Torre

An art meeting. I can not find other words to describe the restaurant Torre, the last work completed by the Fondazione Prada, Ripamonti district. A former industrial area that came back to life thanks to the realization of the Fondazione and the clean-up of the nearby stopover Porta Romana.

The inauguration of the Torre, on the occasion of the 2018 “Salone del Mobile”, was the umpteenth proof of the neighbourhood strength and of its willingness to redeem itself. The structure is so beautiful to take your breath away. Designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Dutch architect preceded by its reputation, it is defined by himself “a collage of pre-existing themes and elements”. The geometries fit together perfectly, joining the white concrete walls that cover all 60 meters in height.

The first floors of the Torre are dedicated to the exhibition space where it is possible to admire works from the Atlas project of the Prada collection. A glass and marble elevator leads to the bar and restaurant, located on the sixth and seventh floors.

The location is worth a visit simply for the view that you can enjoy from the terrace: a perspective on the whole Milan skyline. The glass window that shields the interior is a suspended bottle, spectacular especially in the evening, when it is illuminated. The rest of the furnishings are also enchanting: original pieces from the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York are combined with elements from the installation of The Double Club created by Carsten Höller.

The gastronomic proposal is led by chef Fabio Cucchelli, lover of authentic Italian cuisine. The resulting menu is a eulogy to simplicity that enhances the quality of the ingredients and invites us to rediscover the flavours of our territory. The proposals are inspired by regional recipes, with a strong focus on the city of Milan to which the traditional risotto and the “elephant ear” are dedicated.

The Italian tradition is however flanked by international proposals thanks to the ambitious project “Chef Under 30“, born in collaboration with CARE’S – The Ethical Chef Days: during the year four chefs under the age of thirty are hosted and invited to elaborate a menu inspired by the dishes of their countries of origin, according to the principles of an ethical and sustainable cuisine.

Also the bar counter is a work of design, where you can have a light dinner while sipping wines or international distilled spirits. The overall result is so spectacular that it is absolutely worth a visit: I recommend it especially in the evening, for an elegant romantic or business dinner, for a drink or for anyone who wants to enjoy a breathtaking view of an illuminated Milan.