The Milan Restaurant Christian Vieri Ranks Above All Others

“It’s the best pasta in Italy. And if it’s the best pasta in Italy, it’s the best pasta in the world.”

Since football began, strikers have had to back themselves, but this bold claim from former Italy goal machine Christian Vieri piqued our interest here at Destination Calcio.

The restaurant he raved about during our chat last season is Osteria del Corso in Milan. Naturally, we had to check it out.

Located on Corso Garibaldi between the Brera and Moscova districts, and around a 20-minute drive from the San Siro, Osteria del Corso has been run by the Di Vivo family since the late 1960s.

The restaurant balances being low-key and legendary at the same time. The kind of place where generations of families, groups of friends, romantic dinner dates and celebrities all dine together. No special treatment, no pretence. 

The interior is sleek with tables set on fresh, white tablecloths. The lighting is warm and low while framed photos and pieces of art line the walls (including one of Vieri in a Juventus kit).

At first glance, it appears to be grandiose, but after a quick chat with the cameriere (waiter), it’s clear this is a restaurant with heart. With great food, an ambient atmosphere and enough privacy to eat in peace if you happen to be a big star, it is easy to see why this is a Milanese favourite.

We let our waiter order from the menu for us. With the guidance to sample a bit of everything, we kicked off with the house appetiser – meatballs, turnip tops and sausages, and stuffed aubergine. For mains he brought out a selection: Milanese cutlet (tender veal that is breaded and fried in butter – melt in the mouth. €22), saffron risotto (a Lombardy classic with a golden hue and a smooth as silk flavour, €20), and linguine with prawns and courgette (huge whole prawns in a light and flavoursome sauce, €25). 

Followed, of course, by tiramisu. Light, rich and just the right amount of booze.

Each dish was simple in ingredients, yet complex in taste – a feat accomplished with expert knowledge and pure passion. 

Feeding The Famous

Rumour has it that half the Italian football world has eaten here at some point – from ex-players to agents, and managers trying to convince a midfielder to sign over a quick lunch.

Osteria del Corso’s Instagram boasts photos of famous faces, including former Inter player Radja Nainggolan and Palermo coach Pippo Inzaghi.

And yes, Vieri, who had six years with Inter followed by a brief spell at Milan, really does come here. Often. “I’ve been going to the same place to have lunch every day for 25 years”. 

If that’s not a glowing review, we don’t know what is.

Address: Corso Garibaldi, 75

Phone: +39 02 659 7441