One of my favorite spots in Milan, Giacomo Caffè, is perfect for a quick espresso or lunch (being conveniently located next to the Duomo), or even for a relaxing brunch with a book on a weekend day. The atmosphere feels a bit like the old Paris with the exception of a 100% made in Italy service – Grazie Dio!
Set in the quiet indoors of Palazzo Reale, Giacomo Caffè opened in 2010 by the infamous Italian group in an effort to bring some class into the ultra touristic Centro Storico and the area around the Duomo. The menu is quite lengthy for a nice lunch or brunch, but the stop here is for a quick espresso – and, why not, a chocolate croissant treat!
As you walk in (and mind you there is no sign outside), you immediately appreciate the heigh-ceiling space and the work of famed interior architects Renzo Mongiardino and Roberto Peregalli. Giacomo Bulleri has kept all of the nice ingredients that made Giacomo Bistrot a hit (read full review here) and has replicated a unique recipe for success – good ingredients and simple stuff.
Last time we were there, we visited the caffe a couple of times managing to taste a bit of everything, including a light lunch. The beef tartare on beetroot sauce and crispy dried onions was good, their spinach salad with blood orange and walnuts was amazing and their various desserts -served from the glass cabinet at the front- were also very tasty!
Yet, the best feature of this place is its coffee and the fact that time kind of stand stills here. You can easily spend hours and hours reminiscing of the grandiose past and the way things used to be. A coffee place from another era. Bellissimo!