17. April 2010: Ristorante La Cantinetta
The ristorante La Cantinetta is located in the via Giuseppe Ripamonti and therefore in walking distance from the metro stop “Porta Romana” (yellow line) and in general quite close to the Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi.
It doesn’t look appealing from the outside as the street is quite busy and the outside looks somewhat shabby. Still, once you’ve entered the place, the picture turns. The La Cantinetta is an old family-run business and it’s also set up in exactly this way – at least that’s the way I’d expect it to look like if I was assuming the picture of a family-run restaurant. Its interior is a mixture of traditional wooden and stone walls, decorated with a lot of exquisite wine bottles. The tables don’t look to nice as they’re somewhat old-fashioned and simple but it doesn’t really bother you as you won’t be looking at the table itself for long.
Once you’re provided with a menu (which happens quickly), you have a large list to choose from (for foreigners it might be a bit problematic as it seems they don’t have any English menus, so if you don’t speak Italian you’d probably have to ask one of the waiters to translate for you). As a starter I had Bresaola di Livigno as a first round which was quite good, especially as the olive oil they provided us with was exquisite.
As a second starter I’ve had the sliced meat from the mouth of the veal with onions which is somewhat special in consistence but really tasty.
As a “primo piatto” I enjoyed Papardelle with a delicious sauce made of meat, peas and herbs. The whole thing was a bit heavy but really good in taste.
As a main course (secondo piatto) I enjoyed a Filetto al Pepe Verde which was grilled right at the point requested (medium; cottura media). Absolutely delicious!
Finally, the desert was a lemon sorbet which was good but nothing special really.
The waiters were friendly during the whole course of actions and immediately at disposion every time we’ve requested something in addition (cheese, pepper, strawberries, cream, sugar, more water, etc.). Service is something which works in family-run businesses!
Looking at the price, it must be said, that what you get for the amount you pay is tremendous: a really good price-performance ratio!
The La Cantinetta is definitely a place I can recommend to go, just note: Reserve a table before going there, especially on weekends, as otherwise you won’t find a place.
Rating:
| Atmosphere: |   |
|
| Service: |  |
|
| Dishes: | |
|
| Price-Performance Ratio: |  |
|
| Overall Rating: | |
Contact Details:
Ristorante La Cantinetta
Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 19
20136 Milano (I)
Tel.: +39 (02) 58 32 10 57
Cell: +39 (33) 86 74 45 65
Homepage: http://www.lacantinettamilano.it
E-Mail: info@lacantinettamilano.it
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
