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Capitan DrakeAMust Try

Name: Capitan Drake
Address: Via Francesco Benzi, 19, 22100 Como CO, Italy, Como, Italy
Rating: 4.8

Via Francesco Benzi, 19, 22100 Como CO, Italy · Wine bar, Small plates restaurant, Wine store · 4.8/5 Google (227 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

A convivial enoteca for guided tastings with curated meats, cheeses, and knowledgeable hosts; come for wine discovery, not a full dinner.

Why it gets an A for overall quality

Capitan Drake stands among Como's finest dining destinations through exceptional wine expertise and proactive, knowledgeable service paired with carefully curated salumi, formaggi, and raw preparations. The warm enoteca atmosphere and consistent execution across multiple years establish it as a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking education and discovery. Strong loyalty and repeat patronage underscore its standing as a local institution.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels like a tucked-away enoteca, warm and intimate with bottles lining the walls and communal tables that spark conversation. Hosts guide tastings with calm confidence, and one guest noted they "left knowing why each bite matched each pour." Expect relaxed, attentive service and an experience that unfolds over 90–120 minutes. The cooking supports the wine: curated salumi, artisan cheeses, and clean raw plates rather than heavy mains. It leans classic enoteca fare with thoughtful pairings, ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy learning about regions and styles while snacking. Come for discovery and education, not a full dinner; the value sits in quality ingredients and skilled guidance. Families do drop in for tastings, but the focus is wine. Kids may nibble on simple breads and cheeses, and the lunch menu has approachable options like vegetarian lasagna or pasta e fagioli. If your crew needs kid-sized meals or lots of choices, plan dinner elsewhere and treat this as a pre-dinner experience.

At a Glance

Knowledgeable sommeliers who tailor tastings and explain pairings
High-quality salumi and cheeses that complement wines
Cozy cellar vibe with communal seating and friendly guests
This is not a full dinner; bites are light and designed for pairing
Parking can be tricky in central Como

What Sets It Apart

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curated_taglieri
wine_shipping_service

What People Love

Feeling looked after by expert hosts
Discovering new Italian labels
Balanced pairings that make wines shine
Making friends at communal tables
Being able to buy or ship favorite bottles

Points of Concern

Tastings are structured at 90–120 minutes; not ideal for those seeking a quick bite
Portions are pairing-focused, not meal-sized; one guest wanted more aperitivo snacks for the spend
Small space; reservations recommended for groups
Pricing is genuinely expensive (€10–20 plates) when combined with multiple pours

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€32-48 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with a mixed board (€15) and add a premium charcuterie like Culatello (€16) to compare textures with two reds.
Pair Tartare di Tonno (€12) with a mineral white or bubbles for a clean, briny match.
Vegetarians: order L'enigmale (€9) plus Formaggi con confettura (€10) for sweet-salty balance.

Perfect For

Educational wine tasting before dinner
Rainy-day cultural activity
Date night with shared boards
Small group celebration with curated wines

Location Insights

Area: Central Como neighborhood with mixed residential and small retail; attracts visitors exploring the lake and historic center.

Safety: Generally safe, busy during day and early evening with good foot traffic; typical urban parking constraints.

Nearby: Near historic core, lakeside promenade, boutiques, and hotels that feed aperitivo and tasting traffic.

Centro StoricoCentro Storico is the historic heart of Como, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and a mix of traditional and modern dining options. The area is lively with a blend of locals and tourists enjoying cafes, wine bars, and small eateries, creating a convivial and relaxed dining atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday15:00–20:30 Tuesday15:00–20:30 Wednesday Thursday15:00–20:30 Friday15:00–21:00 Saturday15:00–21:00 Sunday

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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