In Milan, history is written on the buildings, but you can also encounter it by sitting down at a table. Il Boeucc, one of the city’s oldest establishments, was founded in 1696 as a small tavern between Via Borgogna and Via Durini. Its name in the Milanese dialect means “hole” and refers precisely to the cozy size of the original venue.
A small tavern in the history of Milan
Over the centuries, the tavern has become a cornerstone of Milanese cuisine and has intertwined its history with that of the city. According to the tavern’s sources, Giuseppe Mazzini was among its patrons. The tradition of the Boeucc also links it to the Five Days of Milan, which are said to have begun right here in this small tavern.
The restaurant has also welcomed distinguished guests from the worlds of music and theater. Arturo Toscanini was a regular, and according to an anecdote passed down by the Boeucc, Lorin Maazel arrived late to conduct *Falstaff* after lingering over his meal. Eduardo De Filippo was also a fan of their spaghetti with tomato and basil.
From Palazzo Belgioioso to a Return to Its Roots
In 1939, the Boeucc moved to the former stables of Palazzo Belgioioso, between Piazza della Scala and San Babila. It remained there for over eighty years before changing addresses again: in 2025, it reopened at 16 Corso Monforte, just a short walk from where it first opened.
The Milanese cuisine of Boeucc
The story continues on the menu, which features several classics of Milanese cuisine: saffron risotto, risotto al salto, cotoletta, and ossobuco with risotto. The menu changes based on the availability of seasonal ingredients, but Milanese tradition remains at the heart of the offerings.
📍 Antico Ristorante Boeucc, 16 Corso Monforte, at the corner of Via Ronchetti. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner; it is closed on Sundays and for lunch on Saturdays.
