What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Osteria Il Governo 1801
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Cross the doors of this place forgotten by time, immerse yourself in the truest past, become part of the history of Lezzeno and of Risorgimento Italy. In the serene quiet of Lezzeno, just a step away from the crowded Bellagio, we offer you traditional Lombard cuisine, from the Valtellina down to the Parmense, with tasty trips and robbery raids all over Italy.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, European, Lombard, Northern-Italian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
PRICE
$$ - $$$
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Digital Payments
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 7:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Thursday
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Friday
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Contribute
4.8
367 reviews
Excellent
322
Very good
19
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
6
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Melissa I
9 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Exquisite food, intriguing history and outstanding service… all under the picturesque location of a gorgeous olive tree overhanging the garden. We were greeted by Pietro who was so professional in his presentation and knowledge of the menu, location and history of this restaurant. Within minutes he had personalised our menu after listening to our preferences… the food was five star… delicious and fresh, and the view and atmosphere were stunning. This was an extremely memorable evening with perfectly paired wines. Thank you to Pietro and all the staff for their impeccable service and a wonderful experience.
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissima Melissa! Grazie di Cuore per il bel tempo trascorso insieme, gustando la bellezza, la bontà e i sapori della Vita.Vi aspettiamo sempre per condividere attimi di felicità nel nostro giardino. A presto! Pietro e tutto il Governo
Written August 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erik D
Sudbury3 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Food and experience were excellent. A beautiful night sitting outside watching the sunset light up the clouds pink over the lake.
Our food was delicious- Trout, pistachio pesto pasta, duck, and beef filet.
Reason for 4 stars- while paying the bill with a credit card, the manager did not give me the choice between Euros and dollars on the machine at the table, must have pushed the dollars button himself at the machine. This gives a 3.5% mark-up to the price, plus an exchange rate that is not as favorable. He also folded the bill over so I initially couldn't see the fact that he did the exchange to dollars. I unfolded it myself and discovered what he had done. When I questioned him, he said it could not be changed and just pointed to the place to sign and pressured me to just sing it. It only cost me about an extra $20, which I would have left as a tip for the servers but chose not to. Unfortunate end to the night as it was otherwise magical, but this was clearly deceptive since he folded the bill over to hide it, and everywhere else in Italy has given me the option to choose Euros or dollars, never chosen it for me.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissimo Erik, perdonaci il fraintendimento, ci viene quasi sempre chiesto il pagamento con la valuta dell'ospite. purtroppo ieri sera non ero al ristorante, se passi in giornata possiamo fare storno Online e ripetere la transazione in euro come preferisci. Scusaci ancora per il fraintendimento e grazie per la bella serata trascorsa insieme. Di cuore Pietro e tutto il team Il Governo
Written August 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara L
Reggio Emilia11 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Give yourself a gift! A real experience. Upon entering, you immediately perceive an intimate and enveloping atmosphere
Owner and collaborators attentive but never intrusive who accompany you with warmth and passion in the choice of courses and wines
Dishes with selected ingredients and very fine research.
Final surprise with a visit to the cellar and the historical part for a dive into the past
Certainly not the usual dinner but a complete experience absolutely recommended to those who want to treat themselves to something different! Congratulations and thanks!
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissimi! grazie di Cuore per la bella esperienza di ospitalità e gusto che abbiamo condiviso insieme. Vi aspettiamo presto nel giardino davanti al lago. Pietro e il team Il Governo
Written March 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carly J
Leicestershire33 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Unfortunately this place was not for us, and not because the restaurant terrace dining area is at the side of the road with traffic in very close proximity, nor was it because the bounded book that was passed to us when we were seated was not a menu, as we had expected, but in fact a book on the history of the building (very odd since it looked like a very average building compared to others in the area) . Nor was it because the menu was limited, and unless you fancied trout, trout and more trout you might have been reasonably happy. The reason that this was not for us was because our reservation was at 7.45pm and we arrived at 7.35pm, and upon arrival we went inside to inform the restaurant that we had arrived, only to be told that we were too early and that we should go for a 10 minute walk and come back. I laughed when the host...presumed owner ( bald chap) said it again, I assumed that he must have been joking and this was a bit of 'banter', then I realised he was being serious and we were expected to leave and come back in 10 minutes time for our reservation. Yes - this is a TRUE story and this really did happen. It is hard to enjoy any of the dishes available on the menu when you arrive with a bad taste in your mouth.
Before I get a response saying that ' guests must respect the time so they can have the best service' - wouldn't it be better if you welcomed guests on arrival and allow them to take a seat inside where there are plenty of free seats, and allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes rather than making them leave?!
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissimo Signor CJ98121, concordo pienamente sul fatto che il nostro ristorante non faccia per lei e mi dolgo per la sua signora che è rimasta vittima del suo atteggiamento. Evidentemente Lei non ha l'uso di presentarsi agli appuntamenti agli orari convenuti, non ha neppure la cortesia e l'eleganza di rispettare i suoi ospiti quando le chiedono la cortesia di rispettare gli accordi che lei ha preso con loro, perché questi potessero accoglierla e curarla con tutte le attenzioni, l'affetto e la premura che ognuno di noi merita. Evidentemente, come lei scrive, ha l'abitudine di ridere in faccia e deridere chi le rammenta che la vita è fatta di impegni da rispettare e di usanze e costumi che ogni casa è libera di darsi, a meno che quella, non sia casa sua, dove le è lecito decidere cosa è giusto e cosa non lo è. Evidentemente Lei si permette di affermare che la sua ira, causata dal suo orgoglio per aver incontrato sul suo passo, qualcuno che le ha rammentato di non essere il padrone del mondo, le consente di dare falsa testimonianza, attribuendo punteggi mendaci a un ristorante e un piatto fugace, consumato nel livore del suo orgoglio ferito. Mi spiace per la sua serata, mi spiace per lei. Se l'avessi fatta accomodare avrei dovuto abbandonarla per i 20 minuti con cui lei si è presentato in anticipo, per non fare torto a chi era in orario, in un momento in cui ci stavamo prendendo cura degli ospiti giunti puntuali. Questo non è nello stile della nostra casa, della nostra famiglia e della nostra vita, ci perdoni ma come lei ha ben capito, il Governo non fa per lei. le auguro ogni bene, buona Vita! Pietro e tutto il Governo
Written August 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BruceG718
Woodbury14 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
The charm upon entering this
restaurant is overwhelming
and being greeted by management makes you feel as if your family. The food was outstanding and we trusted the waiters suggestions which were
specials of the day. The pasta
was off the charts as well as
the Orata and Duck breast.
A bottle of Pinot Noir recommended by staff ( 45 Euro)
was absolutely perfect with our meal. Deserts are to die for.
A must ! Prices are extremely reasonable..A must try !
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichaelTTS
Kuala Lumpur250 contributions
Sep 2024 • family
Jewel of a restaurant! Very warm and friendly staff recommended local provincial dishes that were simple yet exquisitely delicious. I never knew pistachios would blend so well into pesto and pasta! Kudos to the team of Roberto, Stefano and Francesco (waiters) and Chef Francesco who made our dining experience so wonderful and memorable. Grazie Mille! 🙏
Written September 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelyn W
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • family
Pietro and his staff were so welcoming and attentive the whole experience! From helping us choose our wine pairing, to the delicious meals they recommended, it is safe to say that this restaurant should be a definite stop for all visitors of Lake Como! Furthermore, the restaurant is enriched in history that Pietro is passionate enough to share with his guests. We will be back! Grazie mille!
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissima Evelyn Grazie a voi per la gioia di una serata in vostra compagnia! Vi aspettiamo sempre nel nostro giardino, per gustare dei sapori della felicità insieme. A presto! Pietro e tutto il Governo
Written August 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marina P
1 contribution
May 2024 • friends
After visiting Bellagio, a few kilometers along the panoramic road that runs along the lake, we arrive for lunch in this beautiful historic restaurant.
We are welcomed with kindness and kindness by Pietro the owner who makes us sit in the cute little external courtyard.
His accurate explanations of the various courses are unforgettable, equally unforgettable are the dishes cooked with imagination and skill, from appetizers to desserts, all truly excellent.
The bill was absolutely adequate for how much we ate.
Finally, Pietro gave us a tour of the premises and the structure that has belonged to the two families since 1801!, complete with explanations of the incredible history of this little gem.... highly recommended, too bad it's a little boring for us. distant!
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissima Marina grazie di Cuore per il bel tempo trascorso insieme con la vostra allegria e la vostra gentilezza. Avete portato la vostra simpatia nella nostra casa sul lago! Vi aspettiamo sempre per brindare insieme alla Bellezza della vita! Pietro e tutto Il Governo
Written May 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Baptiste B
22 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
The restaurant room is very pretty.
We ate by the fireplace.
Pretty, rather rustic interior decoration.
The food is pretty good, the pistachio pasta is good, slightly too salty.
At 18€ per plate.
Octopus at low temperature.
Not very convinced that he really is.
I find them hard, being a chef in the kitchen, I don't have any control over cooking.
The well-presented sliced turamisu dessert comes from a log.
But I doubt it was homemade because it was still too well cut to be artisanal.
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissimi! grazie di Cuore . Vi aspettiamo presto nel giardino davanti al lago. Pietro e il team Il Governo
Written March 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Filipa Maldonado
Estoril2 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
When we booked our visit to Laco di Como, this restaurant was the one we were most looking forward to. And it was beyond expectations. From the delicate and nice staff - who made sure to try and speak Portuguese with us - to the quality, flavor and presentation of the food and the romantic vibe of this place, we couldn’t be happier with the dinner we had. The duck breast was the best I had in my life and the pistachio pasta was simple awesome. Thank you Pietro for giving us such a great experience.
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cate8867
Brisbane47 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Just walked in by chance- amazing little find with incredible food and staff to match. Our risotto was delicious and all the meals we saw arriving looked delicious. Closed on Mondays, atm (early June) only open for lunch on weekends, but dinner from 7-9.30 other days
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lily B
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • couples
An extremely charming restaurant that has been in their family for 7 generations! The service was exceptional and everyone was warm and welcoming. The food was so good and unlike anything we’ve had before. The owner comes over and makes sure you order exactly what you’ll like. Bartender is a genius and will invent a drink just for you.
Written September 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annette U
Naples273 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
Vince and I arrived, with reservation this time. We were warmly greeted by Puerto and seated in the enchanting garden. The waitstaff was very attentive and knowledgeable about the cuisine. We both ordered the fillet and it was seasoned properly and was Delish! No room for dessert, but always Limoncello!
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissimi! grazie di Cuore per la bella esperienza di ospitalità e gusto che abbiamo condiviso insieme. Vi aspettiamo presto nel giardino davanti al lago con l'arrivo della primavera. Pietro e il team Il Governo
Written March 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David
Utica109 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
If I could give a rating for the first 30 minutes of a meal I would give them 5 stars. Unfortunately, after such a great start it ended with disappointment.
First off, the food and outdoor ambience was very good. We first ordered one of the selection of cheeses and meats for 2, which was plenty for all 4 of us to have a quick taste. The pastas were cooked perfectly, and the dish I had (orecchiette) was very flavorful. The server initially informed us we had to look up the menu on our phones. When I asked for a paper menu, she said they have only one and brought it. Sadly, it was not the current menu, so the orecchiette was accompanied by shrimp instead of sausage. I’m not a shrimp fan but the fish was still good.
An older man came by and wanted to talk with us about wine. He then said “I’ll come give you a taste of the Prosecco.” He then returned and gave a glass to each of us. The Prosecco was excellent. We ordered a bottle.
After we had our main dishes, our server ignored us for almost an hour since the last time she came to our table. When we tried to quietly get her attention, she seemed to intentionally avoid eye contact. Eventually, I had no choice to all but shout “excuse me” towards her as she attempted to run back inside. We then ordered and eventually received our desserts. They were good, but the semifreddo was frozen solid. The tiramisu was passable. When we ordered dessert I asked for a glass of one of the Muscats for myself and the other for my father. Later she cane by and said they did not have either, and offered a substitute. We decided to decline on dessert wine.
Again, after finishing our desserts our server was no where to be found and I had to make great efforts to get her attention again, for the bill.
When I got the bill, I was surprised to see that not only did they charge us for 4 glasses of Prosecco (that he “offered” to “give” us a taste of), but they charged us for an additional 2 bottles of Prosecco instead of one that we ordered. Also, they charged us for a muscat- even though they never brought it and knew they never even had it that night to give! Additionally, they charged us the 4x appetizer, instead of the 2x, that we clearly ordered.
I then explained this to the server, who took the bill inside. The man returned, and said “sorry, I make a mistake” and showed me that he took off the extra bottle of Prosecco and the glass of muscat (without any adjustments or comments on the remaining errors).
I’m sorry, but I find that when service is this poor and there are multiple errors on a bill, it’s hard to believe that all of them are “mistakes.” I also find it sleazy to offer to give “a taste” of a wine and then charge for it.
I was looking forward to giving this restaurant a positive review, but when all is said and done, the experience we had warrants nothing more than 2/5
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro b
Carissimo David, mi spiace tanto non averti conosciuto personalmente, ma devo dedicare tempo anche ad altri lavori oltre che custodire l'antica impresa della famiglia. Ti ringrazio per l'elogio alla qualità e alla preparazione dei nostri piatti e all'ambientazione del nostro piccolo giardino davanti al lago. Non capisco dove tu abbia mangiato un tiramisù, non è un piatto che abbiamo mai proposto ne presentato nel nostro locale. Mi spiace per i contrattempi ed i fraintendimenti che tu mi elenchi, Le persone di cui tu parli non sono altro che le mie figlie che durante le vacanze estive mi aiutano con passione, dedizione e sacrificio, Sono certo che anche tuo padre sarebbe stato orgoglioso di Te vedendoti correre a perdifiato tra i tavoli a 16 anni per cercare di soddisfare le esigenze di ogni tipo di clienti . Il servizio purtroppo ( come tutti i lavori, certamente anche quello che tu svolgi quotidianamente) non sempre segue un processo facilmente gestibile... molti tavoli che si presentano insieme, clienti nervosi, contrattempi nelle lavorazioni espresse dei freschi.. esattamente come nel tuo lavoro.. ogni lavoro è un tentativo di rispondere ai bisogni, uno sforzo sempre imperfetto, ma che per questo merita una lode al sacrificio che ognuno di noi profonde in questo tentativo. Nutro assoluta fiducia in ognuno dei miei collaboratori e nella loro buona fede! facciamo assaggiare ogni vino, anche quando vendiamo un singolo calice ( una norma applicata solo al Governo questa) e portiamo sempre un preconto per controllare nostri eventuali errori dati dalla frenesia del lavoro, Grazie a questo hai potuto accorgerti delle distrazioni e correggerle con il nostro Maitre esattamente come accade in ogni azienda del mondo al momento del consuntivo di un progetto. In fede, per ciò che mi racconti, trovo ingiusta la valutazione che dai della mia "opera" dei miei figli e dei miei collaboratori, capisco la tua delusione per una serie di contrattempi, incomprensioni e imperfezioni che converrai con me, ti hanno infastidito, ma non giustificano certo il misero e immeritato giudizio che ci hai riservato. Certo che Tu sia uomo di ben altro onore, ti aspetto sotto il mio pergolato per brindare insieme alla Bellezza della vita e al nostro umile tentativo di renderla sempre più bella per tutti. Con affetto e stima, pietro
Written July 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John B
Scottsdale478 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Well, I think there's some review inflation going on. Everything is about the fascinating history of this lovely home that is now an intimate restaurant right on the main roadway. From the opening hide bound booklet we received to the postcards they handed out to us when we finished, its all about the history-- I recommend we spend more time talking about the current.
So, on the plus side, the place is lovely, it is very busy, but very welcoming. The host is engaging and sincere.
On the negative, once we were seated we were forgotten. Getting a second drink was just short of having to tackle the one server on duty. The clam pasta was full of unclean sandy crustaceans. The duck and the beef are cooked very rare, which is a little off-putting for our palates.
My general sense is that they are living on their fascinating history and forgetting their duty to keep up the good work that they need to do.
Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pietro bazzoni
Carissimo, grazie per le belle parole sui tanti aspetti positivi che ti hanno colpito nella tua visita alla nostra casa sul lago. Mi spiace la tua esperienza non sia stata totalmente gratificante. Nel merito, lavorare col pescato fresco a volte ci espone ai rischi della pesca fortunata o sfortunata, certo sarebbe più semplice la scelta di prodotti surgelati, ma è una scelta che non ci appartiene. Il nostro petto d'anatra è un piatto estremamente gradito e normalmente ben considerato, a menù da 5 anni ininterrottamente, neppure il COVID ha fatto perdere il piacere di gustarlo alla nostra clientela, riscuotendo consensi (quasi) unanimi. Per quel che riguarda il filetto di manzo, in Italia ed anche al Governo, viene proposto medio-sangue normalmente, chiediamo comunque ai nostri avventuri le loro preferenze sul grado di cottura, ed eventualmente siamo a disposizione per correzioni dovute al palato personale. I gusti sono giustamente interpretazioni originali ed uniche, della percezione personale del Creato. Per concludere, mi spiace avervi incontrato in una serata da tutto esaurito, in un periodo dell'anno ancora fuori stagione. Purtroppo sono momenti in cui l'organizzazione soffre l'eccezionalità di giornate non prevedibili. Ringraziandoti per tutte le considerazioni espresse, posso garantirti che abbiamo ben presente la fugacità dei nostri giorni presenti.Il nostro tentativo, è quello di essere degni e pronti a sorridere, occhi negli occhi, a tutti quelli che ci hanno preceduto nello spezzare il pane e versare il vino ai nostri tavoli. La perfezione non è di questo mondo, ma quando entreremo nell'altro, in quello Eterno, vogliamo farlo a testa alta, per gioire dell'onore di avere ben servito nella nostra casa, insieme e come, tutta la stirpe che ci ha preceduto. Con affetto Pietro e tutto il Governo
Written May 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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