Alessandro Manzoni. Nicknamed by the Milanese of the time:

Don Lisander Nicknames usually respond to the mocking tones of popular expressiveness. Not in this sense, which rather enhances a respectful sentiment preserved in the evocative prefix “DON”. Thus, from the seed of the same evocation, a great restaurant was born in 1947. Baptized in the luminous wake of the magnificent Manzoni and his fellow citizens, who would doff their hats in a conventional sign of greeting, whispering the name… Don Lisander. More Milanese than Don Lisander… who could that be?

A stone’s throw from La Scala,

in the fashion district, under the golden blessing of the Madonnina that towers above the cathedral, peering down at her city, in the perfect center of the Milanese heart, you are welcomed at Via Manzoni 12/A, at the “Don Lisander” Restaurant. Lombard cuisine, mainly meat but also fish, in an elegant setting. With a patio open to a formidable view. On a garden that seems like an enchanted oasis, orbiting far from the metropolis.

Stefano Marazzato and his Don Lisander

But just outside the enchantment – to put it bluntly – congested by Milanese traffic, we find Mila. Because shortly, Mila will interview the owner of the establishment, Stefano Marazzato. Well… let’s face it, it’s not a historically happy moment. Strangled by a jungle of DPCM – where Justice “in person” recognizes their illegitimacy and unconstitutionality – restaurateurs are among the most battered. In any case, any SME entrepreneur would ponder the strategy to adopt to face a painstaking battle… Mila knows this. But she strides in smiling through the Lisander entrance with that lively childlike optimism that makes you almost believe it for real. And there she is, greeting the elegant Owner from afar. Stefano Marazzato. A man with a lean profile. Impeccable, as if he had just stepped out of Buckingham Palace. With the classic sobriety of a high-profile gentleman. After the formalities are completed, the interview begins.

“Plans for the future of Don Lisander?”

“We’ve designed a fantastic outdoor area. Electric awnings that rise and fall to shield from rain and wind in case of bad weather. Lamps that heat and create a warm, romantic atmosphere, perfect for events, business dinners, and intimate evenings (Valentine’s Day). Perfect for all seasons, including winter. Very beautiful bamboo walls. Yes… very beautiful! A new look that refreshes an already very emotional space.” How many seats does the restaurant have inside? “Fifty… as I mentioned, for the outdoor area, we’ll have bamboo paneling… then there will be a platform. New furnishings. A well-lit bar counter with very special details… a project that will be ready by mid-June.” Will you also be adding a kitchen area?

A New Fascinating Outdoor Area.

The kitchen will remain inside. What you see will become a completely usable and enjoyable space, entirely dedicated to my clientele. For lunches, aperitifs, and dinners. But there’s more… I will resume hosting concerts (as we used to) with artists from Blue Note. In fact, we should get together to organize the calendars… anyway, at 10 PM, the music will stop. I do not anticipate any disputes about the hours. Also because there are no residences along the perimeter of my restaurant; only offices, museums, and banks. And for the menu?

Any news for “spring-summer”?

Well… right now we’ve opened with a somewhat reduced menu because we are coming back from months of total uncertainty! But soon the chef will make adjustments. Although respect for tradition will remain unchanged. In any case, we will also continue with dishes from contemporary Italian cuisine. Which aligns with seasonal products… we are esteemed as Don Lisander, you understand? “Lisander”… The public that comes to us comes for Don Lisander.

This restaurant has always survived.

Independently of its chefs… independently of the managers. Independently, even, of me. It’s that brand that survives. It’s untethered from trends… because the image, the reputation of Don Lisander emerges consolidated and triumphant. Our Panettone had an incredible success at Christmas. Now we are working on branding some products. For example, extra virgin olive oil. But also rice (for risotto, in classic Milanese style). Then soon…. there will be a Pinot Noir from Oltrepò, another Don Lisander…. And add Don Lisander saffron to that. And gradually others will arrive.” It’s another opportunity for foreign customers. And of course, for Italians as well. By the way, will the products be displayed in the window? “Yes. But this decision brings another meaning with it…