Debonair fashion and travel blogger Roberto De Rosa is a master of style and a storyteller in seduction. When he’s not trotting around the world, covering fashion shows, street style and travel for the likes of Vogue Italia and Italian Elle, the Naples-born, Milan-residing tastemaker, who prefers Uber over Ferrari and Lauren instead of Armani, can be found at one of these gorgeous sip n’ sup spots.
Breakfast: Marotin Milano
Marotin cafe is the perfect place to start your day. This cosy, intimate posticini has a covetable corner position and lofty mezzanine, which allows for much people watching, both from inside and out. Sashay inside to be greeted by a mouthwatering scent of sweet pastries, and a counter heaving with beautifully made tarts, brioches, biscuits, cakes, desserts and all manner of buttery, sugary goodness. Service is considered and polite, so don’t come here in a hurry. I like to come with a good book, or take an afternoon break à la Francaise.
Lunch: Radetzky
Attracting an upscale, cosmopolitan crowd, Radetzky in Moscova is where you’ll find the quintessential Milanese man – all suave Ralph Lauren tailoring, polished shoes and statement watch topped off with a spritz of masculinity – being eyeballed by glamour-mamas from behind their jangle of jewellery, coiffed locks and sunglasses. Come for the dance unfolding before you; stay for the casual, all-day eats spanning salads, carpaccio and gourmet sandwiches to hearty plates of fresh pasta.
Aperitivo: Gesto Milano
For the best Hugo in Milan, beeline to Gesto Milano. This low-fi, pared-back bar/restaurant is full of intimate nooks and comfy Chesterfields perfectly posi’d for a romantic vino or two. Chef Adriano Venturini steers a menu of gourmet tapas in the kitchen, and there’s a strict adherence to sustainability with minimal use of paper and plastic. Here, eco-friendly is the new sexy.
Dinner Date: Giacomo Bistrot
Excelling in martinis and Milanese schnitzel, Giacomo Bistrot is guaranteed to make an impression on the first date. The sumptuous, gilted interior riffs on 1920s decadence with mirrored walls, plush red velvet, and discreet corners (and service) aplenty. Choose from a traditional menu of meat and game, served with Champagne and Italian wines. For something more contemporary, Carlo and Camilla Alla Segheria is a fashionably urban dining room, where distressed walls and simple furniture are offset by gigantic statement chandeliers and forward-leaning, seasonal menus.
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