Discover Giorgio Armani's New Caffè and Ristorante in Milan

By nature, I’ve always been on a quest for perfection,” says Italian fashion icon Giorgio Armani, a guru of pure, modernist design in every application. Case in point: his clean-lined homes, five of which have been featured in the pages of AD over the years—from his alpine getaway in Switzerland to his cliffside Antigua retreat. “For both fashion and design, the underlying philosophy is the same,” he continues. “My ideas are born from the appreciation of pure forms, artisanal craftsmanship, and understated luxury.”

Nowhere is that commitment more apparent than in Milan’s newly polished Emporio Armani Caffè and Ristorante, which debuted a redesign by Armani himself this past February. High-gloss black and pops of cherry red were replaced with serene blues and taupes layered with curved banquettes and elegant barrel chairs, while a deep-teal marble fireplace and shimmering screens bring classic Armani drama. “I want people to be fully immersed in the experience of my lifestyle while continuing to appreciate culinary offerings of the highest quality,” says Armani. To that end, the two-story space on the border of the Brera and Quadrilatero della Moda districts features a ground-level caffè serving pastries and casual lunch. (Try the panna cotta with red fruits.)

Up a twisting gilded stair, meanwhile, the gourmet restaurant offers Northern Italian fare like grilled lamb chops with Jerusalem-artichoke cream. The revamp was perfectly timed for this spring’s Salone del Mobile, at which Armani unveiled a host of new furnishings for its popular Armani/Casa line. One such piece, an undulating chaise longue that looks deceptively simple and weightless, is in fact wrapped in woven leather and edged with solid wood. “For me,” Armani explains, “design consists of creating objects, spaces, and clothing that wield enduring charm and help enhance the personality of those who choose them.” armani.com/restaurant