Autem Milano — Restaurant in Milan

This was probably the best meal I have ever had. Chef Luca and team were absolutely lovely from the minute I entered the door, service was attentive and personal, and the food was of the highest caliber imaginable.

I did the full 6-course tasting menu. Every single course flowed well into the next, flavors were magnificent, and the wine pairings were delicious. The sommelier was actually out when I was there (apparently he had an accident), but Chef Luca picked great accompaniments for the meal.

To exemplify the quality of the meal, I will call two courses into attention. First, pasta in bianco: plain pasta. Yes, you read that right. One of the dishes was a plain pasta cooked in an aged (bone?) broth and dressed lightly with a homemade vinaigrette. It was absolutely stunning, and a testament to the simple elegance at Autem Milano. When I spoke with Chef Luca after the meal, he emphasized how Autem strives to showcase delicious, simple cooking with quality ingredients under the spotlight, rather than complex recipes.

The main course, an entire pigeon, prepared in several styles, was absurdly good. The breasts were cooked to absolute perfection, and every other part was cooked in a way that perfectly complimented its natural flavor.

Even the bread — accompanied by homemade butter and olive oil was delightful.

Thank you Autem Milano team! I will be back. —————————

Also of note: I didn't arrive in style — I had spilled espresso on my dress pants earlier in the day, changed into jeans, and was running 15 minutes late from my office in Milan. I was very stressed about getting turned away at the door, but the entire team was welcoming and friendly the second I entered. No comment was made about either my tardiness or my strange ensemble of blazer and jeans. I hugely appreciated that despite how luxurious Autem is, they didn't have any of the the posh/ pretentious attitude that is sometimes associated with Michelin star...

2 stars instead of 1 because the staff were very friendly and let us leave without a fuss.

I’ll start by saying this restaurant looks fantastic and I was very excited to go. The problems arise with the pricing.

Online they make the point that the menu changes daily and as such there is a price range rather. Upon receiving the menu I am baffled to see a Russian salad costs almost 70 euros, this a dish that traditionally in Spain comes as a free tapas alongside a drink compounding the pain of seeing such a price. I cannot fathom to think of a Russian salad worth this much.

The cheapest item on the menu was 36 euros, just two shy of the most expensive thing on all the advertised price ranges.

I bring this up to the waiter who very kindly makes the point that the menu changes daily and thus the price does too. To this I respond that this, as stated on the website, is the entire reason for the website stating a price range.

The set menu is decently priced all things given, at 100 euros. Out of principle though we felt we shouldn’t be forced into a set menu based off what is effectively false advertising.

Once again the food looks fantastic but the a la carte is 3 star Michelin pricing, advertised as 1 star Michelin pricing for a restaurant that is still seeking its first star.

I would...

Absolutely amazing. I could just end the review here. But let me add more (in english because if you are from abroad you must go here). This restaurant is a true food experience with a mix of pure italian tradition and contemporary innovation. A range of dishes which will surprise you visually at first, then you will explore familiar and comfortable italian tastes with sparkling surprises and unexpected nuances. A couple of things are pure genius. Moreover, the service is above excellence, with welcoming manners and a joyful attitude, yet highly professional: the staff is also part of the experience, with Chef Natalini coming at the table often. Oh... and they also have the most comfortable tables ever (yes, comfortable). Prices are of course very high if you compare to a classic restaurant, but at this level of food experience i must say they are totally honest, if not even "cheap". I don't want to reveal more, just go and be happy.

Thank you Autem. It was great....