The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Milan

Tipografia Alimentare boasts a lovely outdoor seating area along the Martesana canal in the northern Loreto (Nolo) district. For breakfast, the self-service café offers whole-grain pastries like fragrant cardamom buns, accompanied by coffee from top Italian microroasters. At lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy table service and a menu of seasonal comfort dishes, including warm root vegetable salads, hearty bean soups, and charcuterie boards paired with natural Italian wines. On Fridays, the skilled bakers showcase their creativity with both sweet and savory maritozzi (sweet buns).

Altatto offers a delightful take on vegetarian fine dining, providing a refreshing alternative to Milan's meat-heavy offerings. However, don’t mistake its innovative menu for boring. The two chef partners, Sara Nicolosi and Cinzia de Lauri, originally met at Joia, working under chef Pietro Leemann. In the cozy, minimalist interior or the secluded outdoor courtyard, diners can enjoy a changing vegetarian tasting menu featuring creations like crispy porcini mushrooms with wild foraged herbs and buckwheat gnocchetti paired with slow-cooked sweet potatoes in clay. Each course brings an element of surprise, complemented by a curated selection of natural wines.

Uruguayan chef Juan Lema, who named Trattoria Mirta in honor of his mother, offers his unique take on classic northern Italian cuisine. In the winter months, don’t miss the squash in saor, enhanced with raisins and pine nuts. For a summertime treat, try the cotolette in carpione, a vinegar-marinated twist on the beloved Milanese dish.

At Berberè pizzeria, the emphasis is on the quality of ingredients rather than labels like “bio” (the EU's version of organic). Guests can choose from three types of dough: classic, a mix of organic multigrain flour and sourdough, or a hydrolysis-based dough that’s yeast-free. The topping combinations are subtle and sophisticated: fried eggplant paired with smoked ricotta, basil, and tomato; coppa complemented by stracciatella, fior di latte, and a drizzle of orange-infused oil. The pizzas tend to be on the smaller side, so it's advisable to order one and a half pizzas per person.

Chef Andrea Berton trained under the esteemed Gualtiero Marchesi, the pioneer of new Italian cuisine, before honing his skills in London and Monaco with Alain Ducasse. At his own establishment, Berton earned a Michelin star in 2014 within just two years, thanks to his stunning presentations, impeccable technique, and focus on minimal ingredients. He is particularly passionate about brodo, or “broth,” so expect dishes such as tender grilled beef sirloin served with smoked potato cannoli and grappa-sprayed beef broth, or cod tripe with Trasimeno beans in a savory prosciutto broth.

Located near Milan’s Centrale train station, this historic family-owned osteria serves up traditional northern Italian cuisine alongside a superb selection of Lombard cheeses. The warmly decorated dining rooms attract local workers during the week and families on weekends, where guests eagerly line up for anchovies drenched in Italian salsa verde, risotto Milanese, and the hearty cassoeula (pork and cabbage stew). Don’t miss the homemade desserts, such as pistachio and hot pepper gelato or mandarin sorbet. Before you leave, try to glimpse the elegant Liberty-style great hall next door, a city landmark for events since 1898.

Located in Porta Venezia, Nún is a bustling lunch destination offering counter-service with creative takes on wraps and pitas. Highlights include sabich filled with crispy fried eggplant and 100 percent Italian chicken shawarma drizzled with pomegranate syrup and spicy harissa. The vegan and vegetarian selections shine, particularly the falafel made from scratch, which can be customized with a variety of toppings such as feta, kalamata olives, sliced beets, capers, and smoky tahini.

Anyone who has savored an aperitivo recently owes a nod to Bar Basso, a legendary spot that broadened the horizons of pre-dinner cocktails beyond the confines of upscale international hotels. In 1967, Mirko Stocchetto, a bartender with experience at Venice's Harry’s Bar, took over this neighborhood joint. The following year, while crafting a Negroni, he mistakenly replaced gin with prosecco, inadvertently inventing the Negroni sbagliato (literally “wrong”), which quickly became a beloved cocktail and emblem of Milanese indulgence. Bar Basso continues to attract the art and fashion elite, especially during fashion and design weeks, as well as local retirees enjoying their pre-dinner drinks.

In Porta Venezia, you'll find several well-established Ethiopian and Eritrean Mytouries, with Adulis standing out as a local favorite thanks to its richly decorated interior, lively music, and curated selection of Champagne. Diners can enjoy injera plates featuring lamb, beef, chicken, or fish seasoned with spicy berbere. The mixed vegetable offerings are hearty, including cabbage, chickpeas, lentils, and vibrant cooked greens.

Chef Michele De Liguoro, from the esteemed culinary lineage of Da Pierino, named Rovello 18 after its address. While not pursuing a Michelin star, he offers a more laid-back dining experience. The menu features comforting dishes like pasta with creamy broccoli rabe, clams, and bottarga, along with crispy risotto al salto crowned with Lombard taleggio. During lunch, locals and office workers flock in for seasonal antipasti like sautéed artichokes, puntarelle salad, and grilled peppers with tonnato sauce. Rovello 18 is also a wine lover’s paradise, boasting over 800 bottles, including selections from microproducers across Italy and France.

Pasticceria Sissi, run by the husband-and-wife team of Sissi and Zig Faye, is a charming traditional bakery in Milan with delightful pink walls and a well-curated array of sweet and savory pastries. The staff expertly fills croissants with custard on-site, and if the weather permits, you can savor your treats in the lovely backyard. However, Sissi truly shines during Carnevale, when the Fayes craft festive delights like chiacchiere, crispy fried dough rectangles generously dusted with powdered sugar.

For an unbeatable budget meal just a stone's throw from Piazza Duomo, indulge in the exceptional Neapolitan pizza fritta (fried pizza) at Zia Esterina Sorbillo, a highlight in Milan's diverse culinary landscape. This fluffy, long-fermented, freshly fried dough is best stuffed with savory options like salami, cicoli (crispy pork fat), or prosciutto. For a more traditional choice, enjoy the classic mix of tomato, cheese, and black pepper, or the delightfully simple ricotta and provola di bufala. Tear off the top of the shiny pocket to reveal the gooey, cheesy interior—just remember to have extra napkins on hand!

This iconic Milanese aperitivo spot is nestled within the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, right across from Piazza Duomo, and boasts a legacy of over a century. (Legend has it that Davide Campari was born in the upper levels.) Hungry patrons can book tables upstairs to savor bites like squash drizzled with balsamic vinegar, Grana Padano cheese, stracciatella paired with figs and port, and chickpea fritters with octopus and lime.

Located across town from the team’s all-day cafe and bakery-laboratory, Pavé’s gelateria creates some of the finest gelato in Italy. The shop emphasizes seasonal ingredients and sources carefully, using sugar sparingly in its classic cream and fruit gelato and granita varieties. The shop's sleek, minimalistic design reflects its small-batch philosophy. Classic flavors like intense Piedmont hazelnut, fair-trade chocolate, and Bronte pistachio are available, alongside rotating experimental options such as ricotta, lemon with olive, and white chocolate with lime and salt.

Born in Tokyo and raised in Milan, Aya Yamamoto opened this cozy Japanese restaurant to offer “Grandma’s vegetables.” This translates to a menu featuring items that are rarely found in the city’s many Japanese Mytouries, which often focus on maki and California rolls. The offerings include hearty meat dishes such as ka-ree (Japanese pork curry) and donburi steak, as well as grilled and sashimi salmon. The vegetarian selections are abundant and distinct for Milan, with highlights like seaweed salad and potato salad dressed with Japanese mayonnaise.

Locals flock to the restaurant of Japanese chef Yoji Tokuyoshi for its ever-changing menu complemented by natural wines. With a background as the long-time right-hand man to renowned chef Massimo Bottura and previously at his own Michelin-starred establishment, Ristorante Tokuyoshi, the chef offers creations like grilled eel glazed with soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, fried veal tongue katsu sandwiches with cappuccio cabbage, and frog leg karaage.

Nestled behind the Basilica de Sant’Eustorgio, Enoteca Naturale boasts a spacious outdoor area where Milanese locals enjoy natural wines alongside house-made focaccia or small dishes featuring lamb, artichokes, and creamy cicerchie beans. With a selection of over 300 labels, it houses the city’s largest collection of natural wines. As an added incentive, the bar contributes a portion of its profits to a nearby nonprofit that provides free quality medical care to those in need. Be sure to reserve a table online for aperitivo or dinner.

At Macelleria Popolare, the counter is a prime spot for chefs and food enthusiasts hunting for traditional Italian street foods. Offerings include tongue, spleen, tripe, lampredotto (the fourth stomach of the cow), chopped heart, and fried brains, all paired with a curated selection of wines from master butcher Giuseppe Zen. For the more selective diners, meatballs fried in enormous breadcrumbs or artisanal cheeses from a nearby Darsena market stall are excellent choices. Enjoy your meal at the picnic tables outside with a view of the canal.

At Li-Sei Deli, the husband-and-wife team of Okhee Lee and Kihyuk Jung blend their Korean and Japanese influences to craft a vibrant menu featuring dishes like bibimbap with black rice, orzo, and farro with beef, shokupan sandwiches, and onigiri. To enjoy the Nordic-inspired interior, designed by Jung, who honed his skills at Milan’s Brera Academy, arrive early and place your order at the counter. Don’t miss the Korean fried chicken—it’s a standout dish!

28 Posti offers a calm escape from the bustling crowds outside the bars lining the Navigli canals. Owner Silvia Orazi’s mother warmly greets guests in this cozy Mytoury, where a chic interior complements the modern cuisine and natural wines. The chef duo, Andrea Zazzara and Franco Salvatore, prepares dishes in an open kitchen, allowing diners to watch the culinary action. Choose from tasting menus of three, five, eight, or ten courses (vegetarians are accommodated with prior notice). Alternatively, opt for the à la carte menu featuring inventive plates like guinea fowl breast served with milk, honey, offal ragu, chocolate gelato, radish, kefir, and tarragon.

In 2019, Enrico Bartolini’s restaurant at the MUDEC museum made history by becoming the first establishment in Milan to receive three Michelin stars. Bartolini initially honed his culinary skills abroad, working with renowned chefs Paolo Petrini in Paris and Mark Page in London, before returning to Italy to elevate Le Robinie, where he earned a Michelin star at the young age of 29. The nine-course tasting menu features exquisite dishes such as fresh spaghetti with toasted lemon, squid, whiskey, caviar, grilled artichoke, black garlic, and beef marrow.

In 2015, the Prada family inaugurated the Fondazione Prada museum to display their vast art collection. This multi-building complex quickly became a contemporary art hub, drawing visitors to a former gin distillery on the city’s southern fringe. Diners were also lured by the acclaimed Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson with playful trompe-l’oeil decor and vintage pinball machines. However, for a more sophisticated experience, guests should head to Torre ('tower'), the upscale restaurant that opened in 2018 on the sixth floor of the newest building. It features one of the city’s most breathtaking dining environments, adorned with artworks by Lucio Fontana and John Baldessari, plus a spacious triangular terrace perfect for sunset aperitifs. Chef Lorenzo Lunghi, hailing from Livorno, serves contemporary Milanese cuisine and seafood inspired by Tuscan coastal flavors. Freshly baked bread and pastries are sourced from Marchesi, Milan’s renowned antica pasticceria, which the Prada family acquired in 2015 and has since expanded into a mini-chain.

While many Italian wine enthusiasts remain devoted to traditional terroir and agrarian practices, Cantina Urbana’s micro-winery, located just outside Milan’s city center, is boldly redefining these norms. Inspired by New York’s Brooklyn Winery, dynamic entrepreneur Michele Rimpici provides a fresh venue for winemaking and tasting in an urban landscape. Sourcing grapes from Oltrepò Pavese, Valpolicella, and the slopes of Mount Etna, Cantina Urbana matures its wines in steel, amphorae, and wooden barrels. In addition to bottles available for purchase, the winery offers tastings and guided tours. Guests can also enjoy local snacks, generous charcuterie boards filled with Lombard cheeses and salumi, as well as simple cicchetti, perfect for a satisfying aperitivo before dinner.

Located along the Naviglio Pavese canal, where urban life begins to merge with charming small towns, Erba Brusca features a vast on-site vegetable garden and a stylish radical-chic atmosphere. The hyperlocal, seasonal tasting menu changes weekly and is crafted by Chef Alice Delcourt, who draws inspiration from her diverse upbringing in France, the U.K., and the U.S. Dishes may include braised octopus paired with preserved sweet peppers, olives, capers, and a fresh chickpea pancake, or a kale risotto enriched with sun-dried tomato pesto, sunflower seeds, and a hint of lemon.

Established in 2009 within a charming fin-de-siècle villa, Ratanà has transformed into a culinary landmark in Milan, especially after the nearby Bosco Verticale, a stunning vertical forest by architect Stefano Boeri, opened in 2015. Chef Cesare Battisti presents innovative takes on local dishes, with a menu that changes with the seasons: think of Italian risotto variations, squash blossoms drizzled with basil pesto, and game hen paired with lemon-glazed scallions during the summer. For those craving classic Milanese cuisine, saffron-infused risotto and osso buco are available year-round. Be sure to reserve 48 hours in advance for the la costoletta, a thick Piedmontese veal cutlet fried in clarified Domodossola mountain butter.

Nestled near the racetrack, Ribot is an equestrian-themed restaurant set in a charming fin-de-siècle villa. Named after a champion horse, the decor features horse racing-inspired art and memorabilia, but the colors are subtly muted to maintain a refined atmosphere. Be cautious with the antipasti board; you'll want to leave room for the grilled dishes, particularly the steak fiorentina. As a delightful bonus, dinner includes complimentary chocolate fondue served with a variety of fresh fruit.

This historic wine shop, established 126 years ago, sits along Chinatown's lively main street. While Cantine Isola boasts a selection of over 1,500 wines by the bottle, it's highly recommended to visit for the by-the-glass offerings, paired with delicious crostini, charcuterie, and aged cheeses served by the welcoming bar staff. Arriving early is wise to secure a seat before the bustling Milanese crowd spills out onto the sidewalk. Don’t miss out on the poetry nights every Tuesday.

In a collaboration between third-generation butcher Walter Sirtori and textile entrepreneur Hujian “Agie” Zhou, this ravioleria, or dumpling shop, has opened right next to Sirtori's butcher establishment. They craft all of their Chinese dumplings on-site, using various cuts of beef or pork sourced from Sirtori’s supplier. Their take on jianbing makes for the perfect snack after enjoying a few glasses of wine across the street at Cantine Isola.

This upscale restaurant features a diverse menu of Japanese cuisine, renowned particularly for its sushi and sashimi, best enjoyed at the counter. Chef Yoshinobu Kurio often surprises guests with off-menu recommendations for nigiri or maki, including langoustine tempura and temaki filled with raw red shrimp and avocado. Notably, the fish-to-rice ratio in the nigiri is impressive, as the fish entirely envelops the rice beneath.

Originally a humble food cart started by the children of whimsical designer Luisa Beccaria, Lùbar has grown into a charming establishment within the portico of the Villa Reale estate. Overlooking Milan's public gardens, it serves as the cafe for Milan's GAM (Modern Art Gallery). The fin-de-siecle decor evokes a winter garden atmosphere, complementing the villa's neoclassical architecture. Dishes presented in Sicilian ceramic bowls include chickpea-flour flatbread with avocado, smaller arancine, and shrimp sprinkled with pistachios, all harmonizing Sicilian tradition with contemporary flair. For dessert, indulge in the traditional cannoli, freshly filled on-site.

Langosteria is a seafood haven, particularly for crustacean lovers. Since its inception in 2007, followed by a bistro in 2012 and a cafe in the city center in 2016, Langosteria has solidified its reputation in Milan's seafood landscape. Featuring raw fish platters (don’t miss the shrimp from Mazara del Vallo), pasta dishes topped with seafood, and Catalan-style mains, Langosteria provides an upscale dining experience without the coldness often associated with high-end seafood venues.

At Trippa, chef Diego Rossi emphasizes the use of tripe on his menu, influenced by his training under chef Norbert Niederkofler in the Dolomites. The offerings vary based on availability, typically showcasing a creative twist on rustic cuisine: a risotto may be adorned with silene, a sweet herb, or a soup featuring nettle and cicerchia, a once-popular local legume. Simplicity is paramount, with no dish containing more than four ingredients. However, securing a reservation at Trippa can be quite the challenge, as bookings open at midnight CET a week in advance. Set your alarm!

Aurora Zancanaro, a former chemist turned renowned baker, opened this second Le Polveri location on Via Vespri Siciliani, transforming it into a cozy all-day café and 'bread laboratory.' Enjoy specialty coffee paired with flaky laminated pastries, yeast-leavened buns, and olive oil-drenched focaccias, often topped with stracchino cheese and bitter greens. At lunchtime, the brief and ever-evolving menu features baked eggs and slices of Zancanaro’s award-winning bread generously spread with whipped butter and house-made jam.

In the ever-evolving landscape of avant-garde pizzerias, Denis Lovatel’s establishment stands out as a leader, serving some of the most distinctive pizzas in Italy. After gaining fame as a second-generation pizzaiolo in the Dolomites, Lovatel launched this Milan location, quickly becoming a favorite among local chefs. His 'mountain pizza' features a paper-thin crust topped with a unique blend of dried mushrooms and wild herbs, while the abundant vegetable toppings are artfully arranged. The extensive drink menu includes natural wines, Champagne, and biodynamic grappas and amaros infused with Alpine herbs.

Nestled just moments away from the lively Piazza Duomo, Horto offers a serene escape on a rooftop overlooking the iconic dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Under the mentorship of Norbert Niederkofler, Chef Alberto Toè earned a Michelin star within two years of opening. The outdoor seating is enveloped by a garden that supplies fresh ingredients for the kitchen, which prioritizes natural and recycled materials in its decor. The culinary team embraces a hyperlocal philosophy, sourcing ingredients from within an hour of Milan. Menu highlights include pumpkin and beet carpaccio, pine-marinated beef with barbecued sunchokes, and oxtail raviolo in celeriac broth with parsley oil. For dessert, the yogurt with persimmons, carrots, and Campari is a must-try.

Mercato Centrale is a vibrant two-story section of the train station featuring over 30 Mytouries, bars, and shops, with plenty of dining space. Be sure to stop by master baker Davide Longoni for the finest pizza al taglio (sold by the slice) in the city: a warm rectangular slice topped with anchovies, cucumber, and burrata, finished with fresh sage. Alternatively, enjoy Chinese dumplings crafted by Agie Zhou or sip a cocktail at the bar of Mag, the sister venue to 1930, one of the World's 50 Best Bars. On the upper level, Marco Bruni serves up Genovese specialties like farinata (chickpea pancakes) and the delicious focaccia di Recco, which features thin layers of unleavened dough stuffed with fresh crescenza cheese.

At Osteria Alla Concorrenza, Chef Diego Rossi, known for his work at Trippa, showcases his passion for offal and cucina povera (peasant cuisine). Dishes like beef cartilage, pastissada di cavallo (horse meat stew), caponata, and an assortment of crostini are served on paper plates by friendly staff. This Mytoury is part of the emerging trend of natural wine bars in Milan, offering a diverse selection of small plates to enjoy from aperitivo time until midnight. Located on Via Melzo in Porta Venezia, Osteria Alla Concorrenza thrives in an area buzzing with new dining and nightlife options, where patrons often spill onto the sidewalks on weekends.

This minimalist wine bar in Giambellino was founded by five young friends, and you're likely to be welcomed by Martina Bellavista, the matron who guides guests to cozy small tables or the spacious communal table at the back. Bicchierino surprises with its deeply satisfying dishes, despite lacking a full kitchen. A small oven warms artichokes seasoned with fresh herbs and finished with preserved lemon and a creamy blend of Parmigiano and pecorino. They also offer a unique Italian twist on a roast beef sandwich with anchovy and caper mayo. Cold horse tartare paired with horseradish and black sesame panna cotta is also served from behind the six-seat bar, which is often adorned with fresh flowers. Guests can purchase from a curated selection of natural wines from France, Italy, and Spain for takeaway. Be sure to make a reservation, as Bicchierino is currently one of the city's most sought-after spots.