A curated selection of the go-to places in our town.
Whether you’re in Milan for the first time, a frequent visitor or even a local, it can be hard to find the right spot to eat or drink in town. In this guide, we curated a selection of our favourite places that will have you covered from breakfast until after dinner. Choose those that inspire you the most and enjoy your stay in the capital of design; and don’t forget to scroll to the end for an extensive, constantly updated map of all the hot spots sorted by category!
Breakfast
You know what they say – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And very much so in Milan, where you’ll most likely be around for hours upon end: better start off the day right!
- Marchesi 1824
Established two centuries ago, Marchesi is an institution and is loved by everyone in town. They make a great espresso, and the choice of small pastry is also on point. There are three different locations – one in via Montenapoleone, one in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the historical one, in Corso Magenta. We definitely recommend this one: it has a charming interior and is by far the most authentic.
- Gelsomina
Gelsomina offers a fresh and young take on the traditional Pasticceria, serving breakfast and brunch in a curated Boho-chic setting. Whether you’re looking for a sweet or salted breakfast, you can’t go wrong with their selection; and if you stop by, you must try their Maritozzi!
- Ravizza
Ravizza is owned and run by a Sicilian family: this is all you need to know in order to be sure their pastry is great. Located right between via Montenapoleone and Piazza Duomo, the place offers an incredibly wide and attractive selection of sweets and a very good coffee. Better be there early, as their croissants are usually raided well before noon.
Restaurants
Milan is a very lively city – and so is its gastronomic scene. From old-style traditional trattorie to contemporary restaurants that live up to the highest standards of Italian cuisine, there are so many that choosing is almost impossible. We’re presenting you three – one contemporary, one traditional, and an almost unknown gem – but you can open the map to find many more to choose from.
- Langosteria
Some choices might seem obvious, but after all, if a restaurant deserves it, why shouldn’t we mention it? Langosteria is probably the best restaurant in town, serving the freshest seafood paired to a top-notch wine selection. Its interior is also worth a mention, as it’s one of the few well-done contemporary interiors in town.
- A Santa Lucia
If a travel back in time is what you’re looking for, than A Santa Lucia is the right place for you. Basically unchanged from the 1970s (and we mean it in the best way possible!), the trattoria offers a simple, genuine italian kitchen. Quality and service are absolutely immaculate, and the walls clad in old pictures of historic clients are a sight to behold.
- Osteria del Biliardo
Ask a Milanese about this place, and chances are he’s never heard of it – unless he’s from the Affori neighbourhood. This Osteria – with the name literally translating to the “Billiard’s Tavern” – is a friendly and inexpensive restaurant that’s very dear to us. And if you’re wondering why it’s called like so, rest assured you’ll understand it the very moment you walk in.
Aperitivo / Drinks
When in Italy, having a drink or at least a glass of wine here and there is compulsory. You can have it before dinner – in that case you’ll call it aperitivo – or after dinner. Again, there are countless places we love for our aperitivi and drinks, and you’ll find them all carefully listed in the map. However, if you’re up for some more detailed tips, read on!
- Bar Basso
How else could we start this list? Besides being the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, a drink that’s currently knowing a worldwide fame, Bar Basso is the meeting point for designers and fashionistas ever since the 1980s. During the Salone and Fuorisalone week, as well as under the Fashion Week, it’s packed with people from 6PM well into the night.
- N’Ombra de Vin
You must try N’Ombra de Vin if you love a good glass of wine. Their central location, set in an historic building, has a vaulted basement-cellar stocking some of the greatest label you can think of. You can also stay for dinner if you want, but make sure to book in advance!
- Moebius
What at first glance might seem like an industrial loft in SoHo is instead one of the most interesting venues in Milan. Carved in a late-19th century building, Moebius serves classic and signature cocktails in an intimate and curated venue that definitely has an internetional breath.
