Le Nove Scodelle

The story

Le Nove Scodelle, Milan – Authentic Sichuan Cuisine in a Modern Trattoria

Le Nove Scodelle, Milan

In Milan's viale Monza, Le Nove Scodelle brings the bold, aromatic cooking of China's southwestern Sichuan province to the table. The name itself speaks to tradition: nine was the lucky number of the Chinese emperor, and nine ceremonial bowls symbolise the shared feasts of important banquets and family gatherings. This is a trattoria at heart, one that celebrates those traditions through generous dishes born from the meeting of Italian ingredients with Chinese recipes and cooking techniques.

The kitchen is built around the pungent, spicy and audacious flavours of Sichuan cuisine. The star is the Sichuan pepper, whose unique aroma is both pungent and refreshing, with a subtle citrus note. The team uses complex techniques such as fermentation and marination, sourcing key ingredients from trusted local suppliers including Walter Sirtori's butcher shop and the biodynamic farm Cascine Orsine. Dishes like spicy beef soup with seasonal vegetables, ginger, chives and plenty of chilli, or the classic gongbao chicken, tell stories of family celebrations and village feasts where nine different courses were once shared.

The setting is modern and welcoming, with wooden tables and lamps that recall Chinese hats. The restaurant comprises one main room and a small private dining space for larger groups. This approach to Sichuan cooking, rooted in authenticity and quality, has earned Le Nove Scodelle a place in the Michelin guide's recommended selection. It is a place for sharing, warmth and plenty of chilli.