: Fiera di Sant’Abbondio is a traditional fair held in honor of Como’s patron saint, Sant’Abbondio. The event includes an extensive food market featuring local specialties such as cheeses, cold cuts, olive oil, honey, and baked goods. The fair is a major cultural event in Como, and it’s a wonderful way to experience the region’s culinary heritage. Alongside food stalls, there are livestock exhibits and traditional craft displays.
Location: Basilica di Sant’Abbondio, Via Regina, Como CO, Italy
Dates: Annually, around late August to early September.
Suggested Products: Taleggio cheese, salumi, traditional breads, and olive oil.
How to Get There: Nearest Bus Stop: Sant’Abbondio – a 3-minute walk.

Overview: Lariofiere is a prominent food and wine exhibition held in Erba, close to Como. The event attracts food producers, wine experts, and chefs from across Lombardy and Italy. Visitors can sample gourmet products, attend cooking demonstrations, and purchase local goods, from fine wines to artisanal olive oils and cheeses. It’s an excellent way to explore the richness of Italian gastronomy.
Location: Viale Resegone, 22036 Erba CO, Italy
Dates: Typically held in October.
Suggested Products: Valtellina wines, artisanal olive oils, Lombard cheeses, and cured meats.
How to Get There: Take a bus or train from Como to Erba, approximately a 25-minute journey.

Overview: Como hosts a magical Christmas market each December, transforming Piazza Cavour and the surrounding streets into a festive wonderland. The market features food stalls offering traditional Christmas treats, including panettone, biscotti, and mulled wine. Local producers also sell cheeses, meats, and sweet delicacies perfect for the holiday season.
Location: Piazza Cavour, Como CO, Italy
Dates: Early December to early January.
Suggested Products: Panettone, Christmas cookies, mulled wine, and local cheeses.
How to Get There: Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Cavour – the market is located in the central square.

Overview: Sapori di Como is a local food fair that takes place during the spring and focuses on promoting traditional food products from the Como region. The event is held in the city center and features a wide range of stalls selling local cheeses, meats, honey, olive oil, wine, and more. The fair also includes live cooking demonstrations and food tastings, making it a great way to learn about Como’s culinary traditions.
Location: Various locations in Como, including Piazza Cavour and Piazza Volta
Dates: Held in May.
Suggested Products: Local honey, artisanal olive oil, lake fish, and traditional Lombardy wines.
How to Get There: Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Volta or Piazza Cavour.