Il Liberty

There's something about fine dining restaurants like this one that sets my teeth on edge (besides the pretentiousness of it all). In this case, it's pretty ironic, considering that they've branded themselves "Il Liberty" as if declaring that freedom sits at the table. You won't find an egalitarian attitude here. We were greeted at upon arrival with barely contained disdain. The only table available was upstairs. We accepted it. We were seated and served water and settled in to enjoy what we expected to be a fine meal. And then we were shuffled off to yet another table because "I just have another reservation". What? No apology. No "have a nice glass of wine for your trouble". Just a very clear statement that a more important person needed that table. The establishment itself is lively and bustling, small and very well appointed. The kitchen is glassed in which allows you to watch your food to be made by the staff like watching monkeys in a zoo. How very libertarian. The food was less impactful than they'd like. As I write this I can only recall that I liked the cod in milk and coffee and the fancy hot pocket. The rest either was just boring or, in the case of one dish, not worthy of discussion. The wine pairings were tedious and pedestrian. The least investment was made in the experience to keep the capital flowing and the most ordinary palates sated. We paid on our way out. And had the door shut on us very soundly for our troubles. There are literally dozens of good restaurants in Milan. Find one that wants you there.

So while in Milan, what does one do? Snack and drink! That's my jam! So we popped into Il Liberty while visiting Milan. We were hungry but not enough for a meal... we were thirsty, and by thirsty, I mean our livers were thirsty. So the drinks here are fabulous. Tell the bartender what you prefer in flavors and let them recommend. They know their drinks well and made excellent recommendations. Again, not so hungry we wanted a meal but we did want some nosh. We ordered a few small items for sharing and they were amazing. Can't even tell you what we ordered, we went with the bartender's recommendation. If you are looking for a pre-dinner jam... maybe a quick afternoon-date-spot, this would be a great place to consider! When we were last there, reservations would have been recommended. I would for sure, at minimum, call ahead.

Small portions Over priced Limited menu selection. Many other better options nearby

Il Liberty was one of my favorite dining experiences during a recent 10 day visit to beautiful Italy. I don't know if they have a Michelin star yet, but if they don't, they certainly should get one sooner or later. Il Liberty is not located in a busy touristy area. In fact, it seemed like we were the only tourists in the restaurant, which I loved. Sorry Americans, but I leave America to take a break from ya'll. We were lucky enough to walk in and get a wonderful table for 2 with a view of the kitchen without a reservation or wait. The restaurant was pretty busy otherwise. The restaurant was dim and romantic with good energy, but also intimate at the same time. The entire staff is friendly and professional and they speak English well enough to explain things to this stupid American tourist. They have delicious and beautifully crafted cocktails and a carefully curated wine list. There's a chef's tasting menu that's well priced and an a la carte menu. We went a la carte this time. We learned that the chef's vision for the entire menu is a playful and elevated interpretation of Milanese classics. For example, they do a premium, thick cut, bone in Milanese veal chop cooked medium whereas every other restaurant in Milan does the classic thinly pounded chops well done. The classics of course are good and will always have a place on somebody's menu, but damn thick cut Milanese veal chops are good! Long story short, everything was good and I would return to Milan just to eat here again so I can eat and drink EVERYTHING. Chef Andrea, even though he was busy in the kitchen, checked on us several times as he did with other patrons, gave us a free entree from the tasting menu just because it was so good he thought we had to try it, and took pictures with us. The only negative thing about the entire place was a faulty lock on the toilette door that would lock, but not always.....unlock. The good news is the staff would occasionally check to see if anyone was locked in the toilette. I have convinced myself this is just a cool parlor trick. Buon appetivo!

The perfect dinner. Accurate and creative cooking, creativity & tradition. You can feel the long study behind each dish to reach, as I said, perfection. As appetizer we had crispy tripe (amazing how they got the fat out of it) on a bed of small yellow lentils, topped by an extra fresh raw grey prawn. Each bite was blissful. Our main entree was duck breast topped by a generous slice of barely cooked foie gras, the composition accompanied by a tasteful sauce in which I felt a hint of chocolate. I will hardly forget this experience. La perfezione a tavola.Piatti magnifici,preparazione accurata,creatività e tradizione.Antipasto trippa e scampi:una combinazione di freschezza e croccante sapidità.Petto d'anatra e fois gras: un piatto indimenticabile, di bontà sublime.Pure il pane era squisito.Complimenti allo chef e a tutto lo staff.

Abusive and nasty management.Food may be good as others said - shame that you may not get a chance to sample it!Booked for 2 and had to bring our 2 y/o son with us last-minite. Met with disgusted faces at the door.When asked for child seat - they carry none.I jokingly told the server that this must be the only place in Milan that does not carry one - only to be agressively told this is standard.Anyway,we wanted to sit when some kind of manager came up.Whithout even telling his name,charge or welcome us,this gentleman said that this is not a right place for us - people with children!!! I replied that they should clearly state this on the door then - at which he became even more irritated and told us that this is his house and we will shut up,listen to him and obey his rules.Simply unbelievable. I agree that should have notifed the place that we are bringing out son with us in advance.It was last-minute change,but still. At any place,I belive this cannot be an excuse to treat customers with arrogance and agression. So if you are anyhow different from a tipical customer this people have is they heads - be ready to be abused.

if you had time for just the one meal in town, head to Il Liberty. eat tartare di branzino and costoletta alta di vitello (veal chop), classics sure to make you break into alleluia. to a Milanese, fairly simple food but trust moi, the 'As good as it gets!' variety.