It was 2015 and Alessandro Lanzani, already well known for Bottega & Bistrot in the center of Brescia, was looking for a large location where he could open a multipurpose space and follow up on his “experiments” for catering activities, organize events and exhibit works art, another great passion of his besides catering.

The architect Livio Palatini takes him to see the former shopping complex in Via Milano, a set of abandoned buildings with a post-industrial mood. For Alessandro it is love at first sight, the area reminds him of those lofts that characterize the cool areas of the most vibrant cities in the world and which could be found indiscriminately in London as in NY.

Silver was the future, it was spacy, the astronauts wore silver suits, (…) And silver was also the past, the Silver Screen, Hollywood actresses photographed in silver sets. And maybe more than anything, silver was narcissism as mirrors were backed with silver. 

(Andy Warhol)

So, exactly one year later, Laboratorio Lanzani opens in what is now one of the trendiest areas of Brescia, surrounded by art galleries and design showrooms. Welcoming guests is a gigantic Fellini installation that bears the name of the place, inspired by the works of the artist Martin Creed. And already from this detail we understand that we are faced with something architecturally truly special.

To realize his vision, Alessandro worked, in fact, together with Stefano Rabolli Pansera, urban planner and curator of contemporary art, winner in 2103 of the Golden Lion for the Angola Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

Thus Alessandro’s idea of starting from the mood of the Silver Factory, created in the 1960s by Andy Warhol to host artist and creative friends, was further refined by relying on the sophisticated contemporary suggestions of the works of Rudolf Stinger that combines silver foils with Persian carpets.

The silver of the walls is warmed by sofas and cushions in an original rust-colored velvet, 50s armchairs upholstered in ocher and recycled furniture, such as the tables recreated with the old abandoned doors that were found in the room. There are many works of art, always in progress, that adorn the walls, such as the photographs by Tiziana Arici inspired by the Lanzani Universe or the apples by Milena Bini.

The internal courtyard is very impressive, completely covered with vines and decorated with colored tables and Cracking Art animals.

The conformation of the restaurant, as well as the menu, has been designed to be experienced, with an international food & wine offer, all day depending on the inspiration, perfect for an aperitif, a romantic dinner, or a cocktail with friends at the bar counter where you can watch the brigade prepare excellent raw fish dishes such as oysters, plateaus and tartare.

In addition to fish, Laboratorio Lanzani is famous for its leavened products, yummy first courses and grilled meats, to be accompanied by an extensive wine list.

The Secret

Via Milano was the ancient decumanus (the road that ran through all Roman cities in an east-west direction) and therefore, due to its strategic position, the center of the city’s logistical exchanges since ancient times. The same cosmopolitan and commercial vocation that still distinguishes it today.

Useful Info

Laboratorio Lanzani
Via Milano 49
Parcheggio da Via Villa Glori
35126 Brescia
Tel. +39 030 3733097

First courses: 18 — 22 euro
Second courses: 18 — 33 euro
Tartares: from 18 euro
Row fish plateaus: from 55 euro