Osteria da Fortunata - Moscova Milano — Restaurant in Milan

Encouraged by recommendations on social networks, we decided to visit Osteria da Fortunata in Milan.

However, apart from us, dozens of others also wanted it, above all the younger generation who hang out on social networks.

The intention was to go to a bar located in Brera, but when we got there it was hugely crowded and there was a long queue, so we wanted to give up.

However, a waiter from their other location on Moscowa Street came and offered to all of us waiting to take us to other location because there were free seats.

He said it was a 5 minute walk.

He took about twenty of us, guaranteeing that we would all have a table, which he allegedly checked over the phone.

After a 20-minute walk, not 5 minutes, we reached the restaurant, where it turned out that there was no room for everyone he brought. Therefore, if we wanted to enter, we were forced to wait with our noses at the door, staring at other people's plates...you don't know who is more uncomfortable, us outside waiting or the people eating inside by the window.

While we were waiting, quite a few more people arrived who, for one reason or another, managed to get into the restaurant and get a table before us.

After about half an hour of waiting (add to that the 20-minute walk), we got a table that was right next to the door, so now we found ourselves in the opposite situation - others staring uneasily at our plates.

The tables are crowded so much that there is no room even for normal eating, let alone for some privacy and an intimate dinner.

They cover the tables with an ordinary paper "tablecloth".

We waited a very long time for the waiter to even come to take the order.

We had "mixed fried seasonal vegetable..." as an appetizer and it was very bad...very heavily soaked in oil, and hard to eat after a few bites.

For the main course, we took two different portions of their famous "home made pasta" (Sciavatelli Amatriciana and Cheese & Pepper Tagliolino) and the dish was OK...but nothing more than that. After so much propaganda and so much trouble to even get a table and food, a dish that is "just" OK is disappointing in the end.

We have had much better pasta in many other places outside of Italy.

Of course, it's not cheap either...so 1 appetizer, 2 homemade pastas, 2 small beers and 1 cola total 80 EUR.

Final conclusion - we were sorry for the time and effort...a lot of shouting for...

One of the worst tourist traps in Milan. Don’t be fooled by viral reviews, this would genuinely be the culinary equivalent of being catfished.

The portions. Absolutely massive. I’m not sure which demographic they’re trying to cater to at this point, gladiators perhaps? As a business, you could easily halve the portion size, charge €15, and probably make more money. Whoever decided on the current portion sizes clearly doesn’t understand margins or business 101. You could’ve fed two people with what they served me. And for context, I’m a small girl, but I love to eat. Anyways, portions aside, I’d never come back here again.

My bf and I came in with high hopes after seeing people rave about this place online (this is my cue to never trust viral food spots again). I ordered a pasta dish with meat, and it was so salty I genuinely felt like I’d end up with kidney stones if I finished it. I didn’t finish it btw. My bf ordered a meat dish that was basically just fat and bone. If the goal was to help him bulk up on pure fat or leave hungry, both were achieved. The actual meat was basically non existent lol and I have never seen my bf look so disappointed.

I also got the mozzarella as a starter, and it was bizarrely hard, not sure if it was frozen or just stale. I was actually struggling to cut into it. I’ve travelled across Italy and know what good mozzarella should taste like. This wasn’t it.

Also, to top it off, there were flies constantly circling our food, and the place was poorly ventilated. There was an aircon but it still felt so hot inside.

The only thing I enjoyed was the lemonade.

On a more serious note, I witnessed something that really put me off. A Muslim family came in, and I saw one of the waiters roll their eyes at another colleague in what looked like judgment. It was subtle, but enough to be noticed. Extremely unprofessional. If you eat halal or value respectful service, I wouldn’t bother with this place.

This was hands down one of the worst dining experiences I’ve had in Italy. Milan has incredible food, just not here. I’ll add pictures just to prove that I had eaten here. This was also the first place I had eaten from in Milan, so this was the first impression I had of Milan. Thankfully my bf and I had found better restaurants after this...

Local gem with real character-absolutely worth a visit (known of its fresh handmade pasta). They have a few locations; we first went to their second one, but the line was crazy. Ended up at the original spot - no wait, and we’re glad we did. Service was warm and friendly, even though the staff didn’t speak English. They do have an English menu available via QR code, which helps a lot.

Now, the food-so good across the board:

Deep-fried mozzarella – A must-try. It’s gooey, cheesy, and perfectly crisp on the outside. The surprise addition of anchovy inside adds a delicious punch of umami. One of my favorites.

Cooked artichoke – Simple, classic, and well done. Nothing flashy, just solid.

Carbonara – Fantastic. Creamy but not heavy, with great smoky depth from the guanciale. The pasta was al dente—personally I’d prefer a thinner noodle, but it was still excellent.

Amatriciana – Another hit. Well-balanced and perfectly seasoned. I’d just go a bit lighter on the cheese on top, but that’s nitpicking. Less spicy than expected, but still packed with flavor.

Stewed beef tripe – The surprise star. Zero odor, just great texture—chewy, slightly crunchy—and loads of rich tomato sauce and spices. Spicier than the amatriciana, which was unexpected but welcome. Definitely try this if you’re open to offal—so many people skip these dishes in Italy, but they’re often the best.

Desserts: Tiramisu – Soft, aromatic, and absolutely lovely. Cheesecake with wild berries – Light, tangy, and super smooth. Another strong recommendation.

Overall, really great experience. The food’s excellent, service is kind, and you get a sense of authenticity here. I’m pretty sure the owner was on the floor helping serve, which added a nice personal touch. Highly recommend...