Tucked away in a quiet spot on a side street in the Brera District of Milan lies this hidden gem of restaurant. Hand-crafted delicacies from the Puglia region grace the menu, with specials daily. I was delighted to find this small but quaint delight while seeking a place to quell my mid-day hunger.
I was immediately welcomed and settled into a table along the narrow street. The restaurant design was clean and crisp, with white wooden chairs brightened with light blue accents on the linens. The art and décor of the restaurant added visual interest while I waited for my food.
I started with homemade maccheroncini with tomato sausages, basil and cacioriccota cheese, which set the bar for the rest of meal. I also tried the white fava bean puree, seasoned with chicory greens, which I enjoyed with some raw red salt water prawns. Fresh and flavorful. Right away, I knew I had picked the right place for lunch, because the first dishes were absolutely delicious!
I wanted to try the raw selection, Crudi di Gallipoli, featuring tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish, red prawns, and scampi fresh from Gallipoli. Each piece was perfectly cut, colorful and beautifully presented. The whole dish was as much a sensory experience as it was a savory one.
The chef recommended I try the braised meatballs in tomato sauce with homemade "Ricotta Schianta" cheese and I am glad I took her up on the suggestion. The meatballs were tender and juicy and full of flavor. Perfectly seasoned. The tomato sauce added a level of sweetness and mixed with the richness of the ricotta cheese really took the dish up another level.
I was completely filled, and had felt as though I had eaten a gourmet fifteen-course meal, but after seeing a nearby table eating a fluffy, creamy cake, I had to indulge. The homemade pasticciotto was filled with a slightly sweet crème, and the perfect ending to a wonderful lunch.
Excellent service, great staff, and wonderful food. The atmosphere is exactly what you want if you're seeking a quiet escape for a meal you'll never forget. I highly recommend! read more