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Set on a secluded terrace overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Como, Il Platano brings a fresh perspective to lakeside dining. With a recent redesign, the restaurant now reflects a sleek, international style, where Mediterranean traditions meet the understated precision of Japanese cuisine, tied together with subtle global influences.
But the setting is just as much a part of the experience as the food. Surrounded by soft greenery and the stillness of the lake, the terrace invites you to take your time. It’s a place to relax, share stories, and enjoy dishes that are made to be savoured slowly.
A Refined Blend of Flavours
The menu is all about balance, pairing the comfort of Italian cooking with the delicate techniques of Japanese kitchens. The results are clean, seasonal, and quietly inventive.
Wagyu sashimi, lightly dressed with citrus-soy and ginger, feels both pure and indulgent. Tuna, prawn, and seabass ceviche offer a light, fresh take that nods to both the Med and Nikkei traditions. A salad of edible flowers sprinkled with furikake is as vibrant on the palate as it is on the plate.
Made for Sharing
This is food that encourages you to pass plates around the table and try a bit of everything. Among the small dishes, the prawn tempura stands out—light, crispy, and paired with a lemony chilli mayo that disappears fast. The burratina with marinated langoustine is another highlight, with creamy richness balanced by fresh tomato and a gentle kick of ginger.
For mains, the spaghettone with garlic, chilli, and red prawns gets a deep umami lift from tamarind and katsuobushi. The Alaskan black cod, glazed with Amalfi miso, is buttery and sweet, while the Chilean seabass, served with yuzu, truffle, and wok-fried vegetables, brings the East and West into quiet conversation.
Vegetarian dishes hold their own here, too. The vegetable gyoza, topped with coconut and pomegranate, feels bold without being heavy, while the turmeric and black sesame risotto turns simple ingredients into something special.
Sweet Finishes and Thoughtful Sips
Dessert is worth staying for. The shiro miso panna cotta, with white chocolate and grapefruit jelly, is unexpectedly balanced and refreshing. Dulce de leche coconut with sesame is rich and tropical, while the fried vanilla gelato with warm chocolate sauce taps into something a bit nostalgic, simple and joyful.
Drinks lean into the restaurant’s cross-cultural charm. You might choose a smooth Nikka whisky, a glass of Dom Pérignon, or a refined Japanese sake like Sakari Fuga Junmai Daiginjo. For an aperitivo, try the Sakura – cherry, Campari, and gin – or the Asian Fashioned, a twist on a classic with dark sugar and bitters.
A Restaurant with a View — and a Point of View
Whether you’re dropping in for a relaxed lunch or lingering into the evening, Il Platano offers something different. It’s elegant without being stiff, rooted in its location but open to the world. Every dish reflects a sense of place and season, made to be enjoyed slowly, in good company.
Under the shade of the platano tree, with the lake just beyond and a glass in hand, you’ll find that rare thing: a restaurant that feels both grounded and quietly surprising. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to.
Location: Via Regina, 40, 22012 Cernobbio, Italy
