29/07/2025: Tried it for Sunday lunch for the first time, after having passed it many times, being local. Built in the time of Ludovico il Moro, the restaurant is ancient and features characteristic interiors and a shaded and well-kept garden. Three waiters in house uniform. The welcome was "brief," with tables available only outside, but it made an excellent initial impression that generated great anticipation.
The menu offered a limited selection, with some local specialties.
The table setting was set on a white tablecloth with silver cutlery (and some details could be improved: a chipped handle, different sizes for serving knives and appetizer forks). The metal table and chairs made it difficult to position our legs properly (due to a metal ring at knee height), making them uncomfortable.
We had to wait a bit before being served, but we felt that more attention was paid to regular customers/reserved guests, who arrived later and were served first.
After perusing the menu and some dishes served at other tables, two of us sampled: 1 appetizer of cold cuts (a few slices of prosciutto, two slices of pancetta, and three types of salami, two slices of each) and cheeses with polenta (one piece of zola and one piece of perhaps goat ricotta; we weren't told what cheese it was), 1 appetizer of Russian salad, 1 sliced beef with arugula and parmesan, 1 Milanese-style cutlet with baked potatoes, 1 sparkling water (house-made), 2 homemade tiramisu (served "on the plate," one of which was plated in two slices/spoonfuls, rather than a full portion).
Cover charge for two (€4 each): 5 slices of "michetta" (about 1 sandwich) and 6 breadsticks (packaged). We sold out by the time we started the appetizer and replenished practically by the end of the main course.
The portions were carefully "exact" (though to our acquaintances, they seemed larger), and the food and flavor were average, but we weren't thrilled. Bill: €107.
Overall, our impressions:
- the feeling that everything is carefully measured (perhaps even too much);
- the strong point is the very special location;
- the range, presentation, and emphasis on Brianza's specialties could be improved;
- the service and value for money could be improved.
In conclusion: a nice place, which didn't meet our expectations, has potential for improvement, and is worth a visit for its historic and unique character (which doesn't justify the price). You can eat traditional food, better and for less, at other nearby places (there are historic ones in Besana and Casatenovo). For now, we won't be returning, waiting for the owners to capitalize on the many reviews like ours.
16/07/2025: I celebrated my graduation here and I couldn't have chosen a better place! The restaurant is welcoming and well-maintained. The staff and owners were extremely kind and always available. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all the guests. A perfect experience in every way: they thought of everything, taking care of every detail without me having to ask for anything. Highly recommended!
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