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Historic venues, workshops and boutiques in Milan’s Maggiolina district
The presence of historic enterprises in a district is always a mark of continuing local traditions, which have been able to adapt to the demands of the times. The Maggiolina district is no exception, boasting high-profile historic businesses with extraordinary stories.
“A’ Riccione” restaurant in via Taramelli
The restaurant “A’ Riccione” in via Torquato Taramelli is certainly one of the district’s institutions. This historic eatery even boasts the title of being the first seafood restaurant in the city. Opened in 1926 as a restaurant serving predominately meat-based dishes from the cuisine of the Romagna region, its culinary vocation changed with introduction of seafood arriving at Milan’s via Valtellina duty office from the Adriatic. Over the years, the restaurant came to specialise exclusively in seafood, building a strong reputation and becoming a favourite spot for journalists and entertainers.
The historic Pasticceria Martesana
Opened when the Naviglio Martesana canal still flowed just a few metres away, the historic Pasticceria Martesana patisserie was named after the waterway. It was founded in 1966 by master pastry chef Vincenzo Santoro, who moved to Milan from Puglia to offer the fruits of his pastry and baking expertise.
Pasticceria Martesana has received many titles of excellence over its long history, including the prestigious “Tre Torte” award from Gambero Rosso in 2022. One of the many secrets of Vincenzo Santoro’s success is certainly his sourdough starter, created more than 50 years ago and one of the oldest in use in Milan.
The renowned Carrozzeria d’Autore Barzaghi
Far from the world of pots, pans and pastries, there is another renowned institution: the Barzaghi Carrozzeria d’Autore bodywork shop. This workshop boasts a title demanding the utmost respect, as the only bodywork shop included in the official list of historic Milanese enterprises. Founded in 1953, the business is today run by Marco Bruno, who truly realised his childhood dream of working in the trade when he took over this historic business. The interior has been renovated, adding a unique white and blue diamond flooring that Marco Bruno saw in a cartoon as a child and long desired for his future shop. The walls are decorated with old photographs of Milan and the traditional tools of those who came before him.
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