22. October 2009: Restaurant Il Gattopardo Café
Il Gattopardo Café is located in the Area Sempione, close to the Parco Sempione. It’s either reachable by foot or by public transportation (trams only) but no metro stop is close to there.
When you’re approaching Il Gattopardo Café, it doesn’t really seem to be too impressive as it’s located somewhere in the middle of the street and you don’t see it naturally besides the big bouncer standing in front of it checking everybody. It’s absolutely recommendable to be on the guest list because entry is otherwise almost impossible. So make sure, you’re getting on any guest list somehow. Otherwise it’s pointless going there.
The ambiente of the place is overwhelming as it is a former church. Especially when you go up to the second floor where you have a view over all the others it’s quite impressive. The chairs and tables located in the center of the room give you the opportunity to just sit down and chill a bit.
The apéritivo buffet is quite rich and offers a lot of variety. It’s quite tasty (according to a friend as I wasn’t hungry to try) but on the other hand, 10 Euros for a beer or drink is quite expensive. But I guess Il Gattopardo Café is not the right place to save money.
What turns the place into something more special is the fact that it turns into a club at around 10 pm. Suddendly, a live performance of a band took place and we were in the middle of the party. It’s quite recommendable to reserve a table when you’re getting on the guest list as otherwise you’re going to be standing in the middle and it’s going to be quite crowded.
There is maybe something to say about the audience: We were way youngest with our 25 years. So, if you feel weird around older people: Don’t go there!
Nevertheless, it is worth a visit as it is a real experience to actually see the place. The aperitivo is really cool but a bit expensive (prices stay the same as soon as aperitivo is over). The audience is a bit older than average “outgoing places” in Milan. So, if you want to experience something slightly different and are ready to spend some money, it’s the place to be! Still, make sure you got some kind of guest list entry or something alike because otherwise you’re just standing outside being bored.
Contact Details:
Il Gattopardo Café
via Piero della Francesca 47
20154 Milan (IT)
Tel.: +39 02 34 53 76 99
Fax: +39 02 31 82 08 71
Homepage: http://www.ilgattopardocafe.it
E-Mail: info@ilgattopardocafe.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. 
