Situated in Stockholm’s picturesque Old Town, this family-run trattoria claims to be one of the city’s most respected Italian restaurants. It was opened in 1973 by Sicilian-born Nick Nicastro and his brother Salvatore, and these gentlemen are still running the business today.
The interior of this popular eatery is typically Italian, reminiscent of those little trattorias I used to visit with my folks in rural Italy. The walls and ceiling are decorated with reproductions of Michelangelo’s paintings. Vying for space between scenes from the Sistine Chapel are many photographs of the Nicastro family posing with famous visitors, including Luciano Pavarotti. Tables are tucked into every nook and cranny, but the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are very friendly.
The Michelangelo offers a menu packed with delicious Italian dishes, both traditional and modern. Unsurprisingly, the kids chose pizza, which, they assured me, was delicious. Apparently, even the crust tasted good – so good, in fact, that my health-conscious daughter cleared every last crumb on her plate without offering me a sample.
I had a craving for lasagne, which I rarely eat at a restaurant because I prefer my own highly classified family recipe. Reluctantly, I admit defeat, for this sizeable portion of lasagne was mouth-wateringly delicious. (I can taste it now, as I type. Jeez, I’m salivating.) They use six (yes, six) layers of pasta sheets – a veritable mountain of yumminess.
Hubbie tucked into a controversial veal escalope, served with prosciutto and a creamy white wine sauce. It was accompanied by a mixed salad and potatoes. He didn’t look up from his plate for a good fifteen minutes, which is usually a sign that he’s enjoying his food. Very intent, he was. If only he could apply such focus to cleaning the windows…
We skipped dessert in favour of a cup of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from the shop along the road, but the tiramisu and ice cream that was delivered to the next table looked very appetising. The Nicastros pride themselves on using only the finest ingredients and presenting each dish with artistic flair.
Restaurants are expensive in Stockholm, and this dinner was no exception. Hubbie’s veal, for example, cost around £21, while my meaty lasagne weighed in at around £12. The cheapest bottle of red wine will set you back around £22. Even so, I would eat here again. Wish it could be tonight…
Michelangelo Restaurant, Vӓsterlånggatan 62, 111 29, Stockholm, Sweden. Website.
