Cacio e pepe in Milan: the best restaurants
A Milanese tribute to culinary excellence from Lazio.
Cacio e pepe, one of the cornerstones of Roman cooking, has conquered Milanese palates over the years with seamless ease. The result? When it comes to a passion for Roman food, Milan ranks second only to Rome itself.
What makes cacio e pepe so irresistible? Perhaps the bite of al dente tonnarelli, or the creamy, savoury sauce coating the pasta and pooling at the bottom of the bowl (leaving it without mopping it up with bread is practically a crime). Or maybe it is the kick of freshly cracked black pepper, cutting through the sharp, salty pecorino romano so the dish never feels flat.
Today at Flawless, we have decided to take a break from strict Lombard tradition to guide you through the best Roman restaurants in Milan and their standout plates of cacio e pepe. Join us on this tour across the city’s seven (imaginary) hills—and keep your voice down, lest an old-school Milanese host overhears us praising a pecorino that is not the prized wine from Marche tucked away in his cellar.
Risoelatte
Via Manfredo Camperio, 6
At Risoelatte, the atmosphere feels rather like grandma’s house, between sage-green walls, red-and-white checked curtains and all those little trinkets you always wondered why she kept, dotted around the room. A collection of old moka pots, large vintage milk churns, and flame-shaped bulbs on the walls radiate the ’60s from every angle. The menu tells of a Milanese grandmother who spent her youth strolling through Rome’s sunlit streets: alongside the many variations of traditional riso e latte—a northern comfort food dating back to the Middle Ages—it also offers a delicious cacio e pepe.
Abbottega
Via Lodovico Muratori, 11
Abbottega was founded to revive the simple charm of honest, traditional cooking in the setting of a classic neighbourhood grocery shop. Coffee-coloured damask tiles, vintage wines on display and cured meats hanging from the ceiling give a rustic feel to a space with whitewashed chairs and exposed brick. In Claudia Ranucci’s dining room, the menu draws on Umbrian, Tuscan and Lazio heritage—wholesome family recipes presented with a keen eye for presentation, an essential touch in Milan. Expect an authentic journey across three regions, from ultra-creamy tonnarelli cacio e pepe and fettuccine with artichokes and guanciale to prime cinta senese fillet.
Cacio e Pepe Bottega Romana
Via Augusto Anfossi, 2
For anyone dreaming of an escape from the foggy Po Valley to enjoy some Roman warmth, Cacio e Pepe Bottega Romana is the answer. The team’s aim is to champion Rome’s rich culinary heritage through uncompromising quality. The interior speaks for itself: dark wood furniture, vintage photographs and retro lamps meet a neat, understated table setting. It pairs cooking that seeks elegance in simplicity with the genuine pleasure of sharing good food—Rome in a nutshell.
Volemose Bene
Via della Moscova, 25
Volemose Bene is a Roman tavern in the purest sense, complete with chequered tablecloths and straw-paper placemats. It is a refuge for Romans living in the north who drop in to order ‘the usual’, as well as a welcoming spot for visitors in Milan. Luca and Willy, known respectively as ‘Er Ciccio’ and ‘Er Secco’, are the pillars of the house, firmly wedded to the philosophy behind the name (‘let us love one another’). And we assure you, feeling the love is easy when drawn in by the irresistible aroma of a pan-tossed, creamy spaghetti cacio e pepe.
Cacio e Pepe
Viale Gian Galeazzo, 3
If you want traditional food without oversized portions, careless plating or unrefined cooking, Cacio e Pepe is the place for you. In Porta Ticinese, this restaurant is worth noting if aesthetics matter just as much as flavour when dining out. Its understated elegance sets the stage for a menu rooted in Roman tradition, plated with the polish expected on Milan’s dining scene. With carciofi alla romana, supplì, burrata with puntarelle and an unforgettable cacio e pepe, you might easily forget you are in the north. Savour the moment.
Castelli Gourmet
Via Cerano, 15
Castelli Gourmet is an underground bistro in the Solari area celebrating Italian culinary traditions from north to south: from risotto alla milanese to bucatini cacio e pepe, and from Scottona tartare to fusilloni alla Norma. Refined and lively, the venue resembles a castle cellar with stone pillars and exposed brick that regularly host contemporary art exhibitions. As for their cacio e pepe? It arrives as a nest of delicious bucatini enveloped in pecorino romano cream, brought together by the pungent fragrance of black pepper. Utterly delicious.
Felice a Testaccio
Via del Torchio, 4
Cacio e pepe seems simple enough, yet it is notoriously tricky to master at home—especially if sourcing genuine ingredients proves difficult (admit it, your first attempt looked more like New York mac & cheese). So why not put your MasterChef ambitions on hold and head to Felice a Testaccio? Felice is the kind of restaurant that treats you like family, where a table is always found for locals and hard workers. Having passed the torch to his son Franco, the venue and its menu have been gently tailored to modern Milan. If you ask, they might even share the recipe for their cacio e pepe—just keep it quiet, or your chef auditions will not stand a chance.
