I know The Mandarin in Milan well, and if we focus on the food alone, it is always of a high standard. You cannot go wrong in this hotel for that. The room service breakfast is always excellent with a high-level pastry chef at the helm. Every time I cut into my pain au chocolat, the layers and lamination are beautifully precise with the exact amount of chocolate on the base. It is always something to look forward to. The restaurants here consist of The Mandarin Garden serving more casual Italian fare for lunch and dinner, and one of my personal favourites Seta, by Antonio Guida, we have visited multiple times. (I will save him and his team for another occasion as we have not been back in a while). They deserve a story all by themselves.
The Mandarin Garden serves up a mixture of Italian and Milanese dishes. Next to this is their bar and they have an elegant garden area where you can enjoy an aperitif, it is perfect when the weather is warm. And if you are aware, I do not need to tell you that this is a little not so secret space right in the middle of Milan to spend an enjoyable evening. Expect the fashion week brigade and celebrities if you are interested in that sort of thing. There was a time that I could not get in a lift to my floor as I was on the same one as Kim Kardashian, her security told me to wait…. And moving swiftly back to the food! This kitchen is also overseen by chef Antonio Guida so expect the dishes to be excellent with his recognisable flair. (I have become familiar with his dishes both in Seta and here) There is never a surprise in a bad way, I know I am always going to get consistent and delicious cuisine. Each time we have stayed, there has been variation with dishes changing and this is important. To note- They keep an exceptionally good gluten free pasta here, and they can adapt if you need to eat a dish without wheat. Overall, you are in safe hands if your first thought is food.
