"A Michelin star on the edge of Navigli — Matias Perdomo's playful, illusionistic Italian cooking across two long tasting menus."
About Contraste
Contraste opened in 2015 on Via Giuseppe Meda, on the edge of Milan's Navigli district, and won its first Michelin star in 2018. The kitchen belongs to Uruguayan chef Matias Perdomo, whose cooking treats the plate as theatre — dishes built to look like one thing and taste of another, served in a bright, recently refreshed period room.
The format is two parallel tasting menus of contemporary Italian cooking. It is fine dining as entertainment: technically serious, often funny, and built to surprise diners course after course rather than to play it safe.
The Kitchen
Perdomo's signatures are trompe-l'oeil illusions — the 'donut alla bolognese', a glazed-doughnut shape that opens to deconstructed lasagne with ragu and bechamel; a caramelised onion shelled in spun sugar over goat's-cheese mousse; and ravioli that play tricks on the eye. The cooking is rooted in Italian tradition but reassembled with modern technique.
The choice is between two menus: Riflesso, the more immediate and recognisable, and Riflessioni, the bolder, more cerebral path. Both run €180 per person across roughly 20 courses, with wine pairings extra — a full evening rather than a quick dinner.
The Room
The dining room sits inside a period building, brightened after a refurbishment into shades of blue, red and green that feel playful rather than hushed. It matches the food — a place built for a long, surprising meal rather than a formal, ceremonial one — with warm, well-drilled service.
The Via Meda address keeps it just off Navigli, away from the tourist crush. Booking two to three weeks ahead is wise for prime evenings, and the tasting-menu format means arriving ready to settle in.
Best for an Anniversary
The theatre, the long menus and the relaxed-but-special room make Contraste a memorable anniversary or milestone birthday in Milan. The sense of occasion and the talking-point dishes also make it a strong table to impress clients.
Not for
Not for diners who want a quick a la carte dinner or classic, unshowy fine dining — Contraste is a long, playful tasting-menu experience built on surprise.
Frequently Asked
What is Contraste known for?
Trompe-l'oeil cooking and a Michelin star. Opened in 2015 on the edge of Navigli by Uruguayan chef Matias Perdomo, it serves playful Italian tasting menus where dishes are built to look like one thing and taste of another.
Who is the chef at Contraste?
Uruguayan chef Matias Perdomo, who opened Contraste in 2015 and earned its first Michelin star in 2018. His illusionistic, technically serious cooking has made it one of Milan's most distinctive fine-dining rooms.
How much does dinner cost at Contraste?
Both tasting menus — Riflesso and Riflessioni — run €180 per person across roughly 20 courses, with wine pairings charged separately. It is a full-evening fine-dining experience.
What should I order at Contraste?
You choose between two set menus rather than a la carte: Riflesso is the more immediate and recognisable, Riflessioni the bolder and more cerebral. Watch for the signature 'donut alla bolognese' and the spun-sugar caramelised onion.
Where is Contraste and should I book?
At Via Giuseppe Meda 2, on the edge of Milan's Navigli district. Booking two to three weeks ahead is wise for prime evenings, given the small room and tasting-menu format.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Contraste
Book two to three weeks ahead for prime evenings. Tasting menus only — arrive ready for a long meal on the edge of Navigli.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressVia Giuseppe Meda 2, 20136 Milan
NeighbourhoodVia Giuseppe Meda, on the edge of Navigli, Milan
CuisineItalian
PriceBoth tasting menus — Riflesso and Riflessioni — run €180 per person across roughly 20 courses; wine pairings cost extra
Dress CodeSmart
SeatingBright, colourful period dining room
ReservationAdvised, two to three weeks ahead
