Yeah, the season of open air dining is just around the corner!

In truth, it should be here, already, but the weather is getting weirder and weirder.

The ads for these places caught my eye, recently, so here they are, with a few (unverified) tidbits from their own texts:...More...

DOWNTOWN MILAN (behind the Broletto, near to the Duomo)
"Al Mercante" - Piazza dei Mercanti, 17
Closed Sunday - reservations encouraged - tel. +39.02.805.2198
http://www.ristorantealmercante.it
'Lombard specialities and traditional Italian cooking reign, though a bit of fantasy peeks out, too. The menu is changed daily to take advantage of food in-season. Outdoor dining available also in the evening, in one of the most beautiful and evocative corners of Milan.'

SOUTHERN RING OF ERSTWHILE SPANISH WALLS (Porta Ticinese, near Piazza XXIV Maggio)
"Be Bop" - via Col di Lana, 4
Open every day - reservations encouraged - tel. +39.02.837.6972
http://www.ristorantebebop.com
'Traditional Italian cooking available also in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions. Internal romantic veranda open all year.'

NAVIGLI (CANAL) AREA
"Erba brusca orto con cucina" - Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 286
Open from Wednesday to Sunday (Sunday Brunch from noon to 3 P.M.) - tel. +39.02.8738.0711
http://www.erbabrusca.it
'Unique and precious locale located at the border between countryside and city, in this restaurant are served herbs and vegetables grown by the restaurant, itself. Everything else, chosen with care, is organic. Even the atmosphere is unique: homey, but international. The menu offers refined, authentic, tasty and innovative dishes. Seating with a view of the restaurant's garden.'

NEAR MILAN (in San Donato, not far from the Chiaravalle Abbey, which also deserves a visit)
"La corte miridea" - Via L. Calabresi, 42 (Borgo Bagnolo, San Donato Milanese)
Closed Saturday for lunch - reservations encouraged - tel. +39.02.5187.9639
http://www.lacortemiridea.it
'More than a restaurant, it is really and truly an antique village with elegant rooms, a splendid portico and an ample garden, everything necessary for a romantic evening, or for an important appointment. The cooking specializes in fresh seafood, and the menu is changed daily to take advantage of the freshest ingredients.'


Since I haven't been to any of these places, I can't vouch for the veracity of their statements, but you can! If you go, comment on the food, ambiance, services and prices (nothing was listed in the advert, sorry!), below, so others can benefit from our experience.

Just a reminder that I get absolutely no payment or kickbacks for mentioning anything commercial.

Enjoy!