Timeout Launch Café — Restaurant in Milan

My favorite spot: A hidden Gem of Milanese tradition! This is a bar, tobacconist, and tavola calda (trattoria for lunch) like no other - because they hardly exist anymore. And yes, the food is excellent, thanks to an Italian chef (good luck finding one like this in Milan).

Time Out brings life to an elegant street that could be majestic, with the twin towers overlooking Piazza Piemonte rivaling the twisted trio of CityLife. But it remains humble, reflecting the quiet bourgeoisie of the area. Over there, the new Milan: flashy, glamorous, and "I wanna be cool." Here, the traditional Milan: hardworking, discreet, almost invisible but leaving a lasting mark on history.

The bar reflects this Milanese essence, with an almost retro decor - not chic or dazzling, but warm and welcoming. The outdoor seating area is modest, perfect for those who want to breathe without attracting attention. For those seeking more privacy, there’s a spacious and quiet indoor room. Even the bathrooms defy expectations for a bar, being clean and generously sized.

The staff is professional and, above all, friendly, but with the reserved charm of days gone by. They’re like friends you can chat with - not the overly intrusive "buddy-buddy" type or the aloof, or unsmiling "Milanese imbruttiti." Perfect for a quick coffee, good company, or a discreet aperitivo.

This isn’t the place for spectacular or magazine-worthy gourmet aperitifs. But if you order one, you’ll get a classic or a special that could double as dinner.

The highlight, however, is the tavola calda (trattoria for lunch). The chef - Italian, a cook to the core - serves traditional restaurant-quality dishes at tavola calda prices. Ideal for those who want to eat and chat in peace, far from the pretentious, creatively named restaurants of the city center.

The place doesn’t market itself for juices, smoothies, or health food, but upon request, you can enjoy a fantastic Mediterranean diet, perfectly balanced for those like me who follow it. Fish and vegetables are always on the menu, the juices are exceptional, and the meat is top quality. Let me be clear: this is not the plastic food of typical bars or diners. The secret? Only the owner knows. The owner (she) is also the creator of very delicious desserts, particularly the Calabrian lemon cake, Nutella cookies, and blueberry tart. A must-try!

Some have even turned this place into their makeshift office, hosting meetings and appointments. Initially skeptical, their guests often end up asking to return.

I recommend this spot to anyone passing by, heading to the young “movida" near Wagner, living in the Washington area, wanting a good meal, or simply needing a place to mind their own business.

One last note: the regulars. A wonderfully diverse group, they form a social mosaic - a cultural and anthropological snapshot of a Milan that no longer exists but thrives here. Two minutes of conversation with them is enough to lift your spirits and open your...

I cannot give this bar enough love. The staff are all incredibly welcoming and friendly and the apertivo is out of this world. My only complaint is that they're closing for the last week I'm in town, so I'll have to find another bar. Much love to Luca, Buba, and Sarah. If you are in Milan, you HAVE...

Un Ristorante nascosto! sembra un semplice bar tabacchi, o sala da te, ma invece dietro c'è una saletta che fa da ristorante, qui c'è un bell'ambiente tranquillo e riservato, non è molto grande, ma grazioso, che servono ottimi piatti, sia di pesce che altro, c'è anche la possibilità di scegliere un menù a prezzo fisso, buona scelta di bevande e vini. io ho mangiato un po di antipasti, a base di pesce, poi un primo, linguine all'astice, buonissimo, ci siamo trovati bene in tutto,...