Il Calabrone 2 In Milano

09/02/2026: We dined at Osteria Montegrappa with friends, and overall the experience was positive. Quality cuisine, excellent local products, and well-executed dishes: the food is truly delicious. The service is attentive and professional, but perhaps a little too much so. Since it was a dinner with friends, we were often interrupted and a bit pressed for time; on one occasion, a friend's plate was taken away while he was still eating. I understand the attention to detail and the desire to do everything right, but sometimes it can feel too intrusive. That said, the evening went well, and we would gladly return, perhaps with a little more time.

27/01/2026: When I worked in Lacchiarella, Osteria Montegrappa was a wonderful alternative to the usual lunch break in the cafeteria. I still remember the feeling of my first break here: from the outside, the place almost seems neglected, but as soon as you open the door, you're catapulted into a setting brimming with personality: it's a true dive into nostalgia, reminiscent of my grandparents' house, thanks to the retro furnishings that convey a family warmth now rare in modern osterias. After changing jobs, I've been wanting to return for two years to try the à la carte menu, and finally, last Sunday, I managed it with some friends. Without hesitation, this was one of the best traditional Lombard lunches I've ever had. Enthusiasm accompanied us from start to finish. Since Lacchiarella is the city of geese, we started with a mixed antipasto of goose cured meats that included salami, mortadella, and smoked breast. It was all so good I couldn't say which we liked best, and the portion was so generous it easily fed three people. We continued on the goose theme with homemade braised goose ravioli, served with a slightly aged cheese that gave the dish a decisive kick. I definitely rank them among the best ravioli I've ever eaten; the braised meat had an intense flavor that never overpowered the deliciousness of the pasta. The real star of the meal, however, was the risotto alla Milanese with bruscitt (beef morsels cooked for hours in butter, lard, and herbs). The creaminess of the rice and the tenderness of the beef created a perfect balance: despite the bold flavors, every bite was harmonious! This is what I call Risotto with a capital R. For our second course, we shared the queen of Lombardy: the Milanese veal cutlet on the bone, cooked strictly in clarified butter. The breading was crispy and the meat so succulent it stood out on its own. We finished with an excellent tiramisu. All accompanied by a truly worthy white wine from Oltrepò. Speaking of the wine list, this is a love letter to Lombardy's wine culture. A special mention goes to the staff. They are all extremely kind and friendly, so much so that we even found ourselves joking with them. They make you feel truly at home, with the same warmth you feel on Sundays at grandma's, surrounded by traditional dishes prepared with love. I will definitely be back, this time within two years.