The story
Il Capestrano is the story of an Abruzzese family who made Milan their second home. In 1998, the family arrived from Abruzzo with little more than hope. Twelve years later, in 2010, they opened Il Capestrano on Via Pizzi 14, driven by a deep nostalgia for the tastes of their homeland. Today, the restaurant is run by the three sisters and their parents. Wladimiro manages the floor, Cesidia oversees the front, Serena leads the dining room with rare warmth, Martina designs the spaces and communications, and Giorgia – the youngest – is the chef.
Giorgia trained at the prestigious Cast Alimenti school and honed her skills in starred kitchens before returning to the family restaurant. Her cooking balances tradition with precision: slow cooking, sous-vide techniques, and a commitment to fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is a member of the Slow Food Chefs’ Alliance and uses several Slow Food presidia, including ventricina del Vastese, canestrato di Castel del Monte, lentils of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and the ancient Solina wheat from the Abruzzo Apennines. These ingredients anchor a cuisine that respects both heritage and health.
Since 2019, Il Capestrano has been listed in the Michelin guide, earning a Recommended status for 2026 – a recognition of its consistent excellence and its mission to bring Abruzzo's table to Milan.
The menu is a celebration of Abruzzese tradition. Antipasti include hand-made arrosticini of sheep meat cooked over coals, porchetta di maialino, and the iconic “pallottine cacio e ova” – breadcrumb and cheese balls in tomato sauce. Primi feature spaghetti alla chitarra with meatballs (pallottine alla teramana), tagliatella aquilana with white lamb ragù, and hearty legume soups. Secondi offer lamb, grilled meats, and seasonal contorni. Desserts are house-made, and the wine list focuses on regional labels. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are clearly marked.
Il Capestrano also runs a second location, La Bottega, on Viale Sabotino, and an online shop selling their artisanal products. Whether dining at the original or taking a taste of Abruzzo home, the family’s passion is unmistakable.
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