Giacomo Bistrot

A unique place in Milan for its décor and atmosphere is without doubt Giacomo Bistrot, whose name is quite known in town thanks to the little gastronomic district of Via Sottocorno that the Giacomo brand populated with a restaurant, a rotisserie, a pastry-shop and a coffe-and-cigarettes shop.

Photo Credit © Gianmarco Grimaldi

The bistrot’s location is the richest in terms of character: small volumes, velvet tapestry of deep and dark colours, towering shelves, thick woods and dim lights. It almost feels like walking in a Flemish cabinet from the 17th century with portraits hanging on the walls, golden touches and upholstered seats. You’ll come here for a romantic evening, the lips of the commensals almost touching during the chat at the tables and the clientele is elegant, trendy and fine-spirited. The perfumes in the air make the atmosphere even more sensual and vaguely surreal, like you’re travelling in time.

Photo Credit © Gianmarco Grimaldi

As a contrast of this old-time, intense vibe, we have a very traditional menu, perfect for those customers more interested in the quality of the food than originality at all costs. And that is because conviviality and warmth are the things Giacomo Bistrot aims for and for this the selection of dishes must not be too demanding.

There will also be fun among fish and meat tartares, baked eggs, foie gras and typical Lombard antipasti. Two of the best first courses are the sea urchins tagliolini and the classic of classics: spaghetti with fresh tomato and basil. Fish-lovers will have different options both with first and second courses; the possibility for the carnivores are just as wide. For those who don’t stray from tradition, have no fear: all of the Milanese classics are always on the menu, starting with the cotoletta.

In the end, leave a little space for the seasonal fruit and for the sweets: all the desserts come from the nearby pastry-shop that produces them daily. It’s easy to deduct that the final bill keeps in consideration every single aspect and quality of the place, so I advise you go on a special occasion when you want to treat yourself and be romantic with your significant other. If you can, try to go for dinner when the lights are at their best and the ambient is warmed up by the perfumes of the kitchen.