Erba Brusca

This simple but unusual restaurant in the bohemian neighborhood of Navigli is close to the Naviglio Pavese canal. It's worth the 15-minute trip here from the center of the city. This spot's originality shines through in the menu and in the setting, in each detail and the clientele. Erba Bursca is jokingly called 'the garden in a kitchen' because that's what it looks like, especially in summer. The veranda (the tables are practically sitting in the garden) is always full of people, and they grow the very same vegetables that will eventually end up on your plate. There's a small nook in the restaurant which comfortably seats eight. In the summer the restaurant has a main terrace right next to the garden, and a smaller one on the other side of the restaurant, which is also surrounded by greenery. The menu is small, mainly with dishes from various regions in Italy.

Head chef Alice Delcourt, who has English and French roots but grew up in America, fell in love with Italy and left everything behind in the United States to move there. After working in other restaurants, she decided to open up her own place that would stand out from the rest. The idea came through in full form. 

We recommend: Gnocchi with tomatoes, ricotta and mint, vegetable pies. For dessert, we recommend the panacotta with apricots and aromas of vanilla and lavender. The menu changes often, so you can bravely experiment and try out dishes at random.

Cuisine: Authentic and eclectic.

Atmosphere: Simple and rustic.

The crowd: Creative bohemians, writers, journalists, designers, fashionable couples.

Key info: In the summer, reserve a table on the terrace with a view on the garden. After dinner, as long as you are in Navigli, drop in to one of the bars along the canals for a drink, or just take a stroll.

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