Table Of Contents
If there is one dish that embodies the essence of Milanese cuisine, it is undoubtedly ossobuco. This veal stew, cooked slowly until tender and flavorful, is a true comfort food that conquers the palate of anyone who tastes it.
But did you know that this succulent piece of meat has a history almost as long as the Cathedral? The story goes that the recipe for veal ossobuco with marrow was born by chance in the 15th century, when a Milanese innkeeper, who ran out of fine meat, decided to cook veal shank over low heat.
Originating in the peasant tradition, this dish was prepared with simple and genuine ingredients (flour, butter, broth, white wine, onion, carrot, celery and the famous “gremolada,” a minced parsley, garlic and lemon zest), but today ossobuco has become a symbol of Milanese gastronomy.
That is why, if you are in Milan and wondering where to eat the best ossobuco, you are in the right place!
In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover 10 Milanese trattorias where you can enjoy this delicious dish, perhaps accompanied by a Milanese risotto that has no equal.
Trattoria Milanese – Since 1933
Classic restaurant located in the heart of Milan. Here the ossobuco melts in the mouth and is served with a creamy risotto, perfect for savoring every drop of sauce. Guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere and friendly service, making every visit a memorable experience. Be sure to also try their famous gremolada, which enhances the flavor of the meat.
Address: Via Santa Marta, 11, 20123 Milan, Italy
Trattoria Masuelli San Marco
This historic trattoria is a true shrine to ossobuco. Since 1921, Masuelli San Marco has been delighting palates with Lombard-Piedmontese cuisine of the highest quality. Their ossobuco is simply divine: tender, succulent meat served with creamy, al dente Milanese risotto. On par with one of the best “elephant’s ear” cutlets, another typical Milanese dish you can try here. The cozy, family-friendly atmosphere will make you feel like you’re at grandma’s house.
Address: Viale Umbria, 80, 20135 Milan MI, Italy
Antica Trattoria della Pesa
Among the oldest restaurants in Milan, Antica Trattoria della Pesa has been a landmark for Milanese cuisine since 1880. Their Oss Büss with Milanese risotto is a timeless classic, prepared according to the traditional recipe. The meat comes off the bone with disarming ease, while the risotto is a riot of flavors and colors. As a house gift, 2 mondeghili are served per diner. Don’t miss the hot zabaglione for dessert!
Address: Viale Pasubio, 10, 20154 Milan, Italy
Al Matarel
Since 1962, “sciura” Elide has been the guardian of authentic Milanese cuisine. At Matarel, ossobuco is an almost mystical experience. The meat is cooked to perfection, the risotto is al onda as tradition dictates, and the gremolada adds that touch of freshness that perfectly balances the dish. Among the most famous customers of this typical Milanese restaurant is Bettino Craxi. After your meal, we recommend a walk downtown to work off the calories!
Address: Via Laura Solera Mantegazza, 5, 20121 Milan
Osteria Conchetta
At this cozy Milanese osteria near the Naviglio Pavese canal, the ossobuco is a true masterpiece. The meat is so tender you can cut it with a fork, while the risotto alla milanese is creamy and rich in flavor. You will be happy to know that the portions are really large! We also recommend that you try the rice mantecato in the grana form. The casual atmosphere and friendly service make Osteria Conchetta the perfect place for a dinner with friends.
Address: Via Conchetta, 8, 20136 Milan, Italy
Premiata Trattoria Arlati since 1936
This restaurant is famous not only for its long history, but especially for its ossobuco, considered one of the best in Milan. According to tradition, the meat is cooked slowly for hours, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful, with a rich and aromatic sauce, perfect to be accompanied by creamy and fragrant Milanese risotto. Also excellent is the selection of local wines, which pair perfectly with the dishes of Lombard cuisine.
Address: Via Alberto Nota, 47, 20126 Milan
La Pobbia 1850
La Pobbia 1850 is a historic restaurant that offers exceptional ossobuco, prepared according to the tenets of authentic and flavorful Milanese cuisine. Their baked veal marrow is tender and melts in the mouth, while the rich sauce is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Those who have eaten here also praise its creamy and well-balanced Milanese risotto, which perfectly accompanies the dish. The rustic atmosphere and attentive service make each visit an authentic and satisfying experience.
Address: Address: Via Gallarate, 92, 20151 Milan, Italy
Guyot
Risotteria and wine bar a stone’s throw from the Isola district, opened in 2009. Soft Ossobuco, simply excellent, starring along with a wide selection of wines. Truly exquisite Risotto alla Milanese, perfectly mantecato, rice al dente and just the right amount of flavor. The sommelier will know how to recommend the right wine for the perfect flavor pairing. Warm and sophisticated atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff. A gluten-free menu is also available.
Address: Via Arnaldo da Brescia, 3, 20159 Milan
Osteria del Binari
If you like the idea of going to a place where they cook like home, with love, open only to receive friends and lovers of good food in general, Osteria del Binari is the place for you. Founded in 1972 out of a railroad dole, today it is a staple of Milanese gastronomy. Their ossobuco in gremolada is a must: succulent meat, creamy risotto and a perfect balance of flavors. The dehor, one of the largest in Milanese dining, is perfect for summer evenings.
Address: Via Tortona, 1, 20144 Milan
Trattoria da Tomaso
A small, family-run Milanese restaurant, Trattoria Da Tomaso has been a bastion of traditional local cuisine since 1961. Their ossobuco is a triumph of flavors: soft, flavorful meat, perfectly al dente risotto and fresh, fragrant gremolada. The location, just below the Bosco Verticale, creates a fascinating contrast between tradition and modernity.
Address: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 20, 20124 Milan