Langosteria — Restaurant in Milan

We had a great time at Langosteria last night. I emailed the restaurant a few days back to inquire about availability and they were very quick to answer and move forward with my booking. You get a few reminder emails before the D-day and need to confirm your booking one last time.

Now, on to the place itself. The restaurant is bigger than it looks from the outside, it is actually made a several rooms one after the another and connected through a long corridor. Makes each one of them a lot more intimate than one bigger room. We had a table right next to the wine cellar and took our time checking out the decoration and taking in the atmosphere - cozy, warm and intimate thanks to subdued lighting and the nice decor touches everywhere. You instantly feel comfortable at Langosteria and know you’ll have a special night.

The service was very high quality too. Our waiter was always happy to help without being pushy, prompt to react and very friendly. We felt very well looked after and this helped make our night memorable.

Now, the most important part : the food. This is where we had mixed feelings and the reason I took out a star. The starter (octopus) and seafood platter were excellent - high quality products, well presented and very tasty. But the main dishes (king crab for me, grilled tuna for the lady) were a disappointment : uninspired, almost bland even. My crab was very good but it would have deserved a better dish to sublime its flavour. My girlfriends tuna was well cooked but it couldn’t really stand on its own to give you the flavour and taste that you expect from a meal there. I was expecting richer plates, more play on flavours and textures, and more food too. I thought to myself that I should have gone for the bigger platter and be done with it. The deserts helped end the meal on a good note though - very tasty and well presented. We liked them a lot.

All in all, it was a great experience - you will enjoy the quaint decor and warm atmosphere of the place, the waiters’ friendliness and efficiency and the incredible seafood platters. With regards to the dishes, I would advise caution : I’m absolutely certain that some are to die for but ours weren’t. I also found mine overpriced at 50EUR - you’re not getting that much crab and the rest is basically tomatoes and other accompanying veggies.

We paid 250€ for 2 - with a half bottle of very good Italian wine. Not cheap but globally on par with the experience....

I’m a regular at fine dining. I tend to be pleasing customer with the staff, and enjoy the experiences, so it’s rare that I’m anything but easy going. We picked this place as the place for our only night in Milan per multiple recommendations and reviews. I hate to write a review like this, but this is by far the most unprofessional service I have ever received. Our plans for the night were basically ended with a sour note.

We booked almost 3 months in advance for a 10 PM reservation. We got a phone call asking for confirmation the same day, to which we confirmed we’d be on time. We showed up at 10:02 PM. The table was not ready and they sent us to the bar to wait.

We were left unattended at the bar. Many late arrivals were immediately seated upon arrival. By 10:25 we were still left unattended and decided to leave to just sit at any osteria nearby (we were actually very hungry). As we were leaving is when it actually got worse, not better.

As we were indicating we were leaving and requested our coat from custody, they immediately told us that the “table was ready” and that we were not supposed to leave. We spent several minutes running in circles where they neither wanted to let us leave or give us our jacket. Many excuses were given and the host tried to shift the blame back us, basically framing us disrespecting the hard working team by leaving. The tone at all times was respectful and did not escalate into anything impolite from either side, but felt like completely the opposite of how you’d defuse a situation like this in a restaurant of this tier. We were genuine about leaving: we wanted to leave in peace and eat something to eat, but this response from their side left us even more frustrated than the moment we just decided to find another place to dine.

Cannot speak to the food, unfortunately. Looks great on pictures. Atmosphere is more gaudy / tacky than elegant. It’s bussy, it’s a bit noisy. The vibe is more like a place for young couples before the party begins. There are people waiting outside trying to get a table, so it also feels busy. My impression is they are overbooking or are running on edge and are counting on people waiting them out, so they are also not used to more serious customers.

If you want to try this place, bear in mind that reservations are not guaranteeing you a table upon arrival, and as other reviewers mentioned, the service most definitely leaves a lot to be desired...

In the world of fine dining, Langosteria has earned its place as one of Milan’s top culinary destinations. Known for its sophisticated approach to seafood, this iconic restaurant offers a dining experience that is as luxurious as it is unforgettable.

What to Expect

The Food

Langosteria is all about fresh, meticulously prepared seafood. From delicate crudo to perfectly executed cooked dishes, every plate showcases an unparalleled commitment to quality and flavor. Expect premium ingredients elevated with masterful techniques, from their signature king crab salad to the indulgent spaghetti with lobster. Their raw seafood platters are a must-try, combining pristine flavors with artistic presentation.

For dessert, the selection is equally decadent, with creations that balance sweetness and sophistication, often infused with Italian flair.

Service

The service at Langosteria is polished, professional, and welcoming, striking a perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Staff members are deeply knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, offering expert recommendations that enhance the overall experience.

The Wine

Langosteria boasts an exceptional wine list, with a focus on premium whites and sparkling wines that pair beautifully with seafood. Sommeliers are on hand to guide you, ensuring the perfect complement to your meal.

The Atmosphere

The ambiance is chic yet inviting, with modern elegance that feels distinctly Milanese. Soft lighting, stylish décor, and a vibrant yet refined energy make it the perfect setting for a special occasion or a memorable night out.

Final Thoughts

Langosteria lives up to its reputation as Milan’s best seafood restaurant. From its flawless dishes to its impeccable service and sophisticated atmosphere, it delivers an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re looking to indulge in the very best that Milan’s dining scene has to offer, Langosteria is the...