Milan is a city which offers the visitors several activities linked to tourism,art,culture,events,shopping,nighlife and of course gastronomy.A short walk from the majestic and emblematic square Piazza Duomo with its impressive Gothic Cathedral and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele,walking towards the busy Piazza Cordusio and the monumental Sforzesco Castle you come in an area corresponding to the Medieval Milan exacrly in Piazza Mercanti,the Merchant Square.
Snce the times under the poweful Milanese families Sforza and Visconti families,that square was a core of commercial life of Milan,with merchants,goldsmiths,blacksmiths and armours who had their activities and met other traders coming from the current Foro Bonaporte in front of the Castle and from the ancient Porta Ticinese Gate situated at the end of the important street Via Torino.Remebering the tradition of the past in this area was celebrated not long time ago an important market the "Fiera degli Obej Obej"until the year 2006.
This area completed by Palazzo della Ragione was the centre of the justice,but also for all what concern the business and commercial activities of the city and it was particularly visited by artists as Manzoni, Stendhal,Quasimodo among others after a walk in the nearest Bohemian district of Brera,admiring the contrast with the medieval beauty of the capital of Lombardy.
Piazza Mercanti is a very charming square,hosting a majestic Palace dated 13th century called Casa dei Panigarola,the other palace is Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine,famous to be the place where St.Augustin taught.Furthermore you can admire a complex of loggias hosting the Loggia degli Osii containing the statue of the Milan Patron St.Ambrose.It is a pleasure to have a walk in this Milan corner to admire those magnificent buildings and of course a wonderful place to enjoy a great dinner.
Hosted in the Casa dei Panigarola there is the restaurant Al Mercante where you can enjoy your dinner or lunch in a medieval environment next to a charming columnade and porticos,in front of a medieval well located in the centre of the square and of course to taste and enjoy excellent Milanese and Italian cuisine.
The restaurant was opened at the beginning of the 20th century,a long tradition of excellent service and delicious cuisine.The entrance consists in a medieval arcade with a wide crystal door decorated all around in dark color under one of the charming windows with reliefes of the Casa Panigarola.
The local is arranged on two elegant floors,inside the athmosphere of the restaurant is pleasant and relaxing,there is a mixture a mixuture of Modern and Classic cubist and modernist paintings chosen with taste in perfect synthony with the the light wall and the furnitures.The rectangular and pentagonal wide windows give light and luminosity to the restaurant with the opportunity to admire the medieval square from inside.
In Spring,Summer and early autumn,Ristorante Al Mercante provides tables and and outdoor service,where the clients have the chance to eat and having a drink in the wonderful scenario of the medieval Piazza Mercanti.
The staff is very friendly and professional giving the local an excellent service,stylish,kind and polite,the symbol of this Restaurant is to welcome the clients in the best way,with detailed suggestions about the menù and wines.
The cuisine is traditional but also with a touch of eclectic and modern "Nouvelle cuisine".There are excellent starters where you can enjoy a classic Caprese but also the best Prosciutto Parma ham,the traditional Tuscan Bruschetta or a choice of starters with ham,salame,Speck from Alto Adige, and Bresaola from Valtellina and much more.The Risotto with porcini mushrooms is fantastic and among other entrance plates you can choose among a wide variety of Gnocchi,Tortellini,Ravioli,Spaghetti,Tagliatelle,
in different sauces,from Carbonara to the classical Ragú,Cheeses,Tomato and Basil or Seafood.
Meat is absolutely divine,in Al Mercante you can enjoy one of the best Ossobuco alla Milanese of the city,the typical Cotoletta alla Milanese,a great Brasato,Steaks,Filets,Chops,Beef,Pork and Lamb,the restaurant has a great choice of fish and seafood and also,swordfish,salmon,sardines,seabass,fried squids,
The wide choice of typical chesses as Pecorino,Gorgonzola,Taleggio,Grana and Parmigiano and the ample selection of fine wines which includes the best Barolo,Barbaresco,Chianti and all the most famouswines are offered to to satisfy the most demanding client.The same for the desserts as a homemade Tiramisú,the Creme Brulé,the great Sorbetti and Ice creams.
It is very easy to reach Ristorante Al Mercante,from the Tube Station Duomo it is only five minutes walking in direction Castello Sforzesco from the square of the Gothic Cathedral.
For position,for the historic ubication,in a medieval corner of the city,quality and choice of different traditional plates you can enjoy a great dinner or lunch in this historic restaurant of the capital of Lombardy.
Francesco Mari
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