Milan’s dining and nightlife scene has a fresh addition that’s bound to make waves. Nestled in a former industrial area between Scalo Romana and Fondazione Prada, Lubna is a listening restaurant bar with an ambitious vision. Spearheaded by Lorenzo Querci and his partners, it’s part of a broader project that also features an art gallery, an event space, and a loft for artist residencies.
From Moebius to Lubna
At the culinary helm is Chef Enrico Croatti, while the man orchestrating the cocktail bar is Giovanni Allario—the dynamic duo behind the success of Moebius, a Michelin-starred hotspot and the 38th entry on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list.
The names of both ventures draw inspiration from the world of graphic novels. Moebius takes its name from the pseudonym of French artist Jean Giraud, co-founder of Métal Hurlant and co-creator of The Incal with Alejandro Jodorowsky and Ikaru with Jirō Taniguchi.
Lubna, on the other hand, hails from Ranxerox, the iconic cyberpunk comic series by Stefano Tamburini and Tanino Liberatore (with early contributions from Andrea Pazienza). Set in a dystopian Rome, Lubna is a sharp-tongued, daring protagonist who drags the titular character into a whirlwind of chaotic adventures.
Grill-Centric Dining and a Cocktail Bar in Harmony
For Lubna’s culinary identity, Croatti pays homage to his Romagna roots by spotlighting a regional culinary ritual: grilling. The kitchen revolves around a centerpiece grill, used for cooking, smoking, and warming dishes with finesse. Anchored in tradition, signature items like lasagna and mixed grill proudly lead the menu.
Allario’s drink list seamlessly aligns with Croatti’s vision. Alongside classic cocktails, a dedicated section explores fresh ingredients that pair perfectly with grill flavors. Expect cocktails infused with smoky, charred, and seared elements that mirror the essence of the kitchen.
The 15-Meter Bar at Lubna
Lubna’s semicircular design embraces the plaza outside and boasts a striking 15-meter bar that flows uninterrupted, blending an open kitchen, cocktail station, and communal seating. True to its identity as a listening restaurant bar, it features a dedicated space for DJ sets. From Thursday to Saturday, the venue pulsates with curated tracks, while Lubna opens its doors from Wednesday to Sunday.
Event Space and Art Gallery
Lubna is the heart of a larger revitalization project transforming a former early-20th-century oxygen depot. The development includes a spacious trapezoidal plaza, the Scaramouche art gallery, the Magma event space, and a loft for artist residencies.
The founders—Alberto and Lorenzo Querci, Francesco Sicilia, and Natascia Milia—describe the project as a tribute to a forward-looking Milan: “This is a project that speaks to a new Milan, a city of the future that preserves the solemnity of its history while embracing innovation and the ever-evolving lifestyle of its people.”
Images courtesy of Lubna, credits Julie Couder
