Bentoteca

Milan, Italy

Its bento-centric concept something of a happy accident, this Yoji Tokuyoshi operation occupies the same site as its Japanese-born chef’s former fine-diner, Ristorante Tokuyoshi, which had just unveiled a major refurb when the pandemic hit. Then, Tokuyoshi – formerly Massimo Bottura’s sous-chef at Osteria Francescana – turned his hand to sending out elevated home-delivery bento boxes inspired by those his mother prepared for him as a child, and the Via San Calocero address was reborn as Benoteteca in 2020. The elegant but unstuffy dining room features emerald-green walls and wood panelling, a chef’s table and open kitchen, where izakaya dishes made with top-notch Italian ingredients reign supreme. Representative of Tokuyoshi’s playful yet precise approach is the signature Katsusando sandwich, with fried veal tongue, spinach, cabbage and green mayo, and Butaman, a piglet-head-shaped bao stuffed with pork, duck and shrimp. Indecisive? Opt for the sharing omakase menu, which comes with four natural wine pairings.

Key Information

• Average price per person $54
• Tasting menu from $95
• Lunch: Fri – Sun, Dinner: Tues – Sun
• +39 02 84254 626
• Visit Bentoteca's Website

Location

Via San Calocero 3, Sant'Agostino, Milan, Lombardy, 20123