Ristorante Biffi | Since 1867 Eating Out in the Milan´s Elegant Lounge.

 Ristorante Biffi is a historic, emblematic establishment since 1867, an iconic place to enjoy eating out in the Milan´s elegant lounge consisting in the prestigious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that superb architectural masterpiece well known for its stunning vaulted arcades, fine artistic details, a superb marvel in the heart of the  2nd Italian city, a sublime  landmark elevated as one of the most classy sites of the capital of Lombardy.

Situated beneath that magnificent gallery erected in the 19th century which received in the course of its history some notorious nicknames including Salotto Milanese, the Milanese Lounge, Salotto D´Italia, Parlour of Italy, artistically more than admired, highly recognised as a spectacular architectural masterpiece of art for its scenic, refined lines, including in its smallest details present its vast surface.

That wonder is also well known to be a great site to enjoy the best shopping, a fine brunch, an aromatic coffee and furthermore simply great for a pleasant walk having a great meal too.

With that outstanding image one thing is certain that magnificent work created by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni started in 1865 to give the city a further grandeur, once ended was immediately appreciated worldwide for its superb imposing, majestic image which characterises one of the most stylish, coquetry corners of that elegant and eternally trendy metropolis of the Italian Peninsula.

That project and execution of that fantastic monument was established to pay homage to King Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy , first Monarch of a united Italy proclaimed in 1861 also known for that with the nickname the Father of the Fatherland.

That famed restaurant is located along that beautiful, glitzy, charismatic indoor hallway, a superb passage linking the Duomo, the wonderful Gothic Cathedral to La Scala, considered one of the most celebrated theatres in the globe and that chic and stylish covered urban gateway was also created with the aim to link those two magnificent, distinctive monuments of Milan.

The first represents in all its magnificent aesthetic image the pure, outstanding Religious splendour of art developed in the Middle Ages in a historic, powerful former Duchy led by the Sforza and Visconti families while the other is a leading opera and theatre in the world with a popularity and fame which reached all the international borders for its prestigious cultural calendar simply unique in its kind.

For all those who know Milan, there are not sites as that boasting a classy charm and a charisma in so few metres beneath an architectural diamond absolutely sublime able to bewitch in a while millions of visitors. 

 It is since its elevation one of the most photographed sites of the monumental city centre, day and night, destination of tourists, locals, with sun or artificial lights, that place always transmits something of divine as surrounded by a magic aura with protagonists art, history, architecture, trendy fashion,design shops and much more daily scene of an incomparable, unmistakable joie de vivre.

 That notorious establishment since a long time was and is still a highlight of the famous “Milano da bere”, the Milan to drink, a phrase which became more than notorious, in vogue in the 80's, a famous advertising slogan linked to that emblematic Amaro Ramazzotti, that aromatic bitter liqueur produced in the city since 1815.

  

Those three words were used as spot by journals, magazines, newspapers, mass media including TV and Radio since 1985 to elevate a city in which in that time a new emergent managerial class with concrete goals related to an extreme hunger of success and fame.

That trend arose next to the highest Milanese Prêt-à-porter exhibited as a noble coat of arms linked to the most fashionable Milan during times which spread a special atmosphere of a wealthy, prosperous life to breathe all around the city.

All those aspects became protagonists next to iconic historic landmarks with selected establishments chosen as favourite protagonists of spots representing the chic background of a metropolis which constantly lived those trends and also the Ristorante Biffi entered in that sphere.

Pretty interesting are also the historic links since that magic 19th century when year by year beneath those marvellous arcades were added stylish cafes, fine restaurants, glitzy boutiques trendy shops, reflecting the metropolitan spirit of the Capital of fashion and design.

All that was greatly combined with a superb architecture creating a very distinguished and trendy atmosphere which called the highest cultural spheres also in more recent times.

Several prominent figures chose that place to have a meeting or a chat sitting at a table surrounded by a historic and artistic aura which perfectly matched the most sumptuous elegance of new trendy proposals displayed in luxury windows continuing to be alive nowadays exalting that site and since then obviously also started that beloved trend to eat out choosing places like Ristorante Biffi located in a unique environment.

For its literary cafes born in previous times Milan, during and after the famous period related to the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia under rule of the House of Habsburg lived a period in which the gastronomy with the most refined culinary art started to occupy a relevant position.

Many were the talented chefs who worked at important courts or duchies who reached that city as well as skilled Sommeliers who started to create a prestigious school working in several elite establishments devoted to hospitality and catering.

In the case of the Austrian Emperors who loved the fine Chianti, Delle Venezie wines but including appreciated the refined Champagne, Bordeaux and Barolo of their historic enemies France and Kingdom of Piedmont and Sardinia.

They loved to accompany them with several gastronomic delights and in the high nomenclature apart the sumptuous gala royal dinners, banqueting which highlighted the 19th century was also usual to choose, a special place to enjoy a more than delectable meal and that frequently happened in the capital of Lombardy.

Milan is since a long time ago well known to offer a multitude of classical, stylish, fine, eclectic and charming restaurants offering the most traditional and Nouvelle cuisine ready to satisfy every taste, the most demanding palate, preferences, many of them are located in stunning environments such as beautiful palaces, fascinating courtyards, captivating historic buildings or established in a considerable monumental area.

Undoubtedly the choice of the opening of a classy business in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele  II was for the restaurant a more than successful strategy, a superb window in which everything including the smallest detail is a protagonist.

The Ristorante Biffi in Galleria gained immediately fame also because that superb position extremely strategic can not leave anyone indifferent, in addition its fine service in terms of hospitality, gastronomic quality, catering organisation since its inception played an important role gaining the appreciation and admiration by a multitude of people.

That distinguished and prestigious site opened its doors in 1867, just six after the proclamation of the Reign of Italy, a special date for the city of Lombardy and for Italy in a historic period in which there was all around a new wave of innovative inspirations.

That  marked joie de vivre re-gave light to a metropolis which has always been famous for its lively cultural life, lifestyle, well known for a vibrant nightlife, a centre eternally highlighted for a scene offering varied options  to spend enjoyable evenings was also the key to launch the trendy eating out with many people who were naturally searching a great place.

That period in which the restaurant started to be famous and popular was also protagonist of an intense revival of a large network of cafes, coffee houses, catering establishments which were transformed from good to outstanding.

 Milan restarted as before and probably more to be frequented by many people with those new ideas post  "Risorgimento" , a post Renaissance period of the 19th century so alive in the Italian Peninsula 

Eating out became for that also a splendid excuse and Biffi as it is simply called by the Milanese became a relevant symbol and in short time a sort of myth.

That year was furthermore very special for Italy for other reasons as the consolidation of new cultural movements, in addition worth a mention that in the country were ended the works corresponding to the railroads which connected Milan to Rome and in the same time was finished the line linking Naples to Bari.

Those four important cities located in different geographical points could greatly enjoy those new services which permitted faster trips across the national territory linking different local realities from north to south in terms of times, something before never thought in a peninsula occupied by different Duchies, Kingdoms but that change increased that desire to know a city which for someone sometimes appeared so far away with the chance to taste local gastronomic delights.

Milan since then lived a new period of golden ages thanks to that was a favourite destination of a new wave of artists coming from different places.

One of them was Mark Twain who during his stay in the city in that concrete year began to write one of his famous works The Innocents Abroad published two years later but with a inspiration taken during his beloved Milanese sojourn. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about the city)

In that magic 1867 was inaugurated the prestigious Restaurant by Paolo Biffi, former owner who started to manage with extreme success the establishment. 

In that period he was also selected as official confectioner of the Italian Royalty represented by the House of Savoy, a prestigious title, an award which naturally brought further fame and popularity.

In a very short time the establishment started a glorious escalation hosting at its tables eminent exponents of art, culture, theatre, finance, entertainment and economy. 

It is enough to mention Ernst Hemingway, Arturo Toscanini and Giuseppe Garibaldi, famed figures who are just three names of an endless list of notorious personalities who frequented  sat at the tables of that very distinctive place.

Simply for its date of foundation, in a divine key point of the city, the notoriety of that site reached very high peaks popularity and today as yesterday is loved by the Milanese who consider it more than an icon.

Naturally also a multitude of visitors from all around the world are enchanted to enjoy a lunch or dinner in that sort of emblem and much more delighted by an environment unique in its kind.

The Lombardy capital is very famous for that trendy habit consisting in to go out looking for a special site for dinner, a great tradition well rooted since a long time ago immediately beloved by a visitor which absorbs it as a whim next to enjoying tourism because the city offers a large choice of a selected list of restaurants. 

In addition the local philosophy is: to enjoy eating out, eating well in a pleasant place combining that classical “you can” having a lot of choices and “you have” many chances to do many kinds of activities such as shopping, cultural tourism, going to theatre, cinema, Opera or a simple relaxing walk is very usual in a metropolis like that. 

Obviously once out those "you can and have" are very inviting becoming for many as mandatory or simply a sublime pleasure.

Choosing for lunch or dinner Ristorante Biffi in Galleria without a comparison for different realities it is just like going to the iconic Caffè  Florian in Piazza San Marco, Venice for a brunch or a meal (in the case you are interested I wrote a post about it), or something similar to a dinner in Paris in the famed Maxim's Restaurant, so notorious to be linked to Pierre Cardin located in a glitzy Parisian environment as the famed street Rue Royale.

For many people visiting Milan to enjoy that restaurant, it is something very special which for many will remain imprinted in their memories, for someone also a sort of souvenir to take home next to a beautiful stay in the international capital of the Prêt-à-porter and Haute Couture.

The clients sitting at the tables of that emblematic restaurant  immediately appreciate the style, elegance, professional, attentive service, obviously also the location in that glitzy lounge as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is simply outstanding plays an important role, the classy and more than refined frame is an immediate, great incentive.

Beneath those arcades all people can do shopping but sitting at that restaurant they can also enjoy historic tourism. 

It could be a paradox but that establishment boasts that special feature because it offers that kind of free, magnificent additional service delighting the customer sitting on a chair encircled by a striking environment ready to bewitch the human eye spreading fine art all around including in all its smallest shining, scenic details.

Once sitting in the outdoor terrace of that establishment there is that sublime view of one of the most brilliant architectural masterpiece of the gallery admiring those marvellous double arcades next to that unique and enchanting vaulted roof highlighted by that superb octagonal section covered by such marvellous glass dome.

Those images certainly can attract in a while the most inspired thinkers or art lovers, all that is as you are enjoying a kind of sightseeing tour different than sitting on a bus but appreciating comfortably seated in a restaurant  the beauty of something simply sublime.

That stylish huge lounge seems a sort of giant imperial hall with its scenic, majestic aspect which bewitches anyone because that refined, classic scenery represents a setting which captures the desire to spend time in that restaurant because you are in a sort of outdoor museum outdoor.

You can look all around that elegant and historic site, on the sides you will admire beautiful stylish facades of palaces beneath sinuous vaults with fine framed decorated windows, elaborated reliefs, stylish cornices having in the meantime a delicious aperitif delighting your palate.

Certainly a great sensation tasting a local delight but perhaps your eyes will be also attracted by stunning stuccoes next to a concrete artistic great outline on the opposite side.

Looking at over you, those domed sections highlighted by a magnificent architectural composition in which several arches, arcades, vaults and frescoes placed in strategic, specific points will enchant your view in just a second and in a short time will come the main course.

 Also that feeling is something of sublime with those stunning views all around that fabulous scenery while you are savouring an exquisite gastronomic speciality..

Including the floor of that marvellous gallery is simply impressive, when you will be tasting a sweet dessert you will be equally enchanted by the presence on it of artistic works consisting in superb mosaics, fine decorations depicting historic symbols, coat of arms, effigies made by relevant artists and also that immediately captures the attention of every visitor sitting at a table of Ristorante Biffi in Galleria.

In the case you will sit indoor there is also the opportunity to enjoy a charming interior arranged with class highlighted by fine furniture, decorated doors all in a very stylish, welcoming environment characterised by a stylish layout rich of details reminiscent a noble classical era, all selected with taste with the presence of fine architectural lines which complete a very refined setting.

All is perfectly combined between an elegant bar and the luminous spaces around the main room constantly ready for a fascinating welcome delighting to the customers in a while.
  
A right intensity of light which never disturbs is a further ideal feature to sit without hesitations starting your dinner sitting on comfortable chairs having a chat in a very a pleasant atmosphere encircling  you. 

The quality and presentation of the food is cared in every detail, thanks to Chefs who have worked in Top International restaurants or Hotels, they know what means total satisfaction in the presentation of a plate and much more the preparation using traditional ingredients, with flavours of superb quality loyal to the finest Italian cuisine immediately inviting to delight every customer.

The Restaurant apart a choice of delicious starters offers delicious main courses such as delicious Spaghetti with Clam sauce or delectable Tagliolini with salmon or in alternative you can taste a superb, typical Risotto.

 As continuation you can choose from as a traditional Cotoletta all Milanese, breaded beef cutlet in the case you love meat or a mixed grilled fish among other delights. 

You can end with a classical sweet Tiramisu or a touch of taste from Vienna in Milan as a superb Sacher Pie or why not with a cool Ice cream with a combination of tastes offered in an ample variety.

An excellent selection of fine wine ready to satisfy the most demanding requests and a Staff highly professional, kind, polite, attentive, loyal to the finest hospitality code always ready to offer the best customer service are also part of the excellent qualities and features that refined restaurant offers.

Another important detail which many people love so much is the menu list which apart the most popular languages such as English, German, French,  Spanish next to the Italian is very appreciated by other foreign tourists such as Japanese and Russian customers who can find their languages inserted in the list, also for that reason with that notable detail it is more than admired by travellers coming from those two countries.

Just the time to start to savour a superb aromatic coffee and your view will be attracted by the Belle Époque lamps established on the wall of the classy outdoor porch highlighting with their captivating intensity of light much more a special handmade inlay or decorative elements of the palace facing you.

At evening or night a special air with a romantic and charming atmosphere beneath that unique artistic masterpiece surrounded by a magic aura will bewitch you anytime.

Ristorante Biffi in Galleria is a great choice for those who love to go to theatre, La Scala, that prestigious and emblematic Milanese Opera is just five minutes walking from that site on the other exit of the Galleria facing Palazzo Marino, the Milanese Town Hall.

Also that aspect is absolutely great making it a more than ideal place for a dinner and immediately after enjoying an unforgettable, spectacular show in one of the most classical, distinctive and celebrated temples of the world which offers a vast and renowned calendar of events.

For the visitors who love shopping apart the several superb boutiques and chic shops arranged along that gorgeous gallery you are also very close to Corso Vittorio Emanuele and just ten minutes walking from the iconic Quadrilatero della moda consisting in the most stunning and exclusive Milan shopping area formed by those four iconic streets corresponding to Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. (In the case you are interested regarding that I wrote a post about that first mentioned street and another one with a Top 15 sites to enjoy shopping in Milan)

If you love art, the iconic Duomo is just a few metres and all around that stunning architectural wonder you will be enchanted by a great network of monuments, museums. art galleries ready to satisfy your cultural hunger and desire of cultural, historic tourism before or after a meal.   

It is very easy to reach that famous restaurant, the Tube Station stop is Duomo reachable by M1 Red Line and M3 Orange Line. 

 

Once you will be in that unforgettable square with the view of the superb Gothic Cathedral in front of you it is enough to enter in that stunning covered passage dedicated to that King of the House of Savoy and in just a couple of minutes walking you will reach that restaurant, a symbol since 1867 in the Milan´s elegant lounge.

 I added below some links in the case in your next trips you are thinking in Milan as destination and  with them you could find some information more for your plan of visits with many things to do.

The distinguished Managers continue today to keep alive that legend which was born in that relevant year of the 19th century always ready to delight a myriad of customers loyal to the old tradition born in all its splendour which opened a legendary cycle of successful catering operations with brilliant achieved results more alive than ever because highlighted by a great continuation. 

Ristorante Biffi in Galleria in the glorious memories of its past continues to make history in the present and it will remain forever a landmark in its kind, a more than distinguished establishment, ideal, appropriate  enjoying eating out in a distinctive site  which never lost its captivating image and charm in the beating heart of Milan.

Francesco Mari

Useful links

 biffigalleria.it
www.tourism.milan.it 
www.aboutmilan.com