Moebius: The Italian Bar Making Waves in Milan and Beyond

It’s not often that you come across a place that ticks every box when you’re planning a night out. Until you arrive at Moebius.

A former textile warehouse that is fast becoming a cultural powerhouse in the centre of Milan, Moebius is making the news for all the right reasons.

The Concept

Founded by Lorenzo Querci, this former textile warehouse doesn’t fit neatly into any category – bar, bistro, or otherwise. It’s simply much more. A highly conceptual space where high-quality cuisine, drinks, culture, music, and hospitality come together to create a truly unique experience that is equal parts comforting and refreshing.

Founder, Lorenzo Querci (Image: Julie Couder)

Italian bars and restaurants are renowned for their classic approach to hospitality, serving up legacy and history in everything they do – with that signature Italian flair. It never gets old, and we can never get enough of it. But what we love about Moebius is that, despite being nestled within a historical space, it disrupts the monolithic notions of culture and history, juxtaposing them with a modern approach to craft, art, design, and hospitality.

The Space

Inspired by the legendary French illustrator Jean Giraud who used the pseudonym Moebius when drawing science fiction, and is celebrated for his surreal fusion of science fiction and dreamlike worlds, the venue channels that same otherworldly energy into its design. Curated by Florence’s acclaimed Studio Q-Bic, best known for its post-industrial innovation, the space is a seamless blend of raw iron, warm wood, and natural textures. The pièce de résistance, though, is a majestic, 700-year-old olive tree from Andalusia, reaching across two floors and anchoring the venue in a quiet yet resounding calm.

The 700 year old olive tree (Image: Julie Couder)

This surreal space beautifully straddles multiple identities – from a cocktail bar, vinyl store, and live jazz venue to a bistro and fine dining restaurant – a shapeshifting work of art that becomes whatever you would like it to be.

The Drinks

Led by Giovanni Allario, recipient of the 2024 Creativity Prize from the Identità Golose guide, the cocktail bar at Moebius is a destination by itself. Known for its seamless synergy with the kitchen, the bar offers a seasonal menu that blurs the lines between mixology and the culinary world.

Giovanni Allario and the bar team (Image: Julie Couder)

Italian classics are deconstructed and reimagined with a playful twist, like the Pesto Martini: a bold take on the original, made with Altamura vodka, white balsamic vinegar, and house-made pesto.

Another drink we love is the Peach Vodka Soda, a gentle tango of Belvedere vodka, peach, and basil, beautifully woven together with bubbles. An effervescent pick-me-up that will get your night off to the best start.

High on the list of crowd favourites is the Seed Negroni — a veritable homage to the classic, made even more irresistible with the addition of pumpkin seeds and cream.

Recognised among the world’s best, the bar secured the 38th spot on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list and continues to earn multiple regional and global accolades for pushing the boundaries of hospitality and cocktail culture in the region.

The Food

There are two unique dining options offered within Moebius. The first, a casual tapa bistrot that sprawls across the ground floor and the second, Moebius Sperimentale, a fine dining restaurant that elegantly towers above the entire space in a little glass house on the first floor.

Since opening its doors in 2019, Moebius has drawn international acclaim under the visionary direction of Chef Enrico Croatti. With three Michelin stars to his name, Croatti brings both edginess and elegance to the table. In 2024, the fine dining concept Moebius Sperimentale was awarded its first Michelin star, solidifying the its status as a bold and boundary-pushing force in modern gastronomy.

Chef Enrico Croatti and his team (Image: Julie Couder)

Moebius Sperimentale (Image: Julie Couder)

Moebius Tapa Bistrot revolves around the idea of sharing, offering a relaxed and creative take on tapas, influenced by global flavours and cultural diversity, and making for the perfect companions to the delectable cocktails being served up by the bar. The open plan and high ceilings offer views of the entire space from the bar to the olive tree, encouraging camaraderie, conversation, and all the makings of a memorable night out.

A question that lingers long after your night at Moebius ends is how a space that large can feel so warm and intimate. The answer lies in the delicate dance of service vs. hospitality – an art this team seems to have mastered. There is attention to detail, promptness of service, ease of interaction, and above all, a genuine love for what they do. It’s no wonder then that this team is quickly becoming a crowd favourite not just in Italy, but across the globe.