After being introduced to Italy in the 17th century, corn became a staple of the peasants' diet in Northern Italy — sometimes to the point of being the only thing people were eating, which led to widespread pellagra, a disease caused by the lack of fresh produce in a diet. Today, polenta is a beloved wintertime recipe. Given its simplicity, it is only as good as the quality of the corn flour used and the patience needed to cook it — it takes several hours of continuous stirring to cook it to the point where it's fragrant and unctuous to perfection.

Far from the hectic scene in the center of town, you can always find inner culinary peace in this classic trattoria still managed — with enviable stamina — by the Masuelli family. Founded in 1921, this restaurant has been serving some of the best classical Milanese cuisine the city has to offer for close to a century. Its risotto is prepared to order, so be prepared to wait and while some may quibble that the portion size is too small, the flavor is rich and the saffron super fragrant, so you don’t need a heaping helping.

Orari: dalle 12:30 alle 14:30 e dalle 19:30 alle 22:30; chiuso la domenica e il lunedì a pranzo Indirizzo: viale Umbria 80, 20135 Milano Contatti: 02.55184138 – www.masuellitrattoria.com. La Trattoria Masuelli è un ristorante a conduzione familiare e in stile vintange dove assaporare i piatti tipici della tradizione milanese e piemontese. Oltre alla cotoletta, magistralmente fritta nel burro chiarificato, sono da provare il risotto, la polenta e i bolliti, piatto tipico del lunedì a cena.

Milanese cuisine wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Cotoletta alla Milanese, a bone-in veal cutlet breaded and fried to golden perfection. Another cornerstone is Ossobuco, a slow-cooked veal shank that’s richly flavored and often accompanied by risotto alla milanese for a hearty meal. Places like Trattoria Milanese celebrate these dishes, upholding the traditional methods that give them their signature Milanese character.

aLa famiglia Masuelli ha aperto il proprio locale nel 1921 affermandosi nel quartiere con una cucina milanese–piemontese. Giunta alla terza generazione, questa realtà mantiene l’impronta del passato senza rinunciare però a un po’ di contaminazione. Tra i “piatti storici” – così sono denominati sulla carta – troviamo proprio la costoletta che insieme al risotto allo zafferano è il best seller della casa.

Max Masuelli's gift to the world is this trattoria that has been loved and cherished since the ‘20s!. This Piedmont family-run establishment is a pilgrimage of sorts for those who appreciate hole-in-the-wall eateries that always make the most lip-smacking food. Arguably one of the most treasured restaurants in Milan, Italy, Trattoria Masuelli San Marco is best known for its Ossobuco and Saffron Pasta.

A family establishment since 1921, this vintage corner of Milan is an excellent spot to try the authentic traditional fare. The feeling at Trattoria Masuelli is warm and friendly, with a welcoming staff and a touch of curious design found in the chandeliers signed by design legend Gio Ponti. Much of the decor is original, letting guests step back in time to another version of Milan.

La Trattoria Masuelli San Marco si fregia del titolo di “Bottega storica” di Milano e della Lombardia. La longevità di questo accogliente ed elegante spazio è testimoniata dall’antico bancone e dai lampadari di Gio Ponti. Tempio sacro della cucina lombardo-piemontese interpretata da Max Masuelli, terza generazione, è il posto perfetto dove mangiare la cotoletta a Milano.

The most classic version of safron rice, accompanied by ossobuco, is considered a one-dish meal and can be eaten at Trattoria Masuelli, in Viale Umbria, an institution in the city, immersed in an old-world atmosphere, with pure white tablecloths and 1930s chandeliers. Address: Viale Umbria, 80Public Transport: M3 (yellow line) Porta Romanawww.masuellitrattoria.com

The restaurant environment is rustic but with an elegant tone, suitable for a trattoria that retains a traditional atmosphere with 1930s furniture. Founded in 1921, it has come under the management of the third generation. The cuisine is linked to the Lombard and Piedmontese traditions, with typical dishes like those of the past but with a contemporary style.

Last but not least on our list of great restaurants to try in Milan!. Furnished with some classic Italian designs, Masuelli’s family has managed this magic place since 1920. The Piedmont family’s love of Milanese cuisine is their reason for opening this restaurant that also has a great selection of Italian wines.

Trattoria Masuelli: A bottega storico, meaning a historic shop, Trattoria Masuelli dates back to 1921. Almost 100 years later, the restaurant still serves up a winning mix of Milanese and Piedmont cuisine. They have created an updated delivery menu with delicious traditional items that transport and heat up well.

Trattoria Masuelli San Marco is a high-end trattoria in Milan known for its quality meals and good wine selection. It offers a relaxed place to enjoy a well-prepared Italian meal without feeling stuffy. The simple and welcoming setting makes it appealing for anyone looking for a laid-back dining experience.

Trattoria Masuelli San Marco is an institution in Milan, a classic spot that has helped build the history of Milanese cuisine, especially at the hands of Giuseppe, aka Pino, son of the founder, Francesco. In a retro, 1930s atmosphere, the dishes seem to dance to a Charleston-era rhythm: pork and sav...

Una parte consistente dell’arredamento, così come l’insegna e il bancone del bar risalgono agli anni 20′. Si percepisce chiaramente che l’atmosfera fine che si respira appartiene a tempi diversi. Il servizio riflette perfettamente questa prerogativa della trattoria, efficiente e accogliente.

An authentic small restaurant characterized by its original turn-of-the-century furniture and the wood panelled walls with vintage photos. The cuisine is anchored on the threads of traditions for genuine Lombard dishes enriched by some exceptional Piedmont’s recipes.

Recommended by The Guardian in 2015, Trattoria Masuelli San Marco is a family-run restaurant that prides itself on tradition. Expect typical Milanese dishes, including, of course, Risotto alla Milanese. Hours: Sun-Mon 19:30–22:30; Tue-Sat 12:30–22:30.

Il nostro viaggio comincia da una “bottega storica” che dal lontano 1921 delizia i palati con una cucina lombardo-piemontese. Siamo ormai alla terza generazione in un locale che non passa mai di moda.

Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, a typical neighborhood trattoria in the Porta Romana area, is a favorite spot of our friend who lives in Milan.

Trattoria Masuelli 1921’s shimmery al zafferano with saffron is renowned as risotto Milanese runs under third generation chef Max Masuelli.

Try the dish at Trattoria Masuelli San Marco in Viale Umbria, the restaurant opened in 1921 and uses the traditional recipe.