A popular lakeside pizzeria with excellent-value pizza and a strong calzone reputation, but reserve ahead and expect occasional service, crowding, and consistency issues.
Pizza l romana alla Garbatona dal 1981 delivers strong pizza execution anchored by its lakefront setting and consistent praise for speed and friendliness, yet inconsistency across the broader menu and occasional service lapses prevent a higher grade. The signature pizza and calzone shine reliably, while non-pizza dishes and comfort during peak periods remain uneven, keeping it just short of grade A territory.
This is a busy, open-and-accessible lakeside pizzeria where the view does genuine work: diners repeatedly mention the marina, mountains, and sunset, while many describe quick, friendly service. One visitor effectively summed up the draw as pizza, wine, and a lake panorama—a holiday-friendly combination, though peak-time arrivals can be ignored or turned away without clear communication. The cooking is centered on thin-crust pizza with an unusually broad Italian menu around it. Calzone is the star performer, with several diners calling it exceptional, while specialty pizzas use ingredients such as burrata, friarielli, prawns, porcini, and regional cured meats. The menu is creative enough to reward curiosity but not experimental; pasta, fish, steaks, and desserts are available, though reviews suggest pizza is the safest bet and the wider kitchen can be less consistent. Families are well served by the current menu: children can choose baby Margherita for €4.50, tomato pasta for €5, or sausages with fries for €8. Reviews do not establish a broader child-focused atmosphere, and one diner reports that dogs are not allowed, but the familiar children's dishes make this a practical family meal rather than an adventurous-food-only destination.
Area vibe: Scenic, tourist-focused lakeside area known for views and relaxed pace.
Safety: Generally safe and quiet with decent lighting; evenings can be very calm and low-footfall.
What's nearby: Near Lake Como waterfront, ferry docks, local shops, cafes and seasonal tourist amenities.
The Calzone and thin-crust specialty pizzas are the safest bets, with options such as Garbatona at €13 and Artistica a Forma di Bouquet at €14.
Go early or reserve ahead, then confirm supplements and payment options because busy periods and extra charges can affect the experience.
The lake, marina, and sunset create a memorable setting, but peak-time crowding can make the dining room feel tight and rushed.