Milan, Italy
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
Perched atop a 1930s industrial building, Ceresio 7 is where Dsquared2 founders Dean and Dan Caten brought their fashion-world sensibility to Milan's dining scene, creating a rooftop destination that pairs contemporary Italian cuisine with two shimmering pools and 360-degree skyline views. Chef Elio Sironi delivers what insiders call 'exacting simplicity'—modern Italian plates that honor tradition while showcasing pristine ingredients with technical precision. It's a see-and-be-seen address for the well-heeled crowd seeking poolside aperitivo and refined dining in equal measure, where the setting itself rivals the kitchen's ambitions.
Book for early evening to secure a poolside table and catch the sunset over Milan's skyline—the golden hour light is worth planning around.
Elio Sironi honed his craft at Bulgari Hotel Milan, where he developed the technical rigor and ingredient-focused approach that defines his cooking today. His philosophy centers on what he calls 'exacting simplicity'—a modern interpretation of Italian classics that emphasizes pristine sourcing and precise execution over unnecessary elaboration. At Ceresio 7, Sironi navigates the challenge of feeding a fashionable crowd while maintaining culinary integrity, delivering contemporary Italian plates that respect tradition without being bound by it.
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Sironi's training at Bulgari Hotel Milan informs his approach: contemporary Italian with respect for the classics, executed with clean technique and quality sourcing. Regulars praise dishes like the tartare and parmigiana, though some note that seasoning can lean conservative—the kitchen occasionally prioritizes restraint over bold flavor. The tasting menu has earned a devoted following for its thoughtful composition and attention to plating detail.
The energy is chic and fashion-forward, drawing Milan's stylish set to the poolside terrace for sunset aperitivo and late dinners under the stars. Expect a sophisticated, trendy atmosphere with brass, marble, and vintage wood details that channel 1940s Italian glamour—this is very much a scene, bustling with well-dressed regulars and international visitors. The crowd is respectful but animated, especially on warm evenings when the rooftop transforms into Milan's most coveted social hub.
The brigade works with polish and professionalism, from the coat check to tableside service, though the team can visibly feel the pressure during peak hours. Staff remain welcoming and attentive even when stretched thin, with standout servers elevating the experience through their knowledge and timing. Reservations are essential, and the reception process can occasionally feel gatekept—persistence pays off if you're told the terrace is full.
The rooftop design channels Made in Italy aesthetic, with brass accents, marble surfaces, and vintage-effect wood creating an elevated living room feel flanked by two swimming pools. Panoramic Milan skyline views provide the backdrop—this is dining as spectacle, with the industrial-era building adding architectural gravitas. The interior is cozy and sophisticated, but the outdoor terrace is where the magic happens, offering an unmatched vantage point over the city.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
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