Un month is the average wait time for win a table from Ronin Milanthe new fusion restaurant in the heart of Chinatown and its 4 floors hides more than one surprise. And maybe that’s why everyone wants to put in theirs stories now.
Ronin Milan. Photo: Louis De Belle
The Ronin concept
Founded by the lucky owners of Pacific, Ronin Robata – despite the name – it is not a traditional Japanese restaurant, but an all-Italian homage to the imagination of the Rising Sun. Come on rice paper panels illuminated by red lights reminiscent of some scenes from Samurai Fictionto the mini booths for Karaoke, to the private club for members that recalls those of British high society. On its 4 floors in Chinatown, Ronin amazes at every corner. And he still has an ace up his sleeve to come up with at the right time.
The future is fusion
Ronin’s chef Luigi Nastri. Photo: Lucia Buricelli
On the other hand, the vision of the owners, three Italian boys in love with Japan, is that of a future without clearer distinctions between local cultures and traditionsso it chef Luigi Nastri, that is Roman, proposes in the same menu risotto and udon, uramaki and oysters, apple gyoza and pigeon with carrots. In a time when the concept of “cultural appropriation” drives the world of fashion, music and beauty crazy, Ronin is already thinking about the after. To one Chinatown of 2150, where “Japanese and Italian cultures go hand in hand”, in which “no one can consider himself a foreigner”. In which the roasted tongue is eaten after sushi.
The four planes of Ronin
Ronin Milan. Photo: J. Bellavita
But the reason why this new restaurant is driving the Milanese crazy it is not only related to his cuisine, but also to truly original proposal that offers. On the four floors of the period building in via Alfieri at the corner of via Canonica, you start from the ground floor with the Little Ronin, an informal bar-restaurant where you can eat and drink with friends. On the second floor there is the real restaurant Ronin Robatainspired by Japanese grilled cuisine, but as we said contaminated by Italian and fusion influences.
Ronin, one of the Karaoke rooms. Photo: Louis De Belle
On the third floor the double surprise of the rooms karaoke to be reserved as a group and in which to unleash your own mouths and the bar Madame Cheng, which recalls the elegant atmospheres of Wong Kar Wai. A high-level sushi bar will also open shortly on the same floor.
Finally, on the fourth floor, surprise on surprises, only a few members, and by invitation only, can access a private club in pure British style. Chesterfied sofas, wood paneling and even a billiard table complete the furnishings.
How to book at Ronin Milano
As we said the average wait time for a table at the Ronin Robata restaurant, on the second floor, is about 30 days. But there is a way to go there first… The secret is to try, even last minute, to ask for a table very early, between 7pm and 7.45pm. Most guests arrive by 9pm, so if you tune into another time zone you may be able to go. After all, in 2150’s Chinatown, maybe even the times won’t make much sense anymore.
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