While I lived in Milano this was one of my go-to places for authentic milanese food and jam sessions downstairs, where local musicians or those on tour, doing concerts or studio sessions, would pop down and join in on any given night.
I will be going back home in mid-September and can't wait to go have dinner with friends and catch up with the owners, Leo and Mario Arlati whom I haven't seen since moving to London, England back in 1986.
It's not in the center of Milano but a ways outwards, and there wasn't much problem finding parking but since I'm visiting I won't have to worry about that this time.
I longingly remember the linen tablecloths and napkins, proper silverware and glassware that is rarely found in restaurants here in the US, even in the better ones; not unless you're in a diamond-rated hotel/restaurant that class of service is not common.
They have always had an extensive wine cellar, so I am curious to taste new additions and to find out what menu additions and or changes the brothers have made to the classics I always enjoyed there.
The ambiance - which I hope hasn't changed - was that of a pleasant and relaxing, formal but not stuffy, mansion of a gentler age, unruffled and unrushed by Milano outside its doors. I wonder if that ostrich is still out there in the foyer? Plants I seem to remember too, and the food! Sooo good, never leaving anything on the plate and wanting more, even of the Cotoletta alla Milanese or the Risotto...yum!
Fittingly, the prices reflect the gentle service and quality of the food sourced, the wines offered will complement the meal and exalt its flavors, and honestly, if you're going out for a great evening of dining and maybe even enjoy some music downstairs afterward.... the price is absolutely worth it!
A presto Trattoria Arlati, non vedo l'ora di rivedervi !!! read more