Pisacco, Milan, Italy

Finding good lighting and a well-appointed interior in a Milan restaurant used to be a sure-fire sign the food would be miserable. Thankfully, that old rule of thumb is starting to break down. At Pisacco, a new restaurant-bar in the cool-ish Brera district, the lovely wood scheme featuring furniture from new brand Discipline and electrical 'bouquet' lighting is equally matched by a no-frills menu of homespun specialties. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, the kitchen prepares fresh, seasonal, unfussy fare like Papa al pomodoro, Guancia di Manzo and risotto al Milanese. The light, open two-storey space doubles as an aperitivo joint from around 7pm, but the real deal here are the meals - none of which top 15 euros.