Opened in May 2025, Bistrot Stendhal CityLife already boasts a long history and an important tradition: that of the Stendhal Brera Restaurant, a historic Milanese venue, “reborn” in 2019 under the visionary management of Marcello Forti, an entrepreneur in the high-end hospitality sector.

For his new adventure in CityLife, Marcello has enlisted his trusted collaborator and friend Henry Merli McClure (actually, his real name is Henry Charles Merli McClure Ralston Wilson), a well-known face at Stendhal Brera and many other renowned restaurants, including Trigabolo in Argenta in the 1990s. Henry has always combined his passion for the restaurant industry with an international career as a top manager, ever since opening his first gastropub in England in 1969.

‘A tavola se ven mai vècc’ (you never get old at the table – a Milanese saying)…and it is at the table that the most beautiful moments and friendships are born, on the other hand we are a group that thrives on romance.

(Marcello Forti)

Together, Marcello and Henry have created a restaurant, bistro, and cocktail bar with spacious and well-designed spaces that make guests feel at home, from lunch and aperitifs to a formal dinner or private party.

The focus of Stendhal CityLife is a cuisine that remains true to its roots: a menu inspired by Milanese tradition, created with exceptional ingredients and meticulously crafted by a team that has been with the group for years, particularly chef Assan Diop.

Against the backdrop of the Three Towers designed by Hadid, Isozaki, and Libeskind, one of Europe’s most beautiful urban settings, the restaurant’s interior was designed by architect Michela Partesi under the careful supervision of Marcello, who sought to recreate the elegant “Stendhal style”, combining the Milanese trattorias allure with the typical touches of French bistros and English gentlemen’s clubs.

Of course, references to Marcello’s father, Enrico Forti, the historic Milanese restaurateur who started it all, a lover of the good life, are a must. Personal family touches also appear among the furnishings, such as illustrations inspired by the Futurist and Bauhaus movements, motorcycles, and vintage Berkels.

The menu features Stendhal’s classics and traditional Milanese recipes, including appetizers such as zucchini flowers, ricotta cheese, and Genoese pesto, and Mondeghili meatballs; risotto giallo (also available in a delicious sautéed version with Silter fondue); and main courses such as veal Milanese with a handle and Norcia black truffle; or Wagyu steak “del Lodigiano” with potatoes and mayo.

Great attention is paid to the partners, including bread from Davide Longoni, the “natural” meats from Salumi Bettella, artisanal pasta from Pastificio Marcello, and many others, all proudly Made in Lombardy.

Alongside traditional dishes, the menu also features a selection designed for aperitifs, such as stuffed zucchini flowers, veal with tuna sauce, Wagyu bresaola, and other offerings in portions perfect for sharing.

A refined wine list pairs these dishes with fine labels selected for true connoisseurs, lovingly curated by Henry and maître d’ Dario, who are unparalleled in pampering guests with elegance, a refined British sense of humor, and witty Milanese professionalism.

The Secret

A distinctly French feel has distinguished the Stendhal brand since its inception 35 years ago. Stendhal was born from an idea by Italo Manca, one of Milan’s last “dandies,” who chose for the restaurant the atmosphere of a trendy brasserie and the name of a writer, the pen name of Marie-Henri Beyle, who loved Milan so much that he called it “beauté parfaite” and chose the cotoletta (bread cutlet) as his favorite dish.

Useful Info

Stendhal CityLife
Piazza Tre Torri 25
20145 Milano
Tel. +39 02 66040049

Half portions to share: from €9
Appetizers: from €17
First courses: from €18
Second courses: from €23
Truffle tasting menu: from €90