SENSORIUM | Experiential Dining — Restaurant in Milan

The staff is very attentive (though not the head chef), and this was indeed one of the most unique places I have ever dined. Ultimately, however, I realized that this type of experimental dining is not for me. The ingredients were of high quality and preparation was executed well, but there is a reason why classic food preparation is classic. Having dined at an equivalently ~250 euro dinner the night before I couldn’t help but compare the two experiences and came away feeling that that kind of money is much better spent on simply delicious food from a Michelin tasting menu that is focused wholeheartedly on flavor.

If the food didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth, the alcoholic pairing option did — if I remember correctly the 6-drink pairing was around 68 euros. For that price you get 6 tastes of drinks— the pours are hardly more than the pours awaiting your nod of approval at other restaurants. I don’t need to get drunk to enjoy a meal; rather my complaint is that the pairing option is priced absurdly inappropriately relative to the quantity you receive.

Other issues: I also thought it was inappropriate that they ask for a tip at the end, nowhere else have I seen that in Italy, let alone at a high-end establishment. The AI (Artificial Stupidity) theme didn't work for me. I really tried my best to buy into the theme, but given that I work in AI, I couldn't help but find the storyline cheesy.

Overall, I struggled to come up with a rating for this one — on the one hand, this is an experience unlike any other I have had at a restaurant. It is like the exploratorium meets a tasting menu. On the other hand, I couldn’t help but be disappointed by the meal when the kind of money you spend here can afford absolutely stellar meals at a number of other places...

As a person who travels for food and is a fellow pastry chef, I couldn't miss out on an opportunity to try Federico Rottigni's awesome concept of "Insomnia" when I was in town for my partner's graduation. We booked for a Thursday evening not knowing that they were closed (but we all blame technology for that mistake) they called us asking if we could reschedule and we couldn't, as it was our last night in town. They didn't cancel our reservation as I was expecting them to do, they opened just for us and performed everything as normal but on a far more intimate and personal level. I can not even explain how wonderful the team is, how amazing the drinks and desserts were, and how unique the experience was! It was so exciting, entertaining, and all around the most interesting thing I have experienced ever. If you get the chance to book a seat (try not to do it when they are closed for their sanity) I think you should! No pictures were allowed as the whole experience was designed to be a surprise for your enjoyment. Trust me it was worth it! And I guess you were allowed one photo but not of the fantastic treats you ate and drank, but of yourselves after the whole experience! Thank you all for the awesome early birthday gift! Was an absolute pleasure to...

I booked an experience at Dessert Bar Milano not fully knowing what I’d be in for. There is a certain sense of mystery and secrecy that had me intrigued.

Part art, part culinary excellence - Insomnia is a 6 course dessert & drink experience that plays with all the senses. Chef Frederico invites you into the mind of an artist and surprises and delights you at every turn. Some courses are tongue-in-cheek and playful, while others boldly take on abstract ideas like “Space” but make them tangible in how you’d smell, see, hear, and taste the chef and mixologists interpretation --- all while being delicious and masterfully executed.

The cocktail pairings(alcoholic or non) truly worked to complement the dessert and would stand alone as mini works of art by themselves (Bravo Riccardo!). If you are the last seating, hang around after and grab a cocktail - I’d recommend the Negroni (It’s the best I’ve ever had).

As a New Yorker and a well-travelled foodie, I’m a tough critic - but Insomnia is the fresh breath of creativity we have all been waiting for. This hidden gem is a...