Milan is emerging as a foodie destination, due in no small part to restaurants like Potafiori, in the trendy Bocconi neighborhood, which is something entirely all its own. What is Potafiori? It's part flower shop, part cocktail bar, and part restaurant-cafe-nightclub, all rolled into one appealing concept. The minimalist design is all raw, brushed surfaces and muted colors, the better for the flowers and crowd to stand out visually. Gio Ponti chairs and Swedish porcelain complete the functional and attractive look. This is a space to see and be seen.
The Food
The menu is charming and pleasing, with a bit of daring thrown in for good measure. Lunch offers a rotating selection of buffet dishes. Dinner shows that all the restaurant's energy is not spent only on looking good. Saffron and licorice rice creamed with sour butter, meat ravioli with bacon, butter, and sage, and ravioli stuffed with pecorino, mussels, and lemongrass are all prepared with a high level of accomplishment and love. The beer, wine, and spirits menu is not large, but the options are high quality and suited for pairing with many of the dishes. Service is lighthearted and amiable, a perfect match for the fun and celebratory atmosphere.
Last Word
Potafiori wears many hats �" flower shop, cocktail bar, restaurant, cafe, nightclub �" and it wears them all well, in a space that is becoming a Milan scenester landmark.
