Eating out in Milan
Eating in Milan: an unforgettable gastronomic journey
Discover Milan through its gastronomy. Dive into its traditional dishes, Michelin-starred restaurants and other unmissable eateries.
Milan as a gastronomic destination
Milan, the capital of fashion, is also a city of gustatory delights. It perfectly combines history, art and cuisine. Among the neighborhoods to visit, the Brera district, with its picturesque alleyways, is known for its many restaurants and bistros. Navigli, with its canals and bohemian ambience, offers an unrivalled gastronomic attraction with its terraces and osterias.
The city is steeped in centuries of history, which can be seen around every corner. Artistic masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” coexist with modern icons like the Pirelli skyscraper. This fusion of old and new creates a unique atmosphere where past and present are in constant dialogue.
Milan’s gastronomy also reflects this fusion. Traditional dishes, often prepared using recipes handed down from generation to generation, can be enjoyed in both rustic trattorias and ultra-modern restaurants. This harmony between tradition and innovation is at the heart of Milan’s identity.
Brera : The Bohemian Heart of Milan
The Brera district is often compared to Paris’s Montmartre. With its narrow cobbled streets, colorful facades and numerous artists’ studios, Brera is an artistic haven. Art galleries and independent bookshops abound, but it’s perhaps the restaurants and bistros that attract visitors and locals alike. Here, you can enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza, then stroll through a contemporary art gallery or listen to a jazz concert in a local bar.
Navigli: The Gastronomic Canals
When you think of Navigli, you immediately think of its picturesque canals lined with colorful buildings. Once used for trade and transport, these canals are now the beating heart of Milan’s nightlife and gastronomy. The “osterias”, small Italian taverns, serve traditional Milanese dishes, while the terraces offer breathtaking views over the water, especially at sunset. The bohemian atmosphere blends with the culinary culture, making Navigli the ideal place to enjoy a glass of Italian wine with a platter of antipasti.
Milan is not just a destination for fashion lovers. It’s a place where history, art and gastronomy come together to offer an unforgettable experience.
Traditional Milanese dishes
Risotto alla Milanese: A creamy saffron risotto, often served with osso buco. Try it at Ratanà, where Chef Cesare Battisti brings this classic dish to life.
Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded and fried veal cutlet. The “Da Martino” restaurant is famous for this specialty, and chef Martino Bertolino is a reference in the field.
Panettone: The star of desserts during the Christmas season. Pasticceria Cucchi is the place to go for this sweet treat.
Milan’s best restaurants
“Enoteca Pinchiorri: With three Michelin stars, this restaurant offers an extraordinary culinary experience. Chef Annie Féolde offers reinvented Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is luxurious and the service impeccable.
“Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia: With two Michelin stars, this restaurant offers a modern interpretation of traditional Italian dishes. Chef-couple Aimo and Nadia are at the heart of this success.
Langosteria – Langosteria is an upscale seafood restaurant in Milan, famous for its selection of fresh seafood and expertly prepared dishes. Chef Enrico Buonocore is known for his innovative approach to seafood cuisine, with signature dishes such as grilled king lobster. The atmosphere is elegant and refined, with decor inspired by the seaside.
Trippa – Trippa is a trattoria-style restaurant offering traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Diego Rossi is renowned for his signature dish, tripe (trippa in Italian), slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with rustic decor and vintage touches.
Erba Brusca – Erba Brusca is a charming restaurant located in Milan’s Navigli district. Chef Alice Delcourt is famous for her use of local and seasonal produce, with signature dishes such as wild herb risotto. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a pretty garden for al fresco dining.
Gastronomia Yamamoto – Gastronomia Yamamoto is a Japanese restaurant that combines tradition and innovation. Chef Yamamoto is renowned for his creative sushi and kaiseki dishes. The atmosphere is uncluttered and minimalist, with decor inspired by Japanese teahouses.
28 Posti – 28 Posti is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Italian cuisine. Chef Marco Ambrosino is known for his inventive cooking that highlights local ingredients, such as grilled octopus with squid ink sauce. The atmosphere is intimate and elegant, with modern decor and artistic touches.
Other not-to-be-missed eateries
Osteria del Binari: Located in Navigli, this osteria offers an authentic atmosphere and a canal-side terrace. Ideal for a risotto or homemade pasta dish.
Mercato Metropolitano: A modern market with stalls selling local produce and dishes from every region of Italy. The ideal place to enjoy specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
Terrazza Gallia: A rooftop with a breathtaking view of the city. Perfect for an aperitif or a romantic dinner.
Food markets in Milan
Milan Food Markets Where to Eat
Mercato Metropolitano
Location: Via Valenza, 2
Presentation: Mercato Metropolitano is an urban market concept focused on community, artisanal products and sustainable food. It’s more than just a market: it’s a social movement.
What you’ll find: Stalls offering local produce, street food from different regions of Italy, as well as culinary workshops and events.
Is it worth it? : Absolutely, for a gastronomic experience combining diversity and quality.
Mercato della Darsena
Location: Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 34
Presentation: Located in the heart of the Navigli district, this market is surrounded by Milan’s emblematic canals. Recently renovated, it combines modernity and tradition.
What you’ll find: Fresh seafood, pasta, cheese and wine stalls, as well as several street food kiosks offering authentic Italian cuisine.
Is it worth it? : Yes, for the waterside ambience and the variety of products.
Mercato Comunale
Location: Via Cesare Lombroso, 54
Presentation: A space that reinvents the traditional market concept with a contemporary twist.
What you’ll find: A variety of stalls offering cold meats, fresh fish, homemade pasta, as well as areas dedicated to pizza and grilled meats.
Is it worth it? : Yes, for its successful blend of tradition and innovation.
KilomEat
Location: Via Edolo, 19
Presentation: This market stands out for its “zero kilometer” concept, featuring local and sustainable products.
What you’ll find: Stalls selling local and organic produce, plus a catering area where chefs prepare dishes using market produce.
Is it worth it? : Yes, if you prefer healthy, local food.
East Market
Location: Via Privata Giovanni Ventura, 14
Presentation: Inspired by London markets, East Market is an industrial space transformed into a vintage and gourmet market.
What you’ll find: Stalls selling vintage clothing, accessories and vinyl, as well as street food stalls from all over the world.
Is it worth it? : Definitely, if you like to mix vintage shopping with culinary discoveries.
Each of these markets in Milan offers a unique experience, combining flavors, traditions and novelties. It would be a shame to miss out on a visit to the Italian metropolis.
Where to eat the best pizza and pasta in Milan
For the best pizza in Milan
Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre – This restaurant is famous for its traditional Neapolitan pizza, with leavened dough and fresh, flavorful toppings.
Starita – Another excellent option for Neapolitan pizza. Their Margherita is particularly popular.
Berberè – For a more contemporary pizza, try Berberè. They’re known for their unique topping combinations and fermented pizza dough.
Dry Milano – Dry Milano offers excellent pizza, but they’re also known for their craft cocktails.
Pizza AM – Pizza AM is renowned for its extremely fine Margherita, baked to perfection.
For the best pasta in Milan
Trattoria Madonnina – A popular spot for traditional Italian cuisine, including delicious pasta.
Anadima – This restaurant is known for its creative and tasty pasta dishes.
Alfredo Gran San Bernardo – Another excellent choice for traditional Italian pasta.
Trattoria Degli Orti – Offers a variety of authentic pasta dishes in a relaxed setting.
Milan is a city where gastronomy is at the heart of the tourist experience. Whether through its traditional dishes, Michelin-starred restaurants or markets, the city is sure to delight even the most demanding palates. A trip to Milan is a gustatory adventure not to be missed.
Experience World Food is a site that showcases food.
Check out the Milan Food Tours.