The story
At Il Cantuccio in Albavilla, just outside Como, chef Mauro Elli leads a kitchen rooted in Lombard tradition yet open to the world. Trained at the Centro di Formazione Professionale Alberghiera di Clusone, he travelled widely before returning to his native region. “Everything I have experienced made me grow,” he says, but his cooking remains “completely Italian.” The result is a modern cuisine that honours the land and its ingredients without straying into borrowed styles.
Elli describes his inspiration simply: “I always look to the family and the home – that is where you breathe the values of hospitality and conviviality.” This warmth translates into his cooking, which he calls “a gesture of love” and “poetry.” The restaurant itself reflects that ethos: a space where guests feel welcomed, whether for a quiet dinner or a private celebration. Il Cantuccio also offers banqueting services, bringing its art into homes for weddings, ceremonies, and special occasions.
The restaurant’s commitment to high-quality cooking earned it a Michelin star in 2026. The guide’s inspectors noted the refined, consistent execution of Elli’s modern cuisine. While the chef avoids calling his dishes strictly regional, he observes that Italian flavours now flow across macro-regions, creating a “harmony of taste.” The menu evolves with the seasons, always anchored in Italian roots.
Il Cantuccio is a place where the personal and the professional meet. With outdoor seating, air conditioning, and wheelchair access, it is equipped for comfort. The chef’s gift vouchers allow diners to share an “unforgettable experience” – a 5-course or 8-course tasting, paired with wine. But the real draw is the quiet confidence of a kitchen that cooks from the heart, in a setting that feels like home.
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