Chocolate Wasted | All The Chocolate I Ate in Italy: Part 2
Breezing into Bellagio - The Cocktail Bar at Hotel Florence
Bellagio is just a breezy one-hour ferry ride from Como—though the many stops along the way stretched that hour out a bit more than expected. My sister and I eventually waved the white flag and arranged for a driver instead, especially since we were headed to the most popular town on Lake Como (also known as Lake Lario). It was peak summer and peak tourist season, so we weren’t shocked by the packed boat... but we were very ready to disembark by the time we returned to Como.
We were on the Lake Como & Lugano Group Tour when we arrived in Bellagio, which meant time wasn’t exactly on our side. In true Italian fashion, siesta was in full effect when we arrived—shops closing down midday for that sacred pause. Locals urged us to grab lunch immediately before restaurants shut their kitchens. So, in a bit of a blur, we squeezed in a quick bite (the pizza was so forgettable, I didn’t even note the name), but I did manage to snag a refreshing cocktail and a solid tiramisu to carry me through the wait. Once siesta ended, we wandered through vendors for silk and soaps, watching the town slowly come back to life.
I wore my Helsi dress—bright, bold, and catching the light perfectly during golden hour in the courtyard during our post-tour dinner detour. We didn’t indulge in any chocolate here (tragic, I know), but I must give an honorable mention to the walnut caramel tart. Worth every bite.
Dining at Ristorante Al Veluu in Tremezzo felt like stepping into a movie—complete with panoramic views, winding roads, and that pinch-me moment when you realize, yes, this is real life. Nestled in the hills above the lake, getting there required some commitment, but the reward was next-level.
The scenery alone had me feeling vibrant before we even reached the table. As the sun set behind the mountains, the whole experience began to unfold like an elegant, slow-motion film. Don’t miss the freshly made limoncello to cap the evening.
Settled in Como - Albergo Terminus
For the first few days of our Lake Como stay, we cozied up at Albergo Terminus, and it was absolutely the right call. The location? Perfect. Just steps from the ferry and the train station, with lakeside views that made every morning feel cinematic.
After the long travel day from the U.S., we decided to keep it simple and dine at the hotel. Breakfast, included with our stay, impressed us from the jump. But the real surprise was Bar Delle Terme, their on-site fine dining option. Think: red velvet walls, candlelight, vintage lamps, and an outdoor terrace that practically beckons you to dine under the stars.
The tableside lobster pasta? Divine. The gnocchi? Silky and rich. But the showstopper came last: Croccantina alla Nocciola—a chocolate hazelnut dessert that still lives rent-free in my mind. This wasn’t your average hazelnut chocolate bar. This was an elevated, multi-layered affair with Bavarian cream, a cocoa biscuit, and dark chocolate mousse. I didn’t even stop for a photo. We were too immersed—chatting with incredible servers who truly made the evening unforgettable.
Surprise, Surprise - The Avenue Hotel
You already know I’m a sucker for a good boutique hotel. So after a few nights at a more well-known spot, we switched it up and checked into The Avenue Hotel. What caught our eye? Their advertised private boat tour and shuttle service. Though, if I’m honest, by then we were all boated out.
Still, this hotel surprised us in the sweetest way—with chocolate. The details (and the reveal) are in the video below, but let’s just say: it was the perfect ending to an already decadent getaway.
Lugano, Switzerland - Vanini Chocolates
Unlike La Maison du Chocolat, Vanini Italian Chocolates are more widely available across the United States. So while I found myself in Lugano, Switzerland—just a quick hop over the Italian border—I wasn’t feeling the pressure to stock up. Still, the elegant display of hazelnut pralines and glossy truffles almost had me caving.
In the end, I kept it simple: two small but satisfying treats. One, a playful milk chocolate bark studded with candy-coated gems (think luxe, grown-up M&M's), and the other, a delicate fruit-infused bonbon that offered just the right pop of tartness. A sweet souvenir for the road—and a reminder that sometimes, less is more.
Planning your own sweet escape?
Check out my FREE Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Lake Como for all the must-try bites, hidden gems, and can't-miss indulgences.
