Trattoria al Laghett

You know those restaurants where, the moment you walk through the door, you immediately feel at home in a warm, welcoming setting, even if it is your very first visit? Trattoria Al Laghett, located right by the Abbazia di Chiaravalle in Milan, is exactly one of those places.

Not far from central Milan, this trattoria, run by the Gerosa family, has been an icon of Milanese dining since 1890. It is the ideal spot to rediscover the pleasure of Sunday lunch – gathering with family or celebrating a special occasion –, to spend a day in the open air dining beneath the magnificent wisteria berceau, and above all, to enjoy authentic, traditional cooking.

The cooking is distinctly homestyle and features traditional Milanese recipes handed down by Nonna Emma, made with fresh, seasonal, unpretentious ingredients harvested straight from the kitchen garden.

Among the starters, seasonal vegetables naturally take centre stage (depending on the time of year, you might find fresh courgette flowers, chicory or figs) alongside their Antipasto della casa with charcuterie from Lombardy and Emilia, chicken liver pâté and pickled giardiniera. Beyond classic Mondeghili, renamed here as “Mondeghini” (just as nonna called them), there are also dishes rarely seen on restaurant menus, such as Lardo di Gombitelli con polenta fritta, Involtino di carne e verza su salsa di Taleggio, or Frittelle di patate e verza con crema di Gorgonzola e barbabietola.

Among the first courses, Risotto alla milanese takes pride of place, served al salto or all’onda and in all its variations – with nettles, luganega sausage or courgette flowers. The strictly homemade pasta is just as tempting, making it hard to choose between the Tortelli di zucca con Gras de Rost, the Gnocchi viola con Gorgonzola e noci, the Ravioli di magro con burro fuso e Grana Padano and the Gnocchi con luganega e pioppetti.

Main courses focus on hearty meat dishes best enjoyed during winter, such as Cassoeula, Foiolo, Manzo brasato al Gatturnio or Rustisciada, a traditional Lombard dish made with pork and onions. Naturally, there is also the classic Cotoletta, though availability varies, so ordering it in advance is recommended.

Because no meal is complete without dessert, you cannot leave Al Laghett without tasting one of their homemade Crostate, including the unmissable Sbrisolona, prepared using hazelnuts picked straight from the garden.