The Restaurant

Our terrace — a charming balcony overlooking the city and its valleys — was transformed in 1990 into an enclosed veranda with sliding glass walls, offering a unique experience in every season. In spring and summer, the glass panels open completely, allowing guests to enjoy the pleasure of dining outdoors surrounded by breathtaking views. During the colder months, the veranda closes and is heated, preserving the charm of open-air dining with the comfort of a cozy indoor setting.

With a capacity of 220 seats, our spacious dining hall is perfect for ceremonies, private banquets, or corporate events. Thanks to its thoughtful arrangement of plants and flower boxes, the terrace easily transforms into an intimate setting — ideal for a romantic candlelit dinner or a private business lunch.
At Il Pianone, every space is designed to turn special occasions into unforgettable experiences.

The indoor hall exudes timeless elegance, enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Stone columns and terracotta floors evoke an authentic charm, while the fireplace adds a cozy, convivial touch. The vaulted ceilings create a sense of harmony and continuity, completing a space that perfectly blends character and sophistication.

The centuries-old wisteria framing the restaurant’s entrance leads you into an enchanting place. The garden is a true gem, celebrating nature and its colors in every season — from the geraniums adorning the balconies to the blooming flowerbeds and pots of camellias, azaleas, and hydrangeas. During the warmer months, it becomes the perfect setting for aperitifs and buffets, ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and corporate events. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to offer a multisensory experience.

Housed in an ancient medieval powder magazine dating back to the 12th century, the wine cellar of Il Pianone carefully preserves a refined selection of Italian wines. From Franciacorta to Valtellina, including the great reds of Piedmont and the whites of Friuli and Sicily, our wine list is designed to enhance every dish. The cellar’s evocative atmosphere adds a touch of history and elegance to every visit.

In the second half of the 16th century, Il Pianone was built on the ruins of a medieval fortification — the outermost extension of the Castle of San Vigilio. This manor house, located on a vast estate in Castagneta, takes its name from the hill that had been leveled centuries earlier by the Visconti for military lookout purposes.

The Mascheroni Family's era

In the first half of the 18th century, the Mascheroni family, returning from Venice, acquired the property on the hill of Il Pianone. Here, on May 13, 1750, Lorenzo Mascheroni was born — a renowned poet and mathematician who later joined Napoleon in Paris, where he died in 1800 and was honored with a State funeral by Bonaparte. After the Mascheroni family, the house changed hands several times and, at the beginning of the 20th century, was first transformed into a frasca fuori porta (a countryside tavern) and later into an inn with lodging.

The renaissance: Enrico Panattoni’s vision

In 1962, Enrico Panattoni took over the management of Il Pianone and, with an innovative vision, transformed the ancient military outpost into one of the most charming restaurants in Bergamo Alta. Through thoughtful renovations, Il Pianone became an enchanting place — surrounded by the greenery of Castagneta, adorned with flowers lovingly cultivated by Enrico and, today, by his son Marzio.

The charm of a historic restaurant

Today, Il Pianone captivates its guests with unique spaces that blend history and charm. From the wine cellar — once the powder magazine of the medieval fortress — to the vaulted hall with its grand fireplace, and the panoramic veranda offering extraordinary views over the city of Bergamo and its valleys, every corner tells a story enriched by a timeless atmosphere.