Osteria dei Poeti

Como sou brasileiro, escreverei para brasileiros. O lugar é bem típico. Pequeno, aconchegante e bom para quem quer fugir de lugares badalados por turistas. Contudo, é bom saber exatamente o que quer comer, pois o cardápio está somente em italiano, sem qualquer comentário em inglês e, como o lugar é bem típico, se pedir o que não conhece pode ter alguma surpresa. Fiz reserva, mas não gostei da mesa, perto da cozinha.
Apesar disso, a comida é bem saborosa. Indico para aqueles que não tem preconceito e querem fugir das tradicionais pastas italianas.

The Osteria dei Poeti is a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to eat at. We were walking towards Brera and got captivated by the Liberty style and the vibrant colors (red walls anyone??). Not sure what’s the reference to the poets in the name, but one theme is clear: you’re going to feel like you’re in Emilia, savoring very regional dishes, the way a grandma would cook them. The piadina starter is a must, so much so that you might end up ordering it even when the menu states something else. Apparently whatever you see on the starters page comes with the piadina, which you might or might not have in mind to order, but surely won’t regret. It’s fantastic, and the wild boar salame you can accompany it with is just an excuse to get more. «Oh, it comes with more piadina? Oh well.»
My biggest thumb-​up is the generous use of «formaggio di fossa», which I had on a «cartoccio» of sausages and other veggies. It’s so good that you have to pretend you know what it is and just go for it. In case you don’t, Wiki says that «the cheese typically matures around 30 days before being placed in the „fossa“, a pit dug into the ground and lined with straw». I could definitely taste that…
Other tables ordered an equally appealing cotoletta, my sense is that you’ll be in good shape whatever you order, having the foresight to leave some room for the hom-​made desserts on display.
The service was friendly, but I wouldn’t say it was faster than the average Italian restaurants. Ok, pretty slow. But the place was full (always a good sign) and we were still treated like kings. Surprisingly enough we could even pay with an Amex, while the vibe is really that of a cash-​only place. Yet another reason to go back.

The filetto da pepe verde is unreal, do not miss it! Saffron risotto was also delicious! We had a litre of the house Sangiovese and were very happy. Wonderful meal, make a reservation as we were turned away the previous night.