If you are looking for an experience different from classic all-you-can-eat sushi or fine dining, Nippoteka in Milan is a must. It is Italy’s first Handroll Bar.
The Handroll House in Milan
Unlike the classic cone-shaped temaki we are used to in Italy, the specialty here isthe cylindrical handroll. This dish is also becoming increasingly popular in the United States. It is no coincidence that more than ten years ago, Japanese chef Kazunori Nozawa made them popular in the United States. Nippoteka is inspired by the handroll bars of New York and Tokyo.
Nori seaweed is the real star. It is kept very hot and toasted until serving to ensure extreme crispness, which contrasts with the softness of the rice and the freshness of the fish. The chef hands you the roll directly and it should be eaten immediately, within a few seconds, so as not to lose the texture of the seaweed.
What to eat (and how much it costs)
The menu is simple, focusing on the quality of the ingredients and clean combinations. In our opinion, it is best to choose the sets, from 3 to 6 handrolls (€18-36) with different fish combinations; there is also a vegan option.
The revisited and spicy classics focus on balanced marinades and enveloping textures: Spicy Salmon (€9), Spicy Tuna (€10), Mango Salmon (€10). The quality of the raw fish (or cooked in the case of eel) is the absolute star: Unagi (€12), Amberjack (€12), Toro (€14), Red Prawn (€15), Lobster (€16). The most exclusive offerings, which include rare ingredients such as Wagyu beef or Uni (sea urchin pulp), are: Wagyu A5 (€18), Uni Toro (€21); the combination of tuna belly and sea urchin is the “non plus ultra” of umami.
The Atmosphere
The restaurant is minimalist, modern, and very intimate. The heart of the experience is the counter that surrounds the chefs’ station. You can watch every step of the preparation, making the meal almost like a small performance.
It’s perfect for a quick but high-quality business lunch or an unconventional dinner for two.
📍 Viale Monte Grappa, 16, Milan. Opening hours: open every day (Mon-Sun) for lunch and dinner, with a slight variation at the weekend (Friday and Saturday closing at 11:30 p.m. instead of 11:00 p.m.).
Tip: as there are only a few seats at the counter, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner.