Milan in 24 hours. For a fine dining experience or a quick bite to eat, for traditional Milanese or fusion cuisine, Milan is one of the metropolitan cities with the most restaurants. But where should you eat, to avoid making the wrong choice or eating in one of the many tourist traps? Read on for our mini guide to the best places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dinner in Milan in 24 hours.
A CLASSIC BREAKFAST
Pasticceria Cucchi
Is there anywhere more classically Milanese? Here in the centre of the city, with a great long bar and antique, traditional furnishings, you can enjoy your breakfast in a Milan from another era. You can try many delicious treats, such as brioche, pastries, biscuits and little chocolates, or taste one of the savoury options. Even the busiest Milanese takes his time here, and tends to come back to the bar for more.
Pasticceria Cucchi, corso Genova 1, 02 89409793, Website
BREAKFAST IN THE TRAIN STATION
Panzera
Whether you’ve just arrived or are waiting to leave, in Milan central station you can enjoy a truly superb breakfast. The name to remember is Panzera, and you can reach the cafe both from inside the station and from the main street. It’s a great place to know about for both sweet and savory snacks. On the ground floor you can sit down at one of the small tables or you can head upstairs for a more intimate breakfast spot. You can find Panzera’s sister bakery at number 10, viale Monte Santo.
Panzera, Stazione Centrale, piazza Luigi di Savoia 1/9, 02 67100917, Website
BREAKFAST IN A FILM SET
Bar Luce
With its international atmosphere thanks to its surroundings in the stunning Fondazione Prada, this eatery is inspired by the patisseries of a long-forgotten Milan, and was featured in one of Wes Anderson‘s films. It’s the perfect spot for a cappuccino before a visit to an exhibition or, perhaps, before writing your first screen play.
Bar Luce c/o Fondazione Prada, Largo Isarco 2, 02 56662611, Website
LUNCH WITH A VIEW
Terrazza Triennale Osteria con Vista
Here at Terrazza Triennale Osteria con Vista you can enjoy creative cuisine in a museum setting, complete with a breathtaking view. The head chef Stefano Cerveni also runs the kitchen at the Due Colombe Ristorante Al Borgo Antico in Borgonato di Cortefranca, Brescia. Antipasti and starters will set you back about 20 euros, main courses 25 euros, and desserts 10. It’s also a perfect spot for aperitivo (14 euros with a drink).
Terrazza Triennale Osteria con Vista, via Alemagna 6, 02 36644340, Website
A CREATIVE LUNCH
Al Pont de Ferr
Here at Al Pont de Ferr good quality, traditional ingredients are the basis for refined and creative cooking that is prepared by chef Vittorio Fusari, who has been head chef at the restaurant for a little more than a year. Tasting menus cost either 65, 75 or 130 euros.
Al Pont de Ferr, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 55, 02 89406277, Website
LUNCH IN A TRATTORIA
Testina
It’s always difficult in Milan to find a truly traditional trattoria that serves huge portions for a decent price. Here at Testina at lunchtime the starters cost 7 euros and the mains 10 euros. Don’t miss out on the traditional Milanese dishes, costing between 20 and 25 euros, such as ossobuco with yellow rice, spare ribs and veal medallions.
Testina Milano, via Abbadesse 19, 02 403 5907, Website
APERITIVO WITH VIPS
Frank
In the Porta Venezia district, you’ll find professionals, party-goers and VIPs. Frank is the place to be seen enjoying your lunch or dinner. The outdoor area, with seats from trendy furniture store Kartell in Vittorio Veneto, is a very popular spot. For aperitivo, drinks come served with different small plates and stuzzichini (little bites to eat on stuzzicadenti – toothpicks). Drinks are around 9 euros during happy hour.
Frank, via Lecco 1, 02 29532587, Website
APERITIVO BY THE POOL
Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant
This restaurant run by fashion brand Dsquared2 serves a luxury aperitivo by the pool at sunset (18 euros, with snacks). Prices are higher for lunch and dinner (the tasting menu is 85 euros). With a classy atmosphere inside and a stunning view outside, you’ll feel like you’re in New York.
Ceresio 7, via Ceresio 7, 02 31039221, Website
APERITIVO WITH WINE
Bottiglieria Spartaco
Norie, the Japanese owner of Bottiglieria Spartaco, will give you a warm welcome and share her vast knowledge of wines from across the world. This winery is a real gem of a place, serving Italian, French and Argentine wines (4 euros a glass). For aperitivo, you can tuck into delicious meats and cheeses, or if you want to mix it up you can try the small and delicious fusion dishes (costing between 4 to 12 euros).
Bottiglieria Spartaco, via Spartaco 11, 02 84568911
A TRADITIONAL DINNER
Trattoria Masuelli San Marco
For over 90 years the Masuelli family has served classic Milanese and Piemonte dishes with a contemporary twist. Pino, the owner, welcomes his customers into a relaxed but sophisticated setting. Our favourite dish on the menu was the milanesine (cutlets) with saffron risotto (30 euros). For around 40 euros you can enjoy an antipasto, a starter, and a main.
Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, vial Umbria 80, 02 55184138, Website
A VEGETARIAN DINNER
Joia Alta Cucina Vegetariana
Between Porta Venezia and Repubblica, this modern and minimally styled restaurant has succeeded perfectly in making its customers forget one thing, that they are in a vegetarian restaurant. Flavour is the protagonist in each of the dishes and it’s only after a few moments that you realise you haven’t eaten either fish or meat. Tasting menus cost 85, 95 or 120 euros.
Joia, via Panfilo Castaldi 18, 02 29522124, Website
A STYLISH DINNER
Nobu
When someone jokingly declares Milan to be the home of sushi, they aren’t half wrong. But Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa has managed to outdo many of its competitors with its carefully-chosen ingredients and creative menu. Here you can enjoy nigiri or sashimi like you’ve never tasted before and both hot and cold Japanese dishes. The minimal interiors and choice of colours suits the impeccable style its surroundings in the Armani palazzo. Eating from the main menu will cost between 50 and 150 euros.
Nobu c/o Armani, via Pisoni 1, 02 72318645, Website
Traduzione a cura di Corinna Parker