Exploring Da Vittorio: A Three-Star Culinary Journey
- I Love Food
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Youtuber: Cosa Mangiamo Oggi ?
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Cosamangiamooggi
Website: https://cosamangiamooggi.it/it
Restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MzUGrfZr8aaabCJ18
Google Maps:
oday, we’re diving into the world of Da Vittorio, one of Italy’s most iconic three-star Michelin restaurants. Located just outside Milan, this family-run establishment is known not only for its outstanding cuisine but also for its stunning setting and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Let’s take you through our journey.
Upon arrival, the first thing you’ll notice is the breathtaking location. While we initially joked about opening from the soccer field, the reality is even better. Imagine dining under the open sky, surrounded by greenery and an elegant, classic ambiance. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The restaurant is housed in a beautiful structure that also doubles as a hotel, complete with a soccer field and swimming pool. It’s a tranquil oasis just 40 minutes from Milan.
We start with a round of cocktails. Franci, ever the explorer, initially ordered an Americano, but then spotted the tomato water Martini. How could she resist? Of course, I joined her in a cocktail adventure, opting for a refreshing Sound of Nature – because who can say no to an innovative drink like that? It's almost like a non-birthday celebration for me, after all!
We’re seated on the terrace, and as we sip our drinks, we dive into the appetizers. First up is a seared squid dish, presented with katsuobushi mayonnaise, lovage sauce, and salmon roe on crispy chicken skin. It’s a burst of flavors and textures that set the tone for what’s to come. Next, we indulge in a Martini Bergamo, which is an ode to the region’s famous casoncelli pasta, cleverly reimagined in a small, bite-sized form with salami paste and green olive gel.
As the meal continues, we make our way to the first official course: foie gras cherry. Yes, you heard that right! A cherry harvested from a special tree, stuffed with goose liver and cocoa cru. The texture mimics that of the cherry pulp, complete with a crunchy core – an extraordinary bite. This is followed by a golden nugget of Parmesan, aged for 101 months, topped with a drop of 25-year-old Modena balsamic vinegar. Heaven!
The meal progresses with a combination of exquisite wines, like a locally produced sake from Feltre, paired with amberjack tacos. These aren’t your average tacos – they’re filled with fresh produce grown in Da Vittorio’s vertical garden, including shiso flowers and kohlrabi. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, truly embodying the spirit of the garden-to-table philosophy.
We move on to a tuna spaghetti dish that completely blows us away. The tuna is expertly cut into spaghetti-like filaments, and the dish is bathed in a creamy bagna cauda sauce, with a hint of lime zest and crunchy pistachios. Chef Chicco, always attentive to our preferences, introduced this special dish just for us, and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s creamy, savory, and absolutely unique.
Then, a selection of wines continues to guide us through the flavors. The South Tyrolean blend "Beyond the Clouds" pairs perfectly with a delicate pizza-inspired dish featuring seared tuna, fermented tomato, and provola cheese. This is pizza, but like you’ve never had before – light, crispy, and full of depth.
King crab makes its appearance next, served with a light mayonnaise, lemon jelly, and crispy bread chips. The tempura claw adds an extra level of texture, and the acidity from the lemon jelly creates a perfect balance. The freshness of the seafood shines through in every bite.
As we dive deeper into this culinary journey, we’re treated to a beautiful eggplant dish, with its surprisingly tender texture, filled with fermented beans and served with a trio of vibrant sauces. It’s an absolute treat for the senses.
The next course is all about pairing with bubbles – Louis Roederer Collection 243, a rich champagne that beautifully complements an indulgent "egg with egg" dish, served in a martini glass. Layers of scrambled eggs, salmon roe, smoked potato mousse, and Oscietra caviar create a luxurious flavor explosion.
By now, we’re already feeling like we’re floating on air, but Da Vittorio doesn’t stop. The Portofino risotto arrives, made with delicate pesto, raw prawn, and prawn bisque. The sweet shrimp, the fresh pesto, and the acidity of the tomato all come together in perfect harmony.
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without bread, and Da Vittorio serves up a selection of perfect loaves, ideal for the traditional "scarpetta" – sopping up every last drop of that flavorful sauce.
As we continue, each course is more exciting than the last. From a spectacular wine pairing to the unforgettable flavors of the paccheri, this meal is an epic journey through Italy’s finest ingredients. The service is impeccable, making us feel like part of the family – it’s a level of hospitality that’s hard to match.
In the end, the day wraps up with a unique dessert: a faux mozzarella made of milk skin, yogurt mousse, and crunchy raspberry, followed by a selection of playful, aperitif-inspired treats. It’s a sweet ending to a truly memorable experience.
Da Vittorio is not just about the food; it’s about the entire experience – from the location to the service, and of course, the incredible dishes that blend tradition with innovation. If you ever find yourself near Milan, this place should be at the top of your list. You might come for the famous paccheri, but you’ll stay for everything else.
A huge thanks to the Cerea family for making us feel so at home. It’s an experience we’ll never forget – one that celebrates the art of Italian cuisine in its most refined form. If you ever have the chance to dine here, take it. You won’t regret it.