First impression of Don Lisander: Look at that fancy restaurant. Second impression of Don Lisander: It's even more fancier and romantic looking at night. Third impression of Don Lisander: Tourist trap. From afar, Don Lisander is like an oasis in the desert. It separates itself from the busy shopping district by being tucked away and blanketed by beautiful plants. It has an outdoor seating area and walking by you will wonder what it is like to dine there. Looks divine! It is also one of the few "nice" restaurants in the area. Hours later and desperate for a meal, we found ourselves back at Don Lisander. The restaurant looked empty (just a few patrons) and we were able to snag ourselves a table in the garden patio. It was definitely a romantic setting and seemed promising. We ordered the risotto con gamberi e ristretto di pescato and il petto d' anatra all' arancio e pepe sichuan. The food came out well plated and with small portions. The duck was absolutely delicious with hints of orange, was extremely tender and juicy but the risotto fell flat and can be described as "nothing special". It was found that my thoughts on the risotto were also supported by our neighboring table after having a friendly chat. The risotto was a thin layer of rice over a few pieces of shrimp. The broth was neither rich nor flavorful. It would be rather depressing to almost compare this dish to a plate of oatmeal but that's where I would head if I were to continue talking about it. Throughout dinner, I noticed that people would come in without reservations. The staff seemed annoyed even though the restaurant was empty. Even by the time we had left, the restaurant was still relatively empty. We were rushed throughout dinner and when it was time to get the bill, it took forever. People were panicking as they were trying to make a show at Teatro alla Scala. I also noticed that with the tourists who could not understand the menu, the staff was not very patient or friendly. If you do not speak Italian, make sure you can quickly google on your phone what some of the dishes are. On top of the very expensive meal, Don Lisander charges a hefty cover charge. It's a shame. The restaurant is beautiful and in a good location. However, the food experience and ambiance is not worth the lukewarm and mediocre service and high price of the meal. I don't think any tourist left completely satisfied. Just with lighter wallets. read more

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Seems we got lucky based on the other reviews, as I found my meal quite pleasant. Yes, I was lured in by the cute patio. We walked in on a Friday and made reservations for the next evening. The host/hostess were pleasant and it was easy to make a reservation. When we came for the meal, we were given a table inside (wish it would have been outside), but it was just fine. We had the Osso Buco and the Veal Milenaise. Both were good. I liked the veal better, and it was good enough that I would consider coming back again. read more

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Everything was amazing! The food was delicious and the staff were great. I had their salad, risotto, dessert and wine... delicious! I will definitely be back again! Thank you Stefano and staff for a wonderful time! read more

Wonderful lunch in a beautiful garden setting. Excellent seafood dishes, ample wine list. Great service. Great experience overall.

Beautiful surroundings, a little overpriced for the quality of food. Staff were relatively pleasant, professional and spoke good English. For a restaurant on Manzoni near Montenapoleone the pricing is expected but the Ossobuco was a little bit over cooked, the risotto a little undercooked, the Tiramisu a little bit on the soggy side but taste was not too sweet. On the other hand, the Brunello wine was excellent. Most patrons do speak English so I believe it is more for tourists and business dinner than actual locals. Overall average but pleasant. read more

Don Lisander - Ossobuco that was a bit tough and the risotto a little on the hard side. Sauce was nice and rich - Lumbard Near Me - Milan, Michigan

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My husband and I ate here and were so impressed. Our hotel recommended it as one of the best in Milan. Everything we ate was divinely inspired. Presented by an impeccable staff in a lovely intimate setting. Our only regret is we were off to ski in France the next day and couldn't eat there again. If you are looking for a wonderful lunch/dinner for a special night out, be it work or romantic I highly recommend Don Lisander. We look forward to coming next time we are in Milan. Kricket read more

Service was poor although we did have a large party, our dinner was mid week during august when staffing I assume was low. Hard to get water, our order in, dessert - became a 3 hr event. Food was good, especially the main courses. Venue was nice outdoor and close to hotel - a bit hot and the trolleys going by routinely were loud. Maybe a bit overpriced. Would probably not go back if we were to return to Milan read more

Highly recommended to me by a business colleague in the U.S., while traveling to Milan last week. Arranged to stop by on an open night, and they were waiting with a table ready ~ Stefano Marrazato and his team were amazing and most accommodating, offering fantastic, personalized service and a delicious meal recommended as a favorite of the Milanese region. Highly recommended for you too ~ beautiful surroundings and overall experience. ~ Russell W., Long Beach CA read more

Awesome service and the food was amazing. Had the Veal and risotto. Perfectly cooked and the wine was stellar. The service was great and they treated us like locals. How can you not like this place. Great desert wine and we will come back. read more

Amazing dinner!!! The risotto was the best I've ever had. Great service and super friendly staff. Met the owner, super friendly and personable!! Highly recommend!!!! read more

Don Lisander is a beautiful restaurant with great service (I have seen reviews that did not receive the treatment we did.) However based on the pricing and the mediocre quality of the food (every dish came out bland and desperately needed salt) makes the whole experience reminiscent of a textbook "tourist" meal. We were referred to this restaurant by the Sheraton and I have to assume they send folks here to make sure they don't get anything too exotic. read more

A milanese classic for fine food and simple elegant service. It is also beautiful to eat on the patio facing the noble garden in the summer time. read more

Some food items are very good like Milanese veal and tiramisu but Others are old/ stale and overpriced. The cheese selection was a joke, I get much better on airlines. I am guessing the cheese selection normally extends beyond just Parmesan for some reason we were served small cubes of just Parmesan for 20 euro. I would rate food as 3 stars and service as 1. Some of the servers were arrogant while other servers seemed to know that some of the food offerings and servers were sub par. There was a mix of servers some that were very pleasant like the hostess and one other but main server we had was arrogant and not service oriented. Bad or average food and bad service makes a bad experience whereas average or even bad food and good service makes a pleasant experience. I would avoid until they purge a few bad apples. read more