Il Brutto Anatroccolo — Restaurant in Milan

I’ve been coming here for lunch after class more times than I can count. It’s not fancy, it’s not trendy, and it doesn’t try to be — which is exactly why I love it. This place is refreshingly honest. It knows what it is: a no-frills, hardworking, good old-fashioned Italian lunch spot where normal people come to get their normal lunch and move on with their day, slightly happier and fuller.

The staff? Like a colony of cheerful ants — always moving, always busy, always efficient. Don’t expect pampering or poetic menu descriptions. Expect speed, warmth, and maybe a wave when they start recognizing you. The service is fast and brutally efficient, but always friendly.

Speaking of menus — it’s handwritten, in Italian only. Half the time, I can’t even read what’s on it, so I stick to what I can understand. But whatever you get, it’s always solid, authentic food. For €15–20, you get a main, a side, a drink, and a coffee. I mean… come on. That price-to-quality ratio is unbeatable in Milan.

Now, let’s talk about the real reason I keep coming back: the tiramisu. It is, without a doubt, the best I’ve had in Milan. I’ve made it my mission to try tiramisu everywhere, and this one wins. Every time I recommend the place, I say: “Go, but promise me you’ll get the tiramisu.”

So if you’re looking for something simple, good, honest, and real — Brutto is it. Come for the food, stay for the tiramisu, leave...

We came last Saturday and they were so busy they told us to come back one hour later, so we had a drink and came back. The man who asked us to come back was a bit grumpy, it looks like he was the owner, but we ended up loving our dinner here. Cheap prices, it was full a few turists, some locals, typical traditional place with traditional food, nothing fancy, but delicious, filling and fun. They give you a handwritten menu in Italian and you write down what you want. We had spagueti with tomato and ragu, mozarella with tomatoes salad and the breaded fillet. Really nice food. The waitress that served us was really lovely, didn't cath her name, but she said she had lived in Barcelona for some time. And there was also such a lovely guy, we tried to get a taxi as it was late and after walking for 10 minutes we came back to the restaurant and asked if they could call ome for us. This guy was on the phone with the taxis when a free taxi passed by in front of us and stopped at the end of the street. We run to see if we could catch it and the guy followed us and didn't go and didn't cut the call until he made sure the taxi would take us. We were...

Might be controversial, but I loved this place, so aptly called "the Ugly Duckling". Sure, the atmosphere is rowdy and there's always a lively buzz in the air, but that is part of the fun. (Probably don't bring someone here for a first date). Had the cotoletta, shared two pastas (pesto and pistachio gnocchi& rabbit and mushroom ragu) between us, all of them splendid and showing off the respective ingredients. Do make sure to place your dessert order early to avoid disappointment. The service would be somewhat lacking for some but I found the wait staff to be attentive to beckonings so can't complain much. They do not take reservations on Friday and Saturdays, so make sure to join in the queue and be part of the bustle and immerse yourself in the...