Ristorante Da Giacomo — Restaurant in Milan

Da Giacomo is hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in Milan, and it has been for years. This place truly captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine, offering dishes that are bursting with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients. One particular standout is their signature red prawn dish, which is an absolute delight for the taste buds. The freshness and quality of the ingredients shine through in every bite.

Stepping into Da Giacomo feels like taking a trip back in time to the 1960s in Italy. The interior exudes a charming retro vibe, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience. Even when I choose to sit at the bar alone, the staff always provide exceptional service, making me feel welcome and ensuring I have a memorable time.

While I'm saddened to hear that the sea urchin pasta is no longer on the menu, I have to say that it was a dish unlike any other I've ever had in Italy. The strong, distinctive flavors of that pasta were simply unforgettable. I truly hope the restaurant considers bringing it back in the future.

One thing that sets Da Giacomo apart is their dedication to handmade pasta. Each dish is crafted with love and skill in their kitchen, resulting in pasta that is perfectly al dente and full of flavor. It's a testament to their commitment to delivering an authentic Italian dining experience.

If you find yourself in Milan, a visit to Da Giacomo is an absolute must. However, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, as this place tends to be in high demand. Trust me, it's worth the effort. Prepare to indulge in a culinary journey through Italy that will leave you wanting to come...

We do not recommend dining here.

It is supposedly under new management, and is not what it used to be (according to one of their managers, who was our server).

The oysters and linguini clams were delicious. Unfortunately, the rest of our food was as cold as the oysters.

I ordered a glass of red wine, but was served ‘a tasting’ pour of a Rossi di Montalcino in a white wine glass, which was 16 euros. Photo attached.

I was condescendingly told that it was because the quality of red wine is more, not the same as a white wine, so it should be smaller, which is ridiculous. A glass is a glass.

When I asked him about that, since I have never heard that, the server/manager apologized and poured more wine, then blamed portion sizes on the new owner. So which is it, quality of the wine, or the owner that determines the pour? Likely neither.

Unfortunately, the wine he poured was not what he said it would be.

He told me he would be serving a Nebbiolo wine, like a Barolo, so I was expecting a Barolo.

When he replaced the wine and poured the Nebbiolo, again without showing me the bottle first, it was lighter in color than the Rosso di Montalcino. For those who collect Brunellos and Barolos, like myself, it is easy to tell the difference in quality of these wines.

I then had to ask for a red wine glass… I have never had to do that at a restaurant.

The red wine glass (attached image) shows the “full glass standard serving size,” that I had poured myself into the new glass (from the white wine glass).

We were very disappointed by our experience here, expecting this to be the best restaurant for the end of our 2...

Dining at this establishment presents a paradox of experiences, highlighted by their commendable service, yet a surprising indifference to customer feedback. The culinary journey began on an unexpected note with an unsolicited slice of pizza served upon seating. While unique, it did little to complement or prepare the palate for the courses that followed.

The starters underscored a theme of missed potential; scallops, regrettably hidden beneath an overzealous layer of breadcrumbs, struggled to showcase their natural delicacy. Meanwhile, the tuna's essence was lost to a noticeable absence of seasoning, diminishing the enjoyment of what could have been a standout dish.

A peculiar lapse in kitchen-to-table timing resulted in my main course of pasta arriving cold. Although promptly remade upon request, the dish returned not only reduced in portion but also lacking in its initial promise, despite being adequately heated and flavorful this time around. My wife did enjoy her spaghetti with clams.

While the service might be praised for its efficiency and friendliness, the reluctance to embrace customer feedback is a concerning flaw in an otherwise service-oriented atmosphere. Such an oversight in culinary execution and customer engagement suggests a visit here might not be the most fulfilling dining experience. Prospective diners might find a more consistently pleasing meal and a receptive ear to their dining...