So, this week on The Milanophiles podcast, I interviewed pastry chef Marcello Rapisardi of Pasticceria e Dessert–a must-visit for anyone visiting Milan. He’s brilliant and his mind-blowing, whimsical sweets include a carbonara praline. Yes, you read that correctly—and it’s delicious. I swear I’m not just saying that because I interviewed him. As today is Carbonara Day, I thought an interview with him would be appropriate to time with the holiday. I enjoyed speaking with him, and I hope you’ll all tune in! You can listen by clicking here or find it on all major streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and more.
When I interview guests for The Milanophiles, I ask them or their Milano Five, or five suggestions for anyone visiting Milan. Well, I was so wrapped up in our conversation, that I forgot to ask him. So, instead, I thought I’d post his suggestions here on my blog.
Marcello shared five food and wine establishments in Milan that he loves, which I listed below. And for what it’s worth, I agree with all of them! Note: he shared the pics, and the descriptions are my own for context.
- Crosta – Pizzeria and bakery open all day from Simone Lombardi and Giovanni Mineo, who also happen guests Milanophiles. Here’s part one of their interview—my first-ever two-parter. Via Felice Bellotti, 13; +39 02 3824 8570; website
- Nottingham Forest – Dario Comino’s cocktail bar was a game-changer on the innovative mixology front when it opened in 2007, and it still remains a venerated cocktail institution today. Viale Piave, 1; website
- Enoteca Vino al Vino – This cozy, lively wine bar near Corso Buenos Aires has over 750 bottles on the wine list. Via Gaspare Spontini, 11; +39 02 2941 4928
- Ristorante Manna – Chef Matteo Fronduti proves he’s at the top of his game with superb contemporary dishes that look to tradition and is undercut with the occasional whimsy. Piazzale Governo Provvisorio, 6; +39 02 2680 9153; website
- Trippa – When it opened in 2015, Pietro Cairoli and Diego Rossi’s extraordinary trattoria was the hardest table to attain in town. And it still is. Via Giorgio Vasari, 1; +39 327 668 7908; website
