Belé in Milan: Modern Italian Cuisine with a Touch of Elegance on the Navigli
Entering Belé on the Navigli in Milan is like being welcomed into a different dimension, where time slows down and the frenzy of the city dissolves between the soft lights and the reflections of the water. This restaurant manages to combine a cuisine inspired by Italian tradition with contemporary touches, without ever being excessive, and an atmosphere that invites you to relax, perfect for a special evening or a more informal, but refined meeting.
Atmosphere: Simple Elegance
The environment is intimate and refined, but in a very natural way. You don’t feel the desire to amaze with unnecessary pomp; everything, from the minimalist furnishings to the warm colors that envelop the rooms, is designed to make you feel at home, but with a touch of elegance that doesn’t disturb, but rather welcomes. The terrace overlooking the Navigli, when the weather permits, offers one of the most pleasant experiences in the city: dining outdoors, surrounded by the quiet of the water and the evening lights, makes the experience unique.
Menu: Tradition with Subtle Creativity
Belé’s cuisine does not launch into flights of fancy, but offers dishes that start from Italian tradition to add touches of creativity, always with great respect for the ingredients. The frog risotto is probably one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, a tribute to Lombard cuisine, executed with extreme precision and attention to flavors. The consistency of the risotto is perfect: each grain well separated and wrapped in a savory sauce, with the frogs adding a delicate but decisive note. It is not a dish that is often seen on Milanese menus, and this makes it even more interesting.
The ravioli stuffed with guinea fowl also deserve a special mention: the pasta, very thin and light, envelops a tasty and well-balanced filling, enriched by a cooking juice that completes the dish without overwhelming it. The combination of consistencies and flavors is carefully chosen, and the dish is satisfying but never heavy. And then, there is the grilled octopus, a dish that manages to maintain that perfect balance between crunchiness and tenderness, accompanied by fresh vegetables that refresh the palate and complete the experience.
Service
Everything went smoothly, without a hitch. The waiting staff was impeccable: present and diligent, but with discretion. Always ready to give explanations, but without ever being pushy. We really appreciated the tact and sensitivity of accompanying the guest with a firm, but kind hand.
Prices: Correct Balance between Quality and Experience
Considering the quality of the dishes and the attention to detail, the average price of 40-60 euros per person is absolutely justified. For Milan, and in particular for the Navigli area, it is difficult to find a restaurant that offers such a complete experience while maintaining such a balanced quality-price ratio. Starters such as octopus are around 13-15 euros, first courses, including the famous ravioli and risotto, range between 13 and 18 euros, while the more substantial second courses remain between 18 and 28 euros.
