Milano
EAT
“tradition“
‘Milan has the best sea food in Italy, tucked away in an alley, simple and classically designed, an an old-fashioned place for its quality and service. Must order: spaghetti alle vongole and homemade sponge cake).’
‘the clue is the name... a whole lot of seafood (Milan is renown for having the best!), a highly-decorated dining room with a buzzy atmosphere, rated in the world’s 50 best discoveries.’
'is renown for it’s ossobuco and risotto alla milanese.’
DA GIACOMO
‘is a street-long institution with a (sh)fancy French-style bistro, local rosticceria, café, wine bar, bakery and deli shop.’
‘the typical Milanese restaurant that takes you back in time with a homely, family feel.’ Must order: risotto al salto and gelato al forno
‘faithful to its Tuscan origins with with wooden chairs and tapestry rooms.’ To order: orecchiette with cime di rape, battuta (meat), cantucci with Vin Santo
‘the frontrunner for Sardinian seafood, small rooms, simple and lively.’ To order: “astice alla catalana”
DONGIO’*
‘offers Calabrese regional specialties with a convivial setting.’ To order: polpettine di controfiletto al sugo
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“trattorie - osterie”
TRATTORIA MASUELLI DI SAN MARCO
‘elegant but as if you never left home. As comfort food in winter, but even in summer, for a dip in quintessential Italian tradition with memories of the trattorias of the past.’ To order: vitello tonnato
‘red checkered tablecloths, casual and friendly atmosphere with homestyle dishes from Lombardia’. To order: osso buco and risotto alla milanese
‘located in a peripheral area, but stands out for its (highly rating) sticker guides, rather spartan and noisy.’
‘elevates Milanese dishes to their finest taste.’ Must order: tagliolini al tartufo.
‘born in 1927, the tall costoletta alla milanese with 40-day matured meat is the reason to come here.’
‘the unexpected veggie trattoria…if only all vegetables tasted like this (open for lunch only).’
‘is the epitome of the old Milanese trattoria, rich in slow food (try ‘THE’ cotoletta)'.’
‘is for crunchy risotto, tagliatelle with porcini and a fassona tartare with peculiar and original decorations.’
“modern“
‘one of the toughest reservations in the city, book in advance to dine on crostoni — maybe lardo, or beef tongue with pickled vegetables, all paired with natural wines from cult-favorite producers.’
‘in trendy Porta Venezia neighbourhood, it fuses Scandinavian design with seasonal Milanese produce, forgotten foods and unusual vegetables.’
‘small, minimalist and classy restaurant. A few dishes, very well prepared, mixing the Milanese tradition with exotic and unexpected ingredients (and natural wines, ofc!).’
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“caffè e brioche”
‘a landmark bakery in Piazza Risorgimento, founded by an Italian-Senagalese couple, Sissi and Zig. To order: freshly filled brioches (with hot cream), chocolate (or both), toast della casa and pomegranate juice.
‘symbol of Milanese style with an elegant setting and faithful to its past traditions (try the sacher).’
PASTICCERICA CUCCHI
‘a must-see in downtown Milan with classic furnishings and varied offering (must order: panettone).’
‘part of the historic Milanese bakeries, with Cova, Sant’Ambroeus and Marchesi. “Abitue’” included Diego Abatuono and Enzo Janacci. Don't miss the "Domenichino," a variation of the spritz, with bitters, Campari, Aperol, gin and Contreau.’
‘a sunny Scandinavian-inspired coffee shop (try the buttery cardamom buns).’
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“pizza”
‘with a classic but rich menu, but a place you would come for the best (and paper thin) pizza.’
‘as ugly as a pizzeria can be, but still my (paper thin) favourite pizza.’
‘new generation Neapolitan pizza, elastic (that some call raw). 400 pizzas a day and then it closes.’
‘is if you enjoy sharing miniature pizza’s to start and want a vintage cocktail as an option.’
‘is a (very) thick-cut sliced pizza, one of a kind.’
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“panini”
‘founded in 1964 with recipes that tell the story of Milan, the expertly made sandwiches are a journey into Milanese taste and tradition.’
‘is the king of “panzerotti”, for over 70 years it has been Milan’s most famous street food with a Pugliese soul since 1888.’
‘is widely recognised as the city’s first late-night panino shop.’
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“brunch/healthy”
SEE
“a museum must”
‘is a groundbreaking contemporary art venue in a former distillery.’
‘is housed in the former residence of an art-collecting couple who amassed an impressive collection of 20th-century Italian art.’
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“churches”
SANTA MARIA DELLA GRAZIE
SANTA MARIA PRESSO SAN SATIRO
CHIESA ROSSA
CHIESA DI SAN MAURIZIO AL MONASTERO MAGGIORE
DRINK
natural wine takes center stage. This is how a “pasta factory” turned tire shop became a trendy wine bar.
has old-fashioned décor and dishes like focaccia stuffed with mortadella and cheese.
in the heart of Brera, a curated kiosk in Piazza del Carmine, a usual meet-up location.
is a quintessential place, call it Italian hospitality by the founder of the Spacedelicious guide.
where to sip that famous “bicchierino” that always ends up being a bottle of (natural) wine - light nibbles and a hip crowd.
where you don’t just drink (natural wine), but feast like in a restaurant with a wooden wall feel.
with a hidden garden is a must for natural wine coupled with focaccia lovers.
‘a classic bar with a pink interior, beloved by both fashionistas and a neighbourhood crowd. Famous for having invented the Negroni “sbagliato”.
‘stands in the corridor of SIDEWALK KITCHENS, a covered but uncovered dark kitchen market.’
RONIN - ‘after dinner’
SHOP
“made to measure”
TELERIE SPADARI
CAMICERIA ABROSIANA
GIOSA*
CAPPELLERIA MELEGARI*
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“vintage-classics”
in a palazzo dating to the 15th century, is a shop filled with treasures, from vintage gowns to plants and perfumes.
MADAME PAULINE VINTAGE*
CAVALLI E NASTRI*
PETTINAROLI*
CARLA SAIBENE*
IUCU*
TO SEE PLACES ON GOOGLE MAPS CLICK HERE
*for restaurants on my ‘want to go’ list