A lively authentic Filipino restaurant in NoLo Milan, complete with live music and killer cocktails.
Intro
Let’s be honest, Filipino cuisine hasn’t historically gotten the mainstream spotlight it deserves in Milan. While most of us have our favorite sushi or dim sum spots mapped out, scoring a proper, soul-warming plate of Filipino food usually requires some serious digging. Tucked away near Loreto, Kasama is definitely not a quiet, kept secret; it is actually buzzing and incredibly popular with the local Filipino community, which is always the absolute best sign of authenticity.
The restaurant’s name translates to “companion” or “togetherness,” and that welcoming ethos is baked into every single corner. Much of this magnetic energy comes directly from the owner, who is famously known around the neighborhood as the coolest hippie grandma! Her vibrant personality sets the tone for the entire dining experience. We were so intrigued by the menu and the hospitality that we have actually visited twice already!
The Vibe
Step inside, and you instantly bypass the typical stiff restaurant atmosphere for something undeniably energetic and laid-back. The dining room is relatively compact and wonderfully lively, acting as a genuine community hub where everyone seems to know each other. It is the perfect place to kick off your night, especially since they offer a fantastic aperitivo setup. Grabbing a creative, tropical-inspired cocktail before diving into the heavy savory dishes is an absolute must!
What truly elevated our visits, however, was the fantastic live entertainment on the weekends when young Filipino musicians were stationed in the corner singing live. The soothing vocals and acoustic covers added an incredibly soulful layer to the room, beautifully contrasting the joyful, loud chatter of the packed tables. It is this specific kind of organic, community-driven hospitality that makes dining here feel less like going to a restaurant and more like attending a lively family party.
The Food
When it comes to the menu, the kitchen stays deeply respectful of Filipino heritage while delivering massive, unapologetic flavor. Start your meal with their crispy spring rolls—they are perfectly golden, tightly packed, and ideal for sharing over those aforementioned cocktails. But the absolute showstopper of the night is the sisig. Served on a sizzling hot plate, this savory, tangy, and wonderfully crunchy chopped pork dish is an explosion of texture and taste that pairs flawlessly with an ice-cold beer!
Another absolute must-try is the kare-kare. This deeply comforting, thick peanut stew is rich, savory, and loaded with perfectly tender meat and vegetables. It is the exact kind of dish that requires a generous serving of steaming white rice to soak up every last drop of the decadent sauce. Every plate we tried felt incredibly intentional, offering bold, hearty flavors that hit all the right nostalgic notes without feeling excessively heavy or greasy.
The Verdict
Ultimately, Kasama succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be: a warm, authentic, and high-quality representation of Filipino hospitality. The portions are super satisfying, the cocktails are dangerously good, and the addition of young musicians singing live creates a charming, vibrant weekend atmosphere. It provides a much-needed spotlight on a culinary tradition that deserves way more hype in Milan’s competitive food scene.
Because the dining room is on the smaller side and heavily supported by the local community, you absolutely need to book your table in advance, especially if you are aiming for those lively weekend dinners. But the extra planning is entirely worth it! It is a fantastic spot to break out of your usual restaurant rotation and experience something genuinely special.
Kasama
📍address: Via Nicola Antonio Porpora 9, Milano
🌐 instagram: @tarasa.kasama
Have you tried Kasama yet? Let us know your opinion, and do not forget to bookmark chinatownmilano.it for more hidden culinary gems around the city.