Three words: bit too expensive.
Now, Bœucc is an interesting place. Piazza Bel Gioso is a cute little square where Alessandro Manzoni used to live. Why is it relevant? Because Bœucc is all about tradition, local Lombard cuisine, served with white gloves. The atmosphere is austere, the ladies are wearing colliers and pearls, the gentlemen pretending to know which bottle is which from an uber-long wine list.
Lombard cuisine has its classics, and you should focus on those: risotto, costoletta "col manico" (with the bone), ossobuco. The Chateaubriand is quite the experience, and if you've never heard of it, well, time to step up your game and wear comfy pants, as it's a big chunk of red meat, rigorously cooked for two people.
Now, if you're looking for a light meal, or a light bill, look elsewhere. There are the usual fish options (branzino, orata, etc.), but red meat seems the way to go. The starters are interesting and very diverse but seriously expensive, you can hardly whet your appetite (that's what appetizers should do, right?) with less than €18. But is it worth the price? Well, the service is impeccable, the portions are small-ish, the presentation is on point, without being overly artistic. Long story short, good food, which you more than pay for it. Appetizer with white truffle form Alba? That's €60, thank you.
A couple of miss from my very personal point of view: a Michelin-star-esque restaurant should offer a tasting menu, to give you a flavor of what the chef is passionate about. Even without the tasting menu, the coffee can be improved. I almost scorched my tongue on a poorly executed macchiato.
On the plus, the bread basket is a thing of beauty, the amuse-bouche was indeed bouche-amusing, the little tea patisserie with the coffee a welcome and complimentary sweet note.
If you're into eighteenth century decor, formal elegance and classily-crafted food, Bœucc is a five star for you. read more