Review: Café Milano

Sponsored: Café Milano, an award-winning restaurant recognized by Gault&Millau and the Michelin Guide, invites patrons to savour contemporary Italian specialties in a chic boutique setting

Immerse in the culinary excellence of Café Milano, where the artistry of handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and meticulously crafted Italian favourites unfolds. Under the leadership of Italian Chef Delfino Chiarello, Café Milano has firmly established itself as a standout in the local dining scene.

Renowned for its creative approach to presenting iconic Mediterranean dishes, the restaurant, situated in its landmark Washington, DC location, skillfully blends Italian culinary traditions with regional flavours. This results in a dining experience that is not only unique and unforgettable but also complemented by tranquil waterfront views.

The highlights

Starting our gastronomic journey with the Assaggi All’Italiana, an artfully presented selection of Italian delights served on a wooden board. The Fried Calamari showcased a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, while the sumptuous Eggplant and Zucchini Parmigiana provided a delightful medley of textures and flavours. The Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables were a symphony of smoky goodness, accompanied by a selection of cold cuts which added a savoury touch.

Moving on to the main courses, the spicy Italian Via Chiaia pizza was a fiery masterpiece, featuring spicy veal ‘nduja, fresh chilli pepper, and buffalo mozzarella. The bold flavours and perfect balance of spice made it an instant favourite on the table. The Pappardelle cavalli, featuring homemade pappardelle, mixed mushrooms, and seasonal black truffle, showcased an exquisite harmony as the earthy aroma of truffle blended seamlessly with the rich mushroom sauce.

The grand finale was a spectacular display of Italian desserts – Tiramisù and Cioccolatissimo. The Tiramisù, a traditional Italian classic, was a heavenly concoction of creamy mascarpone, topped with delicate coffee gel and a crunchy crumble. The Cioccolatissimo, a dark chocolate fondant paired with creamy vanilla gelato, was a decadent conclusion to our spectacular culinary adventure.