Crotto dei Platani
A crotto is a traditional Lombard restaurant built into or against a natural rock formation, using cool air from mountain caves as a natural refrigerator, a technique that predates electricity by centuries. Crotto dei Platani, in the small village of Brienno on the western shore, is one of the finest examples. The terrace extends over the water beneath enormous plane trees, and on a still summer evening it is as atmospheric as dining gets.
The food is hearty and traditional: polenta with lake fish, risotto, grilled meats, and local cheeses. This is honest, generously portioned cooking rather than refined plates, with a short Lombardy-focused wine list.
Brienno is reachable by car or, more enjoyably, by the regular ferry from Como or Argegno. Budget EUR 30-50 per person.
Guest Reviews
Really delicious food! Nice atmosphere with a stunning and breathtaking view. Nice service, a bit slow but polite 😊
Amazing location, very elegant and beautiful restaurant. Stunning views. Outstanding service. Upscale, but with moderate prices. We had a big group and got to try several dishes from the menu. Everything was delicious, flavorful and nicely presented. Would love to come back on a warmer day and enjoy the view from their patio.
We sat by the water on the terrace and ordered the white fish tartare, fois gras, porcini baked potato with cheese fondue for starters. For the main course, we had the balsamic glazed fish and ravioli. For dessert, the crème brûlée, blackcurrant cheesecake and apple crumble. The food was exquisite and the view of the lake and mountains felt like a perfect escape. The waiters were knowledgeable and helpful. I recommend this place. Thank you!
Took my parents and my girlfriend for a lovely dusk dinner. Cant fault the views: it’s nestled in a little depression beside the Via Statale, totally on its own there, has its own pier (we chose to take a boat to the restaurant), as do most other guests, and has broad views looking north up Como. Pretty staggering. The service (Marko) was exceptional - thoughtful, friendly and attentive without being overbearing (and just enough flirting with my mum…). The food was good, local, game and lake-fish heavy - but the only area they fell at all short. My mushroom tart was pretty soft and squishy (technical terms), and the tagliata di manzo was a little tough. The pasta (we had the crab ragú and duck papardelle) was absolutely delicious, however.
We stumbled upon this restaurant as we were driving along Lake Como. We only had a couple of appetizers and a small bottle of wine because the kitchen was going to be closing for them to get ready for dinner, so we didn't have a larger entre. However, the appetizers and the dessert we had, were absolutely delicious and we wish we could have ordered a full meal. If you have a chance to dine here, take the opportunity to do so. You won't be disappointed.
More Restaurants in Lake Como
Albergo Milano
Varenna, on the eastern shore, is quieter and less polished than Bellagio, which is exactly its appeal. The waterfront is lovely, with a narrow lakeside promenade and a handful of restaurants that catch the afternoon sun and the views across to the western mountains.
Bilacus
In Bellagio, the waterfront restaurants along the lungolago tend to trade on location rather than quality. For better cooking, head uphill to the quieter streets behind the waterfront, where Bilacus serves reliable Lombardian cuisine in a pleasant courtyard in the old town.
Il Sereno Al Lago
Il Sereno Al Lago, at the Patricia Urquiola-designed Il Sereno hotel in Torno, holds a Michelin star and delivers a more contemporary experience than most of the lake's fine-dining rooms. Chef Raffaele Lenzi's cooking is built around clarity and precision: dishes centre on two or three core flavours, executed with impeccable technique and presented with modernist restraint.