Il Baretto Milano

In the historic centre of Milan, on one of the city’s most luxurious streets, sits Il Baretto. Officially opened in the early ’60s, it began as an american bar (hence the name) on Via Sant’Andrea. It is said to owe its fame to Eugenio Montale, who made it one of his favourite haunts; after all, Il Baretto was a cult spot for the Milanese elite of the time: frequented by figures from the art and film worlds, it grew in renown and became a restaurant, eventually earning the Bottega Storica distinction. It then moved to Hotel Baglioni, where it remained until February this year, when during MFW it announced its new opening at Via Della Spiga 26.

Faithful to the heritage that made it famous across Lombardy, the kitchen offers Milanese specialities with a contemporary touch, shaping a menu that draws on varied inspirations. Prepared with exceptional ingredients, each dish is skilfully crafted without overcomplicating flavours. Highlights not to miss include Riso al Salto, Polpettine di Vitello, Cotoletta alla Milanese, and Ossobuco.

The interior was designed by architect Roberto Bellantoni of Revolution archstudio. The concept, Bellantoni explains, was to capture the mood of a London club in an ‘English style 2.0’. This shaped the evolution of Il Baretto al Baglioni, carving out a restaurant that stands out both in Milan and internationally. That British heritage is reinterpreted through an Italian lens, transporting guests into what feels like a sophisticated London glasshouse, with exposed ironwork on the exterior. The understated decor is balanced by lush greenery that evokes rural calm, softly partitioning the rooms and filtering the natural light.

Thanks to the close collaboration between owner Zagaria and Bellantoni, timeless taste has arrived in the fashion district in the form of a vintage parlour with intimate elegance and a refined atmosphere. Yet across the decades and through successive reinventions, the soul of Il Baretto remains unchanged: a double-sided fireplace neatly divides an intimate nook, where the bar offers a striking visual backdrop, from a generous dining room looking out directly onto the greenhouse. The sophistication of the setting never detracts from the warm welcome and pleasantly relaxed service.