Representing 150 years of Italian and English history, Savini at Criterion has just opened.
Dating back to 1867, Savini is Milan’s most famous restaurant – a dazzling venue where Verdi, Puccini, Callas and Sinatra all came to dine. When the Gatto family, who own five other acclaimed restaurants in the city, decided to take this historic brand global, the lavish Grade II Listed The Criterion offered the perfect location.
Against a backdrop of timeless opulence designed by Royal Albert Hall architect, Thomas Verity, this neo-Byzantine dining room and bar now presents guests with a menu of authentic Italian dishes, made with the finest seasonal ingredients.
By day Savini at Criterion is a Grand Café that offers a sumptuous setting for ritzy breakfasts, with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and home-baked croissants filling the air, along with languid lunches and indulgent afternoon teas featuring infusions from around the world.
As the sun sets, so Savini at Criterion transforms itself into a glamorous night-time destination.
The iconic long bar – where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle staged the first meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson – is the ideal spot for an aperitif or cocktail.
The Savini Champagne Cocktail, with its sparkling blend of lychee, succo di lime, menta, zucchero and champagne, is one house speciality not to be missed.
With the magnificent chandeliers illuminating the silverware, the scene is set for an evening of fine dining. Created using the best regional produce and with a nod to Savini’s heritage, signature fare includes veal ossobucco with saffron risotto; pappardelle with wild boar ragout & juniper sauce and, of course, Savini’s legendary tiramisu.
