Interview with Giuseppe Scalise

Along via Piero della Francesca in Milan, an entire constellation of addresses has taken on new life thanks to the vision of Giuseppe Scalise. An entrepreneur passionate about beauty, art, dining and wine, he has paired design with experience, turning venues into landmarks of Milanese lifestyle. We caught up with him over a coffee for a relaxed chat.

Which Scalise venues are based in the Piero della Francesca area?

It is an area that feels deeply personal to me, almost like an extension of how I see hospitality. Today I oversee several venues in via Piero della Francesca, each with a distinct personality yet united by the same vision: offering high-quality, authentic, meticulously curated and surprising experiences. There is La Bullona, which I consider the aesthetic and culinary core of our group. It is where art, architecture and cooking merge in perfect balance. Then there is Chatulle, which will soon debut an entirely new look inspired by French brasseries: an elegant, welcoming room with live music and an energy all its own. Gattopardo is an experience in itself: a deconsecrated church that we turned into a dramatic club, featuring a 65,000-crystal chandelier and the former altar converted into the DJ booth. Affinatore is the most intimate of the group, designed for anyone looking for refined dining and a wine list built with meticulous care. Finally, Trattoria Lazzati, a tribute to authentic Milanese cooking, interpreted with respect and contemporary taste. Every address tells a different story, but they all speak the same language: immersive, refined and consistent hospitality.

La Bullona is considered one of the coolest restaurants and venues in Milan. How did the project begin?

It all started with an emotional reaction. I have always been drawn to buildings in need of renovation, and when I saw that space—a disused former railway station from 1929—I fell in love with it. It was subject to strict heritage protections, so it was by no means straightforward, but I believed in its potential from day one: we worked for eight years under the guidance of the archaeological superintendency. Interior designer Kate Axelsson then curated every single decorative detail: on one side, a minimal Liberty style, non-invasive materials and extraordinary artworks by artists such as D’Agostino and Arcangelo Sassolino; on the other, a more contemporary spirit, with glass panels and works by names of the calibre of Arnaldo Pomodoro, Lucio Fontana and Enrico Castellani. Today, La Bullona is a space where architecture, art, food and wine live in seamless balance. In the evening, it becomes an elegant music salon with soft lighting and an easy groove.

Who is the ideal guest for your venues?

Guests who, like me, appreciate beauty. People drawn to art, quality food and a fine wine selection. Our crowd is not simply looking for somewhere to have dinner, but for a complete experience that appeals to all the senses. Aesthetics matter, but never for their own sake: they always serve the atmosphere.

Let’s talk accolades: what has been the most meaningful milestone?

We have several, but the most recent is winning the award for the World’s Best Champagne List and Europe’s Best Wine List. It is an achievement that speaks for itself: 600 champagne labels, 5,000 wine labels and more than 120,000 bottles. It is a living cellar in constant evolution, shaped day after day through painstaking research by my team and me.

What has been the greatest satisfaction of your career?

Always the next one. I never look back. Opening each venue has been a challenge, but I never rest on past results. Planning is everything, and building the future with a clear vision is essential to me. Doing business in Italy is not easy, as we all know, but I am deeply grateful to my country and feel a responsibility to champion it.

What advice would you give to a young person dreaming of taking an entrepreneurial path like yours?

Passion is not enough: you need the right attitude, a sense of responsibility, method and the ability to plan long term. You have to understand your audience, examine every detail and never fear difficult decisions. The entire difference lies in the vision.

Have you ever made mistakes you regretted?

No, never. Every mistake has been a lesson. I do not believe in regrets; I believe in project planning. You cannot change the past, but the future is built through determination, planning and concrete vision.

What can we expect over the coming months? Are there any upcoming openings or news you can share?

I cannot say much, but in September 2025 Chatulle will reopen, completely redesigned. It will be an elegant French brasserie, with top-tier produce and an intimate musical atmosphere featuring live piano. We want to bring Milan a concept uniting conviviality, fine dining and entertainment. A spot where you might drop in just for an aperitivo and find yourself still there hours later—champagne glass in hand and a smile on your face.