Stylish eatery with a patio offering locally sourced seafood and steak dishes, craft cocktails, homemade pastas with a plethora of wine options.
Milano’s Enoteca & Italian Ristorante has been a local favorite for over 32 years. From serving classic Italian dishes since 1990, we have connected tradition with evolution to bring one of the most eclectic restaurants in Lynchburg.
Alyssa Kinney
This was honestly the best food I’ve had in a long time!! The appetizer brussel sprouts were AMAZING. Then we got the chicken Alfredo and another chicken pasta (the name is escaping me but it was a pink sauce) and they were both divine! The chicken Alfredo with blackened chicken had a slight kick to it which was perfection! It was our first time but we will definitely be back!! The pasta is all handmade too!
… moreSean Michael Drake
Milano’s not only met my expectations, it overwhelmingly exceeded them! I started with their Tomato Caprise that surpassed my thoughts and past tastes, with poached pears and cherry tomatoes and pickled red onions in a well balanced balsamic vinaigrette dressing centered around the generous portion of fresh mozzarella. Next was the Lemongrass and Coconut soup. Packed with chicken, tomato, mushroom, yellow squash and arugula, one would think the flavors would be convoluted, but the harmony of these exquisite pallete teasers was phenomenal! The Chef offered me some of his homemade Faccaci bread and it did not disappoint. Lastly, I dove into the Mushroom stuffed Ravioli in a Mushroom cream sauce generously topped with fresh Goats cheese. In one word; Sublime! If you haven’t experienced Milano’s, get your Life together!
… moreDestiny
Milano’s Restaurant is truly one of the finest dining experiences in Lynchburg. From the moment you walk through the door, the atmosphere feels elevated and sophisticated, setting the tone for a high-class experience. The décor, the lighting, and even the music creates an environment that is perfect for both special occasions and evenings when you just want to treat yourself.
The service is exceptional professional, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Every staff member carries themselves with the kind of polish and care that makes you feel valued as a guest. They anticipate your needs without ever being intrusive, and it’s clear they take great pride in creating a refined dining experience.
The food is outstanding. Each dish is beautifully presented and full of flavor, with fresh ingredients and careful preparation that highlight true culinary skill. From appetizers to desserts, every bite is a reminder of why Milano’s has such a strong reputation in the area. Pair it with their excellent drink selections, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable meal.
Milano’s sets the standard for high-class dining in Lynchburg. If you’re looking for elegance, professionalism, and an unforgettable culinary experience, this is the place to go. Highly recommend!
… moreAmber McAnelly
I live in the Forest area and we have been to Milano’s on several occasions. Unfortunately, our experience tonight was quite unusual. We had originally booked a bar reservation but my daughter wanted to eat in the dining room so I changed it. I would learn that this was a massive mistake. Arriving 15 minutes early for our 6:15 reservation, I was seated in some strange banquet room next to a large family of children. Due to the screaming and banging of plates, I politely requested to be moved to a quieter table. The hostesses could not possibly have been any less hospitable or accommodating. They assured me that absolutely nothing could be done as they were fully booked and “other people” were coming in for their reservations. I would note that there were several empty tables available. Fortunately, I noticed that there were two empty seats at the bar (she did not offer these to me) and we were able to stay and have the dining experience that I had expected to book (the same dining experience I have come to expect from Milano’s) thanks to the exceptional professionalism displayed by the bar staff. I can assure you, had I left the restaurant based on the experience I had with your hostesses, I would absolutely not have returned. I have never had such a poor experience at Milano’s and was certainly taken aback by how we were treated this evening. And we were dressed well. The main hostess went out of her way to greet and chat with guests dressed in SWEATPANTS. And yet, my daughter’s nice floral dress and heels weren’t quite good enough to be treated with the same courtesy. I would advise your hostesses that people who have tattoos also have employment and run businesses. I certainly would not have come to your establishment had I not had money to pay for my experience there. This is the first time I have had such an incredibly poor experience in your restaurant and, quite frankly, I was shocked and appalled by the discourtesy we were met with. We will be back, but we will be sure to book a bar reservation and completely bypass your hostesses as much as possible. (I want to say again that the bar staff were exceptional and the only reason I will be returning to your establishment. Janelle was everything you would expect from professional restaurant staff and we were so thankful for her.) Thank goodness there was room at the inn after all.
… moreM T
Updated review from Jan-2025:
Vegetarian’s Review:
After a less-than-ideal first experience three years ago, which led to my one-star initial review, we decided to give Milano’s another chance in 2024 when they graciously accommodated vegetarians for a school event, and the food was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!
Since then, we’ve returned to Milano’s on several occasions, most recently just a few weeks ago. Each visit has been marked by exemplary service. Adam, in particular, is outstanding—his recommendations for vegetarian options have never disappointed. Some of their pizzas and pastas are truly delightful for vegetarians. Milano’s soup specials are most often vegetarian friendly and as a soup-lover I have enjoyed a wide variety of vegetarian soups. (Vegan friends: Unfortunately, Lynchburg still has a long way to go in offering inclusive dining options for you, but we remain hopeful.)
In recognition of the excellent service and delicious food we’ve experienced, I’m happy to update my initial rating of 1 star to reflect the much-improved experience we’ve had. This change feels long overdue, and it’s a relief to give credit where it’s due.
Thank you, Milano’s, for listening to your patrons and showing compassion toward those with dietary restrictions. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed!
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First time review from ~2022 or 2023
Went here a couple of Friday’s ago – four of us. We got seated at 7:45pm, food did not arrive until 9:00pm. Since we were hungry and irritated, we asked for more bread, which never came. As our appetizers were being served around 9 pm, another server came in with the second set of appetizers. The waiter and server exchanged confused looks. Our waiter apologized to us saying that the kitchen was a mess that day and was missing a lot of orders and had a hard time keeping track of orders. Pizza was sub-par. We left around 10 and wanted to talk to the manager at the front desk, but the front desk seemed to have been abandoned.
This place seems to be a hot mess.
Options for Vegetarians and vegans are pathetic.
First and last time for us.
… moreNathan McGurrin
Best food in Lynchburg. Everything we had was absolutely excellent. The chef clearly takes pride in his work. Every dish had a full range of full flavors and textures. The food tasted extremely fresh and was served hot. Service was friendly and prompt. The server was knowledgeable on every menu item and very attentive.
… moreLady B is She Travels
Delicious, I recommend the Thai pizza. The Blackened Chicken Alfredo and traditional cheese pizza were good as well. This was a positive first experience at Milanos, but I would dine in next time for a complete experience.
… moreReviewer
Everything here is frozen, in a can, in a box, from the freezer, from the microwave. Nothing is made fresh, no pasta is handmade, no veggies are actually cut in the back. The chicken looks like it was in a package and put in a microwave. The set up of dishes is really bizarre… You, the customer, choose which boxed pasta you want with your meal. With some jar tomato sauce on top…
Service was good and prompt, but the server I had constantly went against everything I was going to order. My drink, the apps, my dish… i never asked for an opinion but the way he spoke made me feel like what I ordered would be horrible. He did this with all of his tables, table across from me, behind me, etc. just odd. I understand having suggestions as a server, but these “suggestions” were very overbearing. “I wouldn’t order that. The chicken looks weird on it”. “I actually wouldn’t eat that, order this instead.” Idk just very very strange.
Music was so loud.
… moreJeanne Craig
Absolutely fabulous. It was our first time to Milano’s. We started with clam chowder. Our server suggested a wine, knowing that my husband was going to have one of the special dishes of the day (pork) and I was going to have the chicken & shrimp florentine. We had a taste of the wine and then ordered a bottle. The bread that we had before our entrees was so delicious that I didn’t even put butter or anything on it. I wanted to taste it just like it was. We finished our meal with tiramisu. My husband and I agree it’s the best we’ve ever had. Not sure what it was… the texture or some special extra flavor… I don’t know, but wow was it wonderful. We dressed up a little bit to come here… just business casual. That seems to be what most people wear, but others are a bit more casual than that (jeans). In any case, it feels like a such an elegant experience but not snobby. Our server didn’t mind answering questions or making suggestions. I am sure we will be back, as I know my adult children would also really enjoy Milano’s. We’ll have to invite them sometime soon!
… moreAmandine Aman
Love this restaurant! The staff is very friendly especially the bartender, Nelly. The cocktails are amazing. Jason’s food is very tasty, I highly recommend: the caprese & the brussel sprouts (starters). The pastas and pizzas are fresh and delicious.
… more