Waterloo, Italy

Life is a path written with stories. Pages that are read, lived, and turned, books that are closed. And the story that continues to be written. Not better, not worse. Just differently. From the hands and hearts of men.

It was an event, the arrival of Steven Mirelli and Timothy Benazzi in Waterloo. They came to leave their silhouettes and establish Magnà in place of the beautiful restaurant that was Felicità.

Investing in such a place can unleash real stumbling blocks; fertile ground for shadows trying to touch up the gilding of the past, to serve up bitterness again, and worse, to bombard with comparisons. So, these two young men needed wisdom and humility to walk in such well-marked footsteps.

The decor hasn't changed and its posture is still superb: long, with thick brick competing on one side with the open kitchen on the other; before disappearing and offering space to the wine cellar and three steps further to the pretty garden. The restaurant has just dressed itself with new seats, bringing a beautiful contemporary mood.

The team remained faithful and the cuisine, conceived by Steven Mirelli, is in line with that of a truly good trattoria, it is readable, simple, and tasty: Sicilian Melanzane alla parmigiana, Caponata of artichokes, focaccia with stracciatella to start. Mezze maniche carbonara, Spaghetti al ragù di Bologna, a tasty Emilian first course, Spaghetti alle vongole, Paccheri with radicchio, guanciale and Barolo sauce, and Risotto with langoustine, bisque, and lime on the primi side. Osso Bucco alla milanese, saffron risotto, Cotoletta alla Milanese, rosemary potatoes, and salad, Half-cooked red tuna, Bronte pistachio sauce, Tagliatta of Carima beef sirloin, Gorgonzola DOP sauce for secondi and to finish a Sgroppino with lemon and prosecco.

The promise is kept, the plate respects the rules with wonderful bites of simplicity and flavor.

Andiamo !