El Porteño – Elvezia

Enter El Porteño and you forget you’re in Milan. Everything inside this restaurant is constructed around the fascinating city of Buenos Aires and the name of the place itself refers to the inhabitants of the Argentinian capitol. In fact, the porteños are the inhabitants of Buenos Aires by a number of generations and this place really does them justice, starting with the retrò décor all the way to the menu, Argentinian to the core.

Fortunately for the Milanese this magnificent restaurant has duplicated itself into two superb locations, the first and historical one in via Gian Galeazzo, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the newbie Darsena; instead the second one is just a little ways outside Brera, in the Arena area. What really catches your eye is the attention to details in both places which sets it apart from any other Argentinian restaurant in the city. The spaces are large and wide, formed out of imperial halls and romantic little nooks, each one furnished with a personal and unique style. The furniture is almost entirely from the South American continent outlining therefore the warm and authentic style.

Even more worthy of note is the meat you will taste. Tender and succulent in every cut, with a flavour that seduces and satisfies like in no other place in the city. Super recommended are the Filetto di Entrana (Fillet of Entrana) (you will be moved to tears with every bite) and the Costolette alla griglia (grilled cutlets). Actually, everything at El Porteño is highly recommended, thanks to the quality of the primary ingredients used and to the mastery of the cooks, Argentinian to the bone. Even the personnel in the hall is clearly of Latin origin, which is obvious from their sexy pronunciation but mostly from their preparation. Attentive and discreet, they will accompany you through a culinary experience that is truly unique, suggesting the best cuts and the right local wines and beers to pair with your chosen dishes.

Once you are at the table you are welcomed with very delicate creams and mousses accompanied by homemade bread and focaccia, while every dish arrives with an elegant mix of potatoes, squash puree and Italian salad. A special mention goes to the desserts of the house, where the absolute protagonist is the dulce de leche, a super yummy condensed milk cream that is incorporated into homemade ice creams, soft crepes and warm souffle.

This place is an A+ and the Milanese know it because your need to book a table a few days ahead of time. Thanks to El Porteño Argentina has never been so close.