Osteria Serafina

Osteria Serafina, in the elegant and lively Via Sacco, is located in the De Angeli area in Milan. Already from the outside, it exudes warmth and conviviality: with its warm lights, groups of friends whom even in winter stop to drink a good glass of wine sitting at the outdoor tables of a cozy veranda, it encourages you to come in and discover something more. Once crossed the door, it is impossible not to be fascinated by the open-plan kitchen that dominates the main hall, where chefs and cooks move like on a sort of stage, for the benefit of an audience of diners/spectators. Spoiler: it’s not about actors, they cook for real, and very well indeed.

But let’s focus for a moment on the environment, which surely, after the kitchen, is one of the strong points of the restaurant. Thanks to a scrupulous work of materials recovery and restyling of the spaces, the team managed to bring back to life the ’70s style and the timeless allure of a unique place. The feeling here is that of grandma’s house: retro mirrors and plates, antique paintings, bottles, abat jour, jam jars and flower curtains; in three simple words? it is comfortable. Thanks to the warm lights placed in the best places for a perfect cozy effect, the atmosphere is that of a family party, in total comfort and relaxation. Of course, credit should also be given to the friendly and attentive service, who’s always ready to satisfy the curiosity and needs of customers. In this sense, it is impossible not to mention the professionalism and savoir faire of Ombretta, host of the restaurant and food and wine expert who welcomes guests in house Serafina, accompanying them for the duration of the dinner. Her motto is “Tradition and taste in Osteria”, a maxim that she’s very easy to assert thanks to the over one hundred Italian labels, variable during the year, which are among the many pride of Osteria Serafina.

For its part, the culinary proposal does not betray the premises: you can expect dishes of the purest Italian tradition: tasty, reassuring, prepared with quality ingredients and following the seasonality, a roundup of essential values for the young Chef Niccolò, who’s prepared and attentive to satisfy every palate with its recipes. Worth mentioning among the highlights of the house is the excellent saffron risotto served with marrow, an emblem of Milanese cuisine that is enhanced by a special touch of the chef, and the gricia of Roman tradition. There are many meat options among main courses, including succulent, slowly-cooked beef ribs, but Osteria Serafina pampers also those who have married the vegetarian philosophy with appetizing alternatives, such as egg au gratin on Parmesan mousse, with mushrooms and spinach, a gourmet and delicious choice. The restaurant has a seasonal proposal that is often updated depending on products availability: in autumn/winter, for example, there is a menu entirely based on truffles, but fans of this valuable mushroom can find dishes such as tagliolini with black “uncinatum” truffle and truffle-flavoured egg with taleggio fondue all year round.

If you still have a space for dessert, you’ll play it safe, because desserts, as well as fresh pasta, are strictly home-made. A special mention for the house sorbet, light and delicious: a creamy lemon cloud prepared directly at the table, the perfect conclusion for an exquisite dinner.