Cesare Battisti
Guest Chef at Restaurant Gustavo
Cesare Battisti, born in Milan in 1971, is the chef and co-founder of Ratanà, a landmark of contemporary Milanese cuisine. He is known for reinterpreting Lombard tradition with respect, innovation and simplicity. His cooking is rooted in seasonality, memory and sustainability. After working in Milan’s top catering establishments and travelling the world on cruise ships, he returned to focus on traditional cuisine. In 2009, he opened Ratanà, where he tells the story of Milan through food, craftsmanship, and care for people. With projects like Remulass, Pastificio Ratanà, and Silvano, he continues to evolve a cuisine that is both deeply local and thoughtfully modern.
Why do you work in the culinary industry?
Because I don’t know how to do anything else – and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. This is my life. I chose to work in this field because I’ve always had a special relationship with food. It’s alive, it changes, and working with it means staying connected to nature and people. From a young age, I saw food as a way to express care, culture, and creativity. It’s not just a job – it’s how I understand the world.
What sparks your passion for creating and collaborating on culinary experiences?
People. Always people. The human relationships – with my team, with producers, with our guests – are what keep me going. For me, creating a dish is like opening a conversation. Collaborating with others brings new energy, new perspectives, and that’s what keeps this work exciting. I love the idea that food can bring different worlds together around a table.
What matters most to you when it comes to dining?
Sharing. Food is culture, it’s memory, it’s identity – but above all, it’s about being together. A good meal is a moment of connection. Whether it’s with family, strangers, or even with yourself, dining should always be a celebration of that bond.
Your food philosophy:
I believe in a cuisine that's local, seasonal, and respectful – not just of the ingredients, but of the people who grow and produce them. My food philosophy is about simplicity, memory, and emotion. I cook to tell stories, often of Milan and Lombardy, but in a language that evolves. I don’t chase trends; I chase flavour, truth, and identity on the plate.
Your favourite drink in the evening or when going out to relax:
I love Paloma.
Your favourite pizza:
Margherita, of course!
Restaurant
Gustavo
Gustavo is a delicate collision of the season’s best ingredients, Mediterranean inspiration, and the unique atmosphere of the Aura River. Here, handpicked wines meet the finest food selections from Italy, France, Spain — the shores of the Mediterranean. At Gustavo, umami and acidity blend intoxicatingly with subtle sweetness. Click to learn more!
