Ristorante Gran S. Bernardo da Alfredo – Milan

When choosing a restaurant I always look for places that have something special and different. I rarely visit contemporary restaurants or places that mix and match foods from different cultures.

Gran S. Bernardo da Alfredo specializes in Milanese cooking. Founded in the 60s by the father of the current owner they have remained true to their original concept. This restaurant is well known among the few remaining “pure” Milanesi and among the business community. Just as I would do, many managers will bring their clients to this jewel of traditional cooking.

Their menu’ will follow the seasons, risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta alla Milanese, trippa alla Milanese and osso buco di vitello will always be available but in the winter you can also find casseola. If you do not know the “cucina Milanese” I suggest you try the Osso Buco. It will be served on a bed of Risotto alla Milanese (saffron).

The family believes in doing things the traditional way. They purchase their carnaroli rice directly from a farm in Piemonte. They cook their rice espresso, in fact, this is one of the few places in all of Italy where I will order risotto.

Two lovely ladies run the restaurant, they are the wife Vicki and the daughter Francesca of the current owner Onelio. The service is friendly and competent. The wine cellar has a wide range of wines in all price ranges and the atmosphere is comfortable. This is not a stuffy restaurant, it is a great place to come, have dinner, drink some good wine and chat. If you are comfortable trying new dishes, and have already had the Osso Buco, then I suggest you ask the owners to prepare whatever they think is best and perhaps various dishes.

The restaurant is not expensive, but not cheap. You will spend about 50-60 $ a person but it is definitely worth the trip. Call and make a reservation just to be sure that you can get a table.

GRAN SAN BERNARDO
Via Borghese 14
Milano
Tel. 02.33.19.000

Tags: Restaurants Milano Milan Osso Bucco Travel Lombardia Italy