We walk into the Armani Hotel Milano, paragon of luxury, high above the city’s bustling streets. Perched on the seventh floor, Armani/Ristorante mirrors the same lustrous, minimalist design. Awash in natural light, we take it all in as we prepare for the sophisticated culinary experience to come.
At the helm of this dining experience is Executive Chef Francesco Mascheroni, a master of Italian flavors who draws on a lifetime of culinary passion. Raised in a small port town, Francesco began his career cooking for young sailors and quickly climbed the culinary ranks, refining his craft in Switzerland and then Milan.
Everything here has been hand-picked for perfection and Francesco is no different. There’s something about Francesco that’s a little bit alchemist, a little bit scientist …which perhaps all the best chefs must be. We know from that twinkle in Francesco’s eyes that we were in for an unimaginable experience.
The dishes Chef Francesco curates are an impeccable reflection of the hotel in their minimalist ethos. While the food itself has a story of tradition and innovation to tell—everything from his risottos to inventive takes on Italian classics honors Italy’s rich gastronomic tradition while inviting subtle global influences. A symphony of flavors comes alive in each dish, a masterful play of texture, freshness, and seasonality. His love for Italian staples like beef tartare finds new life here, his creative process honed by years of experimentation alongside chefs like Davide Oldani. There is no way to eat here once and not think about it for the rest of your life.
After dinner, we retreat to the Armani/Bamboo Bar, where the scene transforms with live music and the city lights spread beneath us. The panoramic views and carefully crafted cocktails make for an indulgent finish—a Milanese aperitivo at its best. An experience not soon forgotten, but hopefully soon repeated. A presto!