A small, family-run neighborhood osteria with excellent traditional Milanese cooking, notably ossobuco and risotto, though reservations, limited seating, and occasional service or seasoning inconsistencies matter.
Osteria del Riccio delivers strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like ossobuco and risotto, paired with notably attentive service that reviewers consistently praise. The intimate, comfortable setting appeals to locals seeking authentic neighborhood dining, though modest ambiance prevents it from reaching the very top tier. Solid consistency across execution keeps it reliably excellent without the flawless polish of higher grades.
Tucked into a residential corner of Sesto San Giovanni, this small, long-running osteria feels more like a welcoming neighborhood dining room than a polished destination restaurant. Guests repeatedly describe owners Luciana and Giuseppe and their team as warm, attentive hosts; one visitor said the intimate room made them feel “as if they were dining at home.” Reservations are wise because the dining room has only a handful of tables, and the location is particularly practical before an event at Carroponte. The cooking is rooted in traditional Milanese and Italian comfort food, with careful ingredients and generous portions rather than experimental theatrics. Ossobuco with saffron risotto is the historic crowd favorite in the reviews, while the current menu offers substantial Milanese cotoletta, handmade-feeling pasta dishes, regional meat preparations, vegetarian plates, and classic desserts. Most diners find the food excellent and the pricing defensible for the care involved, though a minority reports over-salting, an under-crisp cutlet, or a bill that felt high. Families are genuinely catered for: the current menu includes a €25 Menù Giurassico with tomato pasta, meatloaf, roast potatoes, and gelato, plus €4-5 children's pasta available when requested at booking. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are also unusually well represented. The small, quiet room suits family celebrations and calm dinners, but reserve ahead and confirm children's or seasonal signature dishes before arriving.
Area vibe: Post-industrial Milan suburb known for its redevelopment, local commerce, and commuter links to central Milan.
Safety: Generally safe with active daytime footfall; quieter at night though well-lit near main streets and stations.
What's nearby: Close to Sesto San Giovanni transport hubs, shopping streets, local offices, and parks; linked by metro and regional trains to Milan.
Start with the ossobuco and saffron risotto if it is available, then consider a Milanese cotoletta or classic bonnet
Reserve ahead for this small neighborhood osteria, and expect the bill to rise quickly with wine or its €26 cotoletta
Expect a warm, residential osteria atmosphere rather than a polished destination room, with only a few tables