the most elegant bar in navigli :: 9/10 :: old fashioned €14
Morgante Cocktail & Soul is the new opening in navigli that everyone is talking about. It is tucked away at the end of the small cobblestone alley Vicolo dei Lavandai, just off naviglio grande. The entry is beautiful, with its wooden door surrounded by beautiful vines. Once you pass through the door, you are right in the middle of a lovely garden, with several intimate tables if you prefer to drink outside on these balmy summer nights.
On my first trip to Morgante, I sat up at the bar so I could chat with Massimo Stronati, the gifted head bartender at Morgante. Also at the bar was the creator of the bar, the friendly Gianfranco Morgante. Although there are only a handful of bar stools, there are several posh tables where you can chill out if you are with a group. I recommend Massimo's take on the Old Fashioned, the Vecchia Scuola (sugar cube, Angostura, Peychaud's and chocolate bitters and Michter's rye whisky). If you want something a bit sweeter but still whisky-based, try the Billy Elliot with Jameson Irish whisky, Barrel aged Marsala, Manzanilla picante fino sherry, orange bitters and thyme.
Although you pay a steeper price at Morgante than the usual bars on naviglio grande, the spectacular ambiance and excellent cocktails are worth the price. Soon Morgante will be open til the more relaxing closing time of 3 AM which means no more rushing to finish your Manhattan. God bless you guys!
"Old School" Old Fashioned cocktail
Billy Elliot
