Walt Disney loved to say, “If you can dream it, you can do it”, referring to his career and the magic he spun from a simple mouse. Dreams infuse our lives with a sprinkle of wonder, turning us into bold experimenters and visionary entrepreneurs.
Without boundaries or labels, dreams permeate our daily lives and, for a fortunate few, they become a way of life. Some visionary individuals, driven by their aspirations, are capable of laying the foundations of a company — the Dreamers Factory — sand create a world of beauty, much like Claudio Antonioli has. Antonioli’s creative journey starts with the fashion luxury brand Ann Demeulemeester, flows through the realms of music, nightlife and multibrand stores across Italy, and culminates in Milan with Sogni. This restaurant and cocktail bar is where all his entrepreneurial roads meet.
Sogni is a vibrant new star in Milan’s dining scene, blending fashion, gastronomy, mixology and sound design into a seamless experience. Like the most vivid of dreams, Sogni enchants with a timeless allure, offering guests the chance to craft their perfect evening. The magic begins with its setting, a 20th-century kindergarten where history intertwines with the elegance of a meticulously designed space by Storage Associati architects. Imagine vast wrought-iron windows, an enchanting inner garden, a dining hall adorned with exclusive ceramics, rich wooden paneling, and a communal sharing table.
The Exclusivity Of Sogni‘s Cocktail Bar
Sogni is wrapped in mistery, with no external sign to guide you—a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It’s an exclusive place, where accessibility seems reserved for the select few. This allure makes it a darling of the fashion world, celebrated for its inimitable aesthetics and design that make it the go-to location for runway shows, parties, and photo shoots. Yet, as local and international visitors discover, this place embodies the Italian “art of living”— sophisticated, modern, and immediate — reflected in both the culinary creations of Chef Gianluca Clerici and the diverse, enchanting settings where these dishes can be savored.
But it’s the bar that truly steals the spotlight: a natural divide between pre-dinner and post-dinner, a place where every guest can curate their own experience. Whether it’s a classic Martini or a bold Negroni, the desires of every “holy drinker” who lands at Sogni are met with flair. Drawn by the grandeur of a wooden counter and a luminous mirrored bottle display, the hundreds of spirits, including collectible bottles, are just the beginning of the magic under the guidance of bar manager Matteo Paulillo. His initial drink list was a quiet whisper, a soft introduction designed to welcome patrons and uncover their preferences and trends.
The Music-Inspired Drink List
With notes of bitter, dry, umami, and sweet, these early insights evolved into a sophisticated new menu. Officially available to guests from this September, the new drink list treasures the past and marks a turning point, establishing the bar’s distinct identity in Milan’s vibrant scene.
Imagine a journey across various countries, guided by music, an integral part of the Sogni experience, where the fragrances and flavors are as expressive as the fashion that defines cultures. Drinks transform into a melody, a fashion statement, and a sip of tradition all in one. Take Mexico, for example, a tribute to the Jalisco region — renowned for its agave spirits — featuring peach yogurt-infused tequila and raspberry lacto-fermented cordial. The sweetness of the peach and the slight acidity of the red fruit make it easier to appreciate a spirit still shaking off some misconceptions.
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Images courtesy Sogni
