Il Carminio

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, this is the spot for you. Il Carminio is a fine dining establishment serving classic Milanese dishes with a more modern and refined presentation. The restaurant has limited seating though, so make sure you grab a reservation and plan ahead if you want to try this place. Trust me though, this is one you don’t want to miss out on. The interior is somehow both cold and modern and warm and inviting. The walls are minimal featuring artwork and the lighting is bright but not harsh.

Their menu features so many vibrant dishes with familiarity but each has something unique that sets it apart. To start, we tried the traditional Milanese “meatballs” that come topped with saffron aioli. These were stunning and certainly not what we were expecting. The saffron aioli was so creamy, rich, and vibrant without being too overpowering with saffron. The meatballs themselves were not the typical meatballs we are used to – instead these were a delicate mixture of breadcrumbs and braised meat and gently seared to get a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. For our mains, this was the most difficult decision, but we ended up going with the cacio e pepe and the veal en croute. Let’s talk about this cacio e pepe because it was anything but traditional but was exceptional. Il Carminio’s version comes with thick, almost udon like noodles, that are so chewy and bouncy. It comes topped with raw Sicilian shrimp, crushed pistachios, and rests in a creamy, light sauce. I have never had a pasta dish like this and it was magical with so many flavors and textures throughout. The veal en croute was also divine and served with roasted root vegetables. The veal was so tender and rich and the outside was so crusty and flakey. Just yes, absolutely no notes for the chef and to this day it is still one of my favorite meals we have enjoyed in Italy!

Make sure to add this classy spot to your must try when you are in Milan. If you are looking for the perfect fine dining experience that is modern and inventive but won’t break the bank too much, this is the perfect restaurant. To check out their current menu and make reservations, click here.