In Como, there is a special place where you can still enjoy traditional dishes and pizza by the slice in an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time, with checkered tablecloths and old photos of the city hanging on the walls.
It is Pizzeria Da Quinto, in town since the 1940s, after its founder opened the first shop in Varese. Today, Luigia De Matteis, who runs the business, welcomes customers with her contagious smile: among them, many Como 1907 supporters. Her family took over the pizzeria in 1989 from the previous owner, for whom Luigia’s father had worked as a waiter for more than 15 years. Now, alongside Luigia at the counter, there is her mother in the kitchen, still enthusiastically preparing the dishes that have made Da Quinto one of the most beloved spots for the people of Como.
Luigia, together with the staff working in her pizzeria, modelled our new Players’ Collection tees, which brings the Como 1907 squad to life through the people who give the Club its identity: its community.
“It’s wonderful for me to be part of this campaign, especially now, with the team playing so well and with an enthusiasm that you can feel throughout the city and beyond. I’m happy to wear the shirt with the face of Edoardo Goldaniga, one of the key players in our promotion to Serie A. Our bond with Como fans has always been very strong, and this is a way to share this incredible moment with them.”
Her interest in Como 1907 goes way back: “We have always followed the team’s journey, in every division. Da Quinto is — and has always been — a meeting point and a stopover for many fans we have grown fond of. Through their stories, we have lived the team’s most important and most difficult moments. Unfortunately, because of our work, we can’t go to the stadium, but we cheer from behind the counter and in the kitchen, and we offer all the fans who come here our culinary contribution.”
Luigia’s favourite player is Nico Paz — “he’s just too good,” she says. And the enthusiasm for Como 1907 is clearly visible on the shop window facing Via Milano and inside the pizzeria: “It all started by chance. Since we returned to Serie A,” Luigia explains, “fans walking by began sticking their stickers on the window. Now we have them everywhere, and it is wonderful because such a simple, spontaneous gesture has created a movement that so many people have joined and continue to join. Initially, those who put up stickers attempted to do so discreetly. Now it’s become a trend.”
Some people stop outside to admire the window, while others come in and ask if they can add their own sticker: “One Sunday, a young boy came in to ask if he could place his sticker among the others. It’s beautiful to see such great participation from both adults and kids.”
Fans are always present at Da Quinto: “Organised supporter groups come, families too. There are fathers with their children who stop by before the match to enjoy our lasagna. And many fans book a table for the following game.”
Da Quinto, Luigia recalls, “was the first pizza‑by‑the‑slice shop in Como,” and over the years, it has preserved the charm of its origins: “I took over from my father in 2005, but I’ve practically lived in this place my whole life. I grew up here, helping my parents on weekends when I was younger and had another job. This place is special because it does not change. It matters to people who appreciate the simplicity of the past and keep coming back because they feel at home here. It’s a historic business and will continue to be so: offering quality, traditional food that is genuine and accessible to everyone.”
The tavern-style tablecloths and home-style cooking tell a long story of love for this place, which draws many people from Como who rediscover, in the dishes prepared by Luigia and her mother, the flavours of the past. Besides the tall, soft pizza by the slice, Da Quinto serves lasagna, pizzoccheri, various types of meatballs, coda alla vaccinara, braised and boiled meat.
The pizzeria is open every day from lunch to dinner, closing only on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Breaks from work are rare for Luigia, but when she manages to carve out some time, she enjoys going for a walk: “Como is beautiful, and there are so many lovely places. I think of the viale Geno promenade, always charming, and the enchanting view of the city from Brunate.”
If she had to choose a few places to eat and drink in Como, Luigia has no doubts: places similar to Da Quinto, where many of her fan customers also go. For a beer, Il Birratrovo in via Carducci; for a night out, the Super Social Club behind the Teatro Sociale. For quality products and excellent local dishes, she recommends L’Ora della Pasta in via Diaz, Ristorante Sociale in via Rodari, and Osteria Brillo in via dei Partigiani.
