Our Story
For more than a century Al Mercante has welcomed locals and travellers in Milan. Indeed, we are a historic restaurant Milan visitors recognise for consistency and authenticity. Furthermore, our doors have opened every day under the same sign since 1919. Specifically, you will find us steps from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala. In addition, three separate institutional recognitions confirm the cultural and commercial value of our business. Therefore, we remain fully alive within the urban fabric of the city. Above all, visiting us means stepping into one of the oldest dining rooms in the centre. In short, this is a true historic restaurant Milan has chosen to protect as part of its heritage.
1976: a historic restaurant in Milan finds new life
First, in 1976 Corrado and Margherita Romanini took over the restaurant. Then a new era began, one destined to consolidate its gastronomic identity. Indeed, with a clear vision and attentive family management, they transformed Al Mercante into a benchmark for Milanese dining.
As a result, the restaurant attracted both business clientele and lovers of traditional Italian cuisine. During those years it stood out for a consistent and recognisable offer. In particular, select ingredients and authentic local flavours defined the kitchen. Moreover, quality became the guiding principle behind every decision. From raw materials to welcoming service, every detail mattered. Consequently, this approach built a solid reputation among Milan’s traditional dining venues.
First recognition in 2010 by the City of Milan
First, the major milestone arrived in 2010. Specifically, the City of Milan added Al Mercante to its Albo delle Botteghe Storiche. Indeed, the City Council established this register of Historic Shops in 2004. It gathers businesses operating in the same commercial sector for at least fifty years. Therefore, listed activities receive the status of cultural and traditional heritage.
Furthermore, we became part of a network that today counts more than five hundred active historic shops. For example, tailors, bookshops, pastry shops, grocery stores and restaurants all appear. Indeed, each one has stood the test of time.
In addition, the architect Bob Noorda designed the exclusive plaque outside our entrance. For us, the plaque is not a trophy but a daily commitment. Moreover, the 2010 recognition confirmed what we had always pursued: continuity of management, coherence of the offer, deep roots in the neighbourhood. For visitors searching for a historic restaurant Milan can be proud of, the plaque is the first reassurance.
Lombardy Region historic business since 2014
Four years later, in 2014, a second important acknowledgement arrived. Specifically, Al Mercante joined the regional list of Historic Businesses of Lombardy. Indeed, Regione Lombardia manages the list under Regional Law 6/2010 and subsequent amendments. Moreover, the regional recognition rewards businesses with at least forty years of activity. In addition, required conditions include the same sign and the same management. However, continuity between owners is permitted. Furthermore, the category of goods or service must remain unchanged.
Also, premises in buildings of architectural interest enter the evaluation. The same applies to original furnishings. For restaurants, the relevant category is “locali storici” — historic venues. However, the broader Italian term Negozio Storico now appears in everyday language. Today the regional list includes more than four thousand certified businesses across Lombardy. In addition, each business receives an identifying mark, a plaque and an official window decal. Therefore, this recognition confirms that our historic restaurant Milan tradition extends well beyond the municipal boundary.
2018: a new chapter for this historic restaurant in Milan
On June 9, 2018, Al Mercante began a new chapter. Specifically, we moved to our current location at Via Cesare Cantù 7, on the corner of Piazza Pio XI. In particular, the new address sits directly across from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. Therefore, this strategic move strengthens our ties to Milan’s historic centre. However, the original vocation of the restaurant remains intact.
Today, Simona and Claudio Romanini lead this phase. Moreover, they continue the family tradition with a contemporary perspective. Above all, the values built over the years remain at the core. The location may have changed, but the philosophy is unchanged. Indeed, Italian cuisine based on fresh ingredients selected daily defines our menu. In addition, we focus on seasonality and meticulous preparation. As a result, the new space welcomes an increasingly international clientele. Therefore, Al Mercante remains a go-to destination for an authentic experience in central Milan.
2019 and 2026 renewal: still a historic restaurant in Milan recognised by the City
In 2019 and in 2026, the City of Milan renewed and confirmed the recognition. Specifically, the new decree comes from the technical evaluation committee that met during the year. Therefore, Al Mercante appears in the updated register of Historic Shops of Milan. For us, it is a double source of pride.
First, we still meet the core requirements rewarded by the first certification. Indeed, more than a hundred years after the founding, we maintain continuity, identity and quality of service.
Second, we have passed periodic checks on the venue. In particular, the checks cover features, intended use and consistency of our offer. However, the 2026 recognition is not a formal anniversary. Rather, it is a substantive confirmation: a historic restaurant Milan can rely on. Moreover, we keep investing in the present without betraying our past.
What “historic restaurant” means for our guests in Milan
For anyone choosing a historic restaurant Milan offers in the centre, this recognition is more than a stamp. Indeed, it is the promise of an experience that values time. In particular, Italian recipes prepared with care and attention to every detail of the service. Moreover, our dining rooms tell a real story. For example, generations of guests, staff trained on site, suppliers chosen by affinity. Above all, convenience never drives our choices.
Therefore, a genuine heritage restaurant is part of the urban landscape. Indeed, it belongs there as much as a palazzo or a square. However, many travellers want to avoid the most crowded tourist routes. Instead, they look for an authentic Milan local business. For these visitors, the list of historic shops is an immediate reference point. Furthermore, it is a conscious choice, supported by two distinct public institutions. First, the City of Milan acts at municipal level. Second, Regione Lombardia acts at regional level. In conclusion, two different perspectives offer one shared confirmation of value.
The requirements behind the historic shop status
First, the requirements are far from symbolic. Specifically, the venue needs at least fifty years of uninterrupted activity in the same commercial sector. Moreover, owners must preserve the original sign and characteristic features. In addition, the venue must maintain continuity of intended use, even through restoration or changes of ownership.
Therefore, the process is documentary and architectural. In particular, it requires historical records, floor plans, period photographs and explanatory reports. Furthermore, a technical commission of the City of Milan examines each application. Indeed, the commission verifies coherence over time. For the tradition we represent, meeting these parameters is a true recognition. In short, it rewards consistent choices made day after day for over a century.
Come and discover over a century of history
Al Mercante is waiting for you in Via Cesare Cantù 7, at the corner with Piazza Pio XI. Indeed, we are only minutes from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Teatro alla Scala and the Duomo. Moreover, the restaurant opens for lunch and dinner. In particular, traditional Italian cuisine defines our menu. Therefore, book a table to find out in person why we appear among the historic places in Milan to visit. Above all, enjoy a genuine slice of the city’s commercial tradition.
📞 Phone: +39028052198 🌐 Book online ✉️ Email: [email protected]
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