The story
On a quiet street steps from La Scala, Il Marchese in Milan is a contemporary osteria that blends the warmth of a Roman trattoria with the polished grace of a modern cocktail bar. The restaurant describes itself as "a house of taste and style," a place where past and present converse with natural ease. This Milan location is the second chapter of a growing project founded by Davide Solari and Lorenzo Renzi, friends since school who shared a vision rooted in Roman tradition but with an international outlook.
The name is freely inspired by Alberto Sordi's film Il Marchese del Grillo, fusing two distinct souls: the working-class carbonaro who sought honest food and wine in old osterias, and the noble who enjoyed long, refined meals in aristocratic salons. That duality is alive in the space today — elegant yet convivial, refined without pretense.
The soul of the restaurant lies in its kitchen, led by Executive Chef Daniele Roppo. The cuisine is described as having "strong Roman roots," inspired by traditional recipes that are lightened for contemporary tastes, with vegetarian options also available. The approach is one of genuine Italian cooking — simple, decisive flavours grounded in the classics.
Equally central to the experience is the Amaro Cocktail Bar, which the restaurant proudly calls the first amaro bar in Europe, boasting over 600 Italian labels. The drink list is built around amari, making it a destination for aperitivo, after-dinner drinks, and food-and-mixology pairings. The bar's décor, inspired by 19th-century French aristocracy, sets a glamorous yet authentic stage.
Il Marchese Milano has earned a place in the Michelin Guide, recognised for its author's table that balances Roman classicism with Milanese brio. The atmosphere is that of a luminous, cultured living room — a place that feels both timeless and very much of the moment. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a cocktail at the bar, this is Italian hospitality at its most genuine and creative.
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