Undercover Diner Visits Milanos

My husband and I found ourselves at Milano’s on Friday night for a last-minute dinner date. Without a reservation, we weren’t sure we would get a table, but we managed to snag the last two barstools — which, honestly, is where we prefer to sit anyway.

There’s something fun about bar seating. The atmosphere is lively, the service tends to be quick and attentive, and you get to interact with the bartender. We weren’t in any rush to get in and out, though. With a babysitter watching our daughter, we wanted to make the most of our evening out, and we were able to do just that.

Our bartender was friendly, accommodating and checked on us frequently throughout the meal, making sure we had everything we needed without making us feel rushed.

We started with the fried burrata ($10), served with marinara and shaved pecorino. As a burrata lover, I was already sold, and it did not disappoint. The creamy mozzarella filling paired beautifully with the marinara and cheese. We also ordered two of Milano’s doughy rolls, which remain some of my favorite rolls in Lynchburg. 

Instead of getting separate entrees, we decided to split a pizza — something we hadn’t done at Milano’s in a while. My go-to is the Thai chicken pizza ($17), and my husband had never tried it before. Topped with sesame sauce, mozzarella, chicken, serrano peppers, sweet chili, cilantro, and peanuts, it delivers a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It was a hit with both of us, and we even had leftovers to enjoy the next day.

For drinks, we ordered the least expensive bottle of red wine we could find on the menu, which was $31.

I would love to see a few more affordable wine options for diners who want to enjoy a glass or bottle without stretching their budget. Restaurant prices are climbing everywhere, and Milano’s appears to be no exception following recent changes at the restaurant.

My husband also treated himself to Hendrick’s gin and tonic. He loves good gin and tonic but typically sticks with the house vodka when ordering a cocktail. This time, he opted for something a little more special and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Overall, Milano’s delivered exactly what we wanted from a date night: good food, attentive service, and a fun atmosphere where we could slow down and enjoy each other’s company. The bill can add up, especially when you factor in drinks, but the food and experience made for a worthwhile evening.

We don’t get date nights very often, so when we do, we want to make them count. Milano’s was a wonderful place to do just that, and it remains one of our favorite spots for dinner in Lynchburg.