Between the metropolis and Lake Como there is an area undervalued by gourmets, where typical dishes are still the protagonists, but there is no shortage of new ideas. Here are the places to visit
We already feel perplexed: but with all the places of all types that exist under the Madonnina, does a culinary out-of-town still make sense? Absolutely yes. First of all, because often between Milan and Lake Como passing through Brianza, there are still some beautiful areas – saved by cementing – and surrounded by greenery. Then, the offer in recent years has improved precisely because of its competitiveness with Milan: to find new customers and keep the hard core, you have to work well and not sit still. And that there is a favorable air, confirmed by the lively moment along the Larian coasts – in particular that of Como – which are even further north and the decision of the Cerea brothers to follow the restaurant project within the Royal Villa of Monza. An important signal, considering the experience of the family.
Risotto alla Monzese, a must
What do you eat north of Milan? Many, many traditional dishes first of all: prepare yourself in a fundamentalist or less revisited version, especially if there are excellent chefs like Paolo Lopriore who turn the lake fish into poetry. So, it is difficult not to find the Brianza classics from Risotto to Monza – with the luganega, typical sausage of the city – up to the country cake passing through the rich Costoletta. But there is also a lot of fish in high-level restaurants or in places run by Southern chefs. However, in our selection, there is no danger of getting bored at the table.
Pomiroeu – Seregno
In the heart of the town, the historic landing place of Giancarlo Morelli, a well-furnished room and halls, with a beautiful underground cellar. In the menu the chef's classics, traditional ones but also many creative proposals that also touch distant shores.
Pierino Penati -Viganò Brianza
One of the most famous Lombard clubs, as well as consecutively starred for the longest time. The risottos remain one of the strengths: from the historical ones (photos) to the more modern ones and with a touch of creativity. But there are no weaknesses, from appetizers to desserts, on the menu of Theo Penati, son of the patron.
The school lunch – Garbagnate Milanese
Reliability and hospitality make it a popular landing place not only for those who live in the area. Simple and well-kept cuisine, which looks a bit to all Italian regions, with competitive prices. The place, inside the Sporting Club, is a small museum of paintings and sculptures.
The Piazzetta – Montevecchia
Spatial position for this place, with outdoor tables: on bright days, you can admire most of Brianza and the Milanese skyline. Retro in the interior, but not in the kitchen, moderately creative yet always lively. The house strudel is famous.
Osteria Il Gallo Nero – Vertemate with Minoprio
There is a lot of Tuscany in the proposal of this well-kept restaurant, hidden in the middle of the Abbey Park and managed by a young couple. Great attention to raw materials (top cured meats and cheeses) and direct cooking, where meat excels but fish is not bad either.
Il Moro – Monza
A small temple of Sicilian cuisine, thanks to the commitment of the Butticé brothers. The menu invites you to discover regional cuisine, in a whirlwind of memories and suggestions: try the Journey to Sicily menu. But he also likes the contemporary proposal.
The Taste of Life – Meda
Finally a good place in the town: pure design for two pleasant rooms, where you can taste the cuisine of the Indian Dhian Singh, who grew up in Monza. There are colors and scents of his country to enrich classic and very Italian dishes. And you drink well.
The Buatta del Kangaroo – Cormano
Surprise just north of Niguarda, double considering that from the outside it looks like a suburban bar. Instead, inside you can taste excellent meat, grilled, starting from the Australian one. But there is no shortage of porchetta and arrosticini. Numerous tasting.
Derby Grill de l'Hotel de la Ville – Monza
Simply the hotel and restaurant institution of the city, impeccably led by the Nardi family. The kitchen is entrusted to the increasingly convincing Fabio Silva, who has a Campania soul, but is good at everything. Excellent service and cellar.
Doma Nun – Carate Brianza
There is no shortage of talent, ideas and courage to Luca Alfonso, young chef-patron of this wedding favor in full Brianza. All dishes play on unpredictable, but centered combinations. Tasting menus are recommended. Curiosity: the sign, in dialect, means 'only us'.
In Jail – Bollate
The first and only restaurant in Italy, built in a prison, where prisoners work, followed by a professional chef and maître. But it is not just a beautiful integration project: the environment is design, the creative menu. An amazing experience.
Il Portico – Appiano Gentile
One of Marchesi's great students – for the record his favorite – in 2016 opened a 'little place' where nothing is trivial, starting from the choice of putting the (perfect) elements on the table to create the dish. Only tasting, but absolute level.
Hostria Manzoni – Barzago
A nice family for a young restaurant, but already ready, in a house renovated with elegance and panoramic views. Menu in balance between tradition and imagination, which touches all regions a little, and where freshwater fish is not lacking.
Cantuccio – Albavilla
A place to be on the safe side, which for fifteen years has followed a line of essential, direct, tasty dishes. Well-revisited tradition and creativity are entrusted to Mauro Elli, a pioneer of good catering in the Lecco area. The cellar is among the best in the area.
Bihip at the lake – Oggiono
In the brand new relais overlooking the water, there is a restaurant of great elegance where the expert Fabrizio Albini offers Italian cuisine, contemporary and essential, based on great products. There is also a chef's table for twenty people.
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