Don Lisander

Beautiful surroundings, a little overpriced for the quality of food. Staff were relatively pleasant, professional and spoke good English. For a restaurant on Manzoni near Montenapoleone the pricing is expected but the Ossobuco was a little bit over cooked, the risotto a little undercooked, the Tiramisu a little bit on the soggy side but taste was not too sweet. On the other hand, the Brunello wine was excellent.
Most patrons do speak English so I believe it is more for tourists and business dinner than actual locals. Overall average but pleasant.

First impression of Don Lisander: Look at that fancy restaurant.
Second impression of Don Lisander: It’s even more fancier and romantic looking at night.
Third impression of Don Lisander: Tourist trap.
From afar, Don Lisander is like an oasis in the desert. It separates itself from the busy shopping district by being tucked away and blanketed by beautiful plants. It has an outdoor seating area and walking by you will wonder what it is like to dine there. Looks divine! It is also one of the few «nice» restaurants in the area.
Hours later and desperate for a meal, we found ourselves back at Don Lisander. The restaurant looked empty (just a few patrons) and we were able to snag ourselves a table in the garden patio. It was definitely a romantic setting and seemed promising.
We ordered the risotto con gamberi e ristretto di pescato and il petto d’ anatra all’ arancio e pepe sichuan. The food came out well plated and with small portions. The duck was absolutely delicious with hints of orange, was extremely tender and juicy but the risotto fell flat and can be described as «nothing special». It was found that my thoughts on the risotto were also supported by our neighboring table after having a friendly chat. The risotto was a thin layer of rice over a few pieces of shrimp. The broth was neither rich nor flavorful. It would be rather depressing to almost compare this dish to a plate of oatmeal but that’s where I would head if I were to continue talking about it.
Throughout dinner, I noticed that people would come in without reservations. The staff seemed annoyed even though the restaurant was empty. Even by the time we had left, the restaurant was still relatively empty. We were rushed throughout dinner and when it was time to get the bill, it took forever. People were panicking as they were trying to make a show at Teatro alla Scala. I also noticed that with the tourists who could not understand the menu, the staff was not very patient or friendly. If you do not speak Italian, make sure you can quickly google on your phone what some of the dishes are. On top of the very expensive meal, Don Lisander charges a hefty cover charge.
It’s a shame. The restaurant is beautiful and in a good location. However, the food experience and ambiance is not worth the lukewarm and mediocre service and high price of the meal.
I don’t think any tourist left completely satisfied. Just with lighter wallets.

A milanese classic for fine food and simple elegant service. It is also beautiful to eat on the patio facing the noble garden in the summer time.