Not only Milan

Da Giuliana: the Quirky Charm of dining experience in Bergamo.

The beautiful city of Bergamo, located just 40 minutes away from Milan, has been declared one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2023. Thanks to this marketing initiative, this well-maintained city has become even more vibrant.

Dear friends, today I would like to recommend you a wonderful restaurant in Bergamo. Well, actually, it’s a true trattoria – informal, lively, and unlike any other restaurant you’ve been to. The place is called Caffè-Trattoria d’Ambrosio, but all the locals in Bergamo simply call it Da Giuliana.

What makes this trattoria special is, first and foremost, its owner, and secondly, the eclectic interior she has curated over the years.

The flamboyant Giuliana is always in the dining room, welcoming and serving guests. Regardless of the season, she can be spotted wearing her trusty flip-flops – a signature look that sets her apart. Rumor is, she is a big fan and a VIP client of Chanel. By the way, when I noticed that our order was being served by another staff member adorned with Cartier bracelets, I realized that business is going well. 😜

The food at Giuliana’s place is simple, if not downright rustic. You’ll find a variety of pasta dishes, meats, daily specials, and delightful desserts. You won’t pay more than 15 euros for lunch, and you’ll spend the entire time observing the diverse mix of guests: it seems like the entire population of Bergamo, from office bosses to laborers, gathers here, constantly joking and bantering with the staff as if they’ve known each other since childhood.

Now, let’s talk about the interior. It’s a wild mix of art pieces, memorabilia from the local football club Atalanta, antique furniture, plastic chairs, and unabashedly kitschy decorations. You don’t have to make a reservation in advance; the trattoria is huge, with plenty of seating inside, in the basement, and at covered and open verandas.

So, if you’re tired of polished restaurants with Michelin stickers at the entrance, you can confidently head to Giuliana’s place for a change of scenery and a dive into the local life.

RESTAURANTS REVIEW

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