Welcome Il Bar, Milan’s newest addition to its list of must-visit mixology and cuisine locations – an elegant spot for socializing and unwinding, it has a distinct international flair. Set in the heart of Brera, “Il Bar in Via Mercato,” part of the Obicà Mozzarella Bar Group, is dedicated to the world of beverages, an exclusive destination where visitors are free to experience a journey of exploration with original cocktails and innovative food offerings.
The Hand of the Master Mixologist Oscar Quagliarini
The highlight of “Il Bar in Via Mercato” is its special cocktail list curated by Oscar Quagliarini – one of the best-known mixology professionals in Europe – who thus consolidates his four-year collaboration with the Brand, which began in 2019, and counts in his career numerous international partnerships with the world of catering, hospitality, and design.
The Location of the Bar in Milan
Already present in Milan, Palermo, and Cagliari – in the respective Food Halls of the Rinascente – the venue now opens its fourth location, once again in the Lombard capital, in Via Mercato 28 – an attractively designed location, characterized by minimal and contemporary furnishings, which lends itself to welcoming an international audience of mixology enthusiasts.
A Concept Born in Milan
“The concept of Il Bar started in 2007 on the terrace of the Rinascente Milano,” says Davide di Lorenzo, CEO of the Obicà Group. “In these 15 years of activity, it has given us great satisfaction, both in terms of sales and feedback from our customers, who have always appreciated the proposal of high-level cocktails combined with an appealing food offer, either as a drink pairing or as an informal lunch or dinner.”
“When, in 2022, we decided to relocate our historic Obicà in Via Mercato a few hundred meters away, in Via Cusani 1,” Davide continues, “it seemed like the perfect opportunity to open a new venue under the Il Bar brand. We then worked at different levels to evolve the concept according to the specificities of the neighborhood and the potential clientele, which we have known for almost two decades.”
Magical Cocktails
“Grimorium” is the name given to the cocktail list designed by Oscar Quagliarini, consisting of eight cocktails inspired by the world of green magic. A real book of spells that associates the powers of plants with a selection of drinks that bear evocative names such as Omniscience – Absinthe, Cucumber Syrup Water, Green Cedar Bitter -, Tear of Heaven – Gin infused with Butterfly Pea Flower, Tonic Water and Lavender -, Prophecy – Bulleit Rye Whiskey infused with Rock Crystal and Red Ginger, Ginger Beer, Lime, and Thyme – and Eclipse – Vodka, White Vermouth, Bergamot Bitter, Sfera Fumée and Black Sesame.
Eight magical potions that, between a pinch of Gin, a drop of Vermouth, and a touch of Vodka, transport the audience to a universe of signature cocktails, essential in their recipes but impactful in taste. The beverage offer is enriched by the drink list with Classic Italian Cocktails, Champagne Cocktails, Non-alcoholic Cocktails and Distilled Spirits selected by Oscar Quagliarini, and an extensive list of Italian and French wines, Italian bubbles and champagnes, beers and beverages.
Il Bar in Via Mercato
“Our collaboration with Il Bar has been going on for almost four years now,” comments Quagliarini, “during which time we have created a path through seasonal cocktail lists, each linked to a creative concept from which a solid and intriguing storytelling for the venues’ clientele flows. The fil rouge of all these lists is always the search for essentiality: for each cocktail, a few quality ingredients, many of them homemade, offer customers a pleasant and stimulating experience, in which they can recognize each product used.”The Culinary Proposals
The offerings at Il Bar in Via Mercato do not end there. Accompanying the beverage menu are two menus-one for lunch and one for dinner-with dishes featuring international flavors and prepared with the highest quality ingredients, for a taste experience to be enjoyed at any time of day.
The menu designed for lunch presents elegant and varied offerings including Burgers and Sandwiches such as the Club Sandwich and Bacon Cheeseburger, Salads such as the Caesar Salad and Waldorf Salad, first and second courses such as Spaghettoni al Pomodoro with Caprino al Limone and Chicken Curry.
Instead, the dinner menu features Tapas style items that are ideal for sharing, such as Grilled Vegetable Gyoza and Saffron Crispy Polenta, and Taglieri, including the Sandwich Tasting, as well as first and second courses that include mouthwatering options like Tagliolini with Italian Caviar and Sashimi Salad. Completing the lunch and dinner offerings is a selection of desserts, with sweet indulgences like Apple Tarte Tatin served with Madagascar Vanilla Ice Cream, Salted Caramel Cheesecake with Maldon Salt, and the timeless Tiramisu and Coffee Affogato.