An Insider’s Restaurant Guide to Milan
Milan — or Milano, as it’s called in Italian — is one of Europe’s most dynamic and influential cities. Located in northern Italy, it is widely regarded as the country’s financial and industrial capital, while also standing at the forefront of fashion and design. What makes Milan so special is the way it balances innovation with history: centuries-old architecture sits effortlessly beside sleek contemporary buildings, creating a city that feels both timeless and modern.
At the heart of Milan stands the magnificent Duomo, the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral, adorned with intricate spires and statues. Just steps away, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II reflects Milan’s reputation for style, luxury, and sophistication. The city is also home to some of the world’s most celebrated art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which continues to draw visitors from around the globe.
But beyond the landmarks, Milan has an unmistakable energy. It hosts internationally renowned events such as Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile, attracting creatives, designers, and entrepreneurs from every corner of the world. Each neighborhood has its own unique character — from the timeless charm of Brera to the lively canals of Navigli, where cafés and bars spill out onto the waterfront late into the evening.
The food scene is equally compelling. Traditional Lombard dishes such as risotto alla milanese and ossobuco sit comfortably alongside a vibrant international dining culture, reflecting Milan’s cosmopolitan spirit.
When I met my husband, he was living in London, but in October 2024 he moved to Milan, and together we began building a life there. We rented an apartment in the heart of Brera, and unlike London, Milan is a city where you can walk almost everywhere — something I’ve found incredibly liberating.
After spending nearly every other weekend there over the past year and a half, I feel as though I’ve truly come to know the city — perhaps not quite like a local, but well enough to share the restaurants that have become my personal favorites.
So, here is my Milan restaurant guide
Restaurants We Love
Al Baretto San Marco
Whenever I’m in Milan, this is our Friday night ritual. We always book the chef’s table and watch the team work their magic behind the counter. Everything here is exceptional, but I always start with the tomato and bread salad with burrata, followed by fish or pasta. And whatever you do, don’t skip their famous lemon sorbet, prepared tableside.
Nuova Arena
A newer favorite of ours. The interiors feel beautifully timeless, the staff are incredibly attentive, and I adore the vintage tableware. In my opinion, they serve the best tiramisu in Milan.
Baccaro Via Monte Napoleone
This is our go-to spot. Open all day, with consistently excellent food and service. We love it so much that we rented the entire restaurant for my husband’s birthday last year. The spaghetti al limone is an absolute must.
Specialità
Without a doubt, the best pizza in Milan. The charming little dachshund wandering around the restaurant only adds to the experience.
Dal Bolognese
Originally from Rome, this Milan outpost is just as beautiful. The atmosphere is effortlessly elegant, always filled with impeccably dressed Italians. Order the spaghetti bolognese — the restaurant’s name says it all.
Paper Moon
A Milan classic. Yes, perhaps slightly touristy, but the garden is lovely and the window tables make it perfect for date night. I always order the gnocchi with creamy truffle sauce, followed by apple cake with ice cream.
Pepe
A newer addition to Milan’s dining scene with seating exclusively at the bar. It has a cool, intimate energy. Come here for the meat dishes and a great glass of red wine.
Langosteria
There are now two Langosterias in Milan — the original location and the newer restaurant on Via Monte Napoleone. Both are fantastic, but the original remains my favorite for its particularly romantic atmosphere.
Saint Ambroeus
One of our regular spots for lunch or Sunday dinner. Ask for a corner table when booking, and order the melanzane or the linguine alle vongole.
Il Salumaio
I adore the beautiful courtyard hidden in the middle of Milan’s luxury shopping district. I almost always order burrata with tomatoes followed by pasta. Perfect for both lunch and dinner. Before leaving, I usually stop by their little shop for fresh pasta to take home while my husband enjoys an espresso at the bar.
Santa Lucia
Don’t let the neon sign fool you — this place is a true gem. Founded in 1929, it serves classic Italian cuisine alongside an extensive wine list. Ideal for long dinners with a large group of friends.
La Gioia
Owned by the same people behind our beloved Al Baretto. The atmosphere is warm and lively, and I love their cacio e pepe prepared tableside, along with their freshly baked focaccia.
Veramente
Another wonderful spot for cacio e pepe and delicious pizza. We love coming here for weekend lunch after strolling through Brera, and even at lunchtime we can never resist ordering the ice cream with assorted toppings made at the table.
Lùbar
I first heard about this restaurant from a jewellery client who had lived in Milan, and my husband and I recently had our first dinner there. I loved everything about it — the food, the music, the atmosphere, and the soft lighting. We’ll definitely be back very soon.
Trattoria Ciumbia
This place feels like stepping into an episode of Mad Men — stylish, nostalgic, and wonderfully cinematic. While the food isn’t my personal favorite, I absolutely love the interiors and ambiance.
Bice
Located in the heart of Milan’s shopping district, Bice is another favorite for traditional pasta dishes, old-school Italian service, and timeless atmosphere.
Rigolo
A true Milan institution. Every time we’ve dined here, we’ve heard nothing but Italian spoken around us — always a good sign. They specialize in classic Tuscan dishes, and I particularly love the filetto alla Rigolo and their exceptional Italian wine list.
Places for Coffee, Pastries & Quick Lunches
Princi
You simply have to stop at Princi while in Milan. The pastries are incredible, but so is the bread. If we’re having dinner at home, I always pick up their olive bread, and their pizza slices make the perfect quick lunch.
Marchesi
Heaven for chocolate lovers. There’s always a queue for takeaway sweets, so while I’m waiting, my husband usually enjoys an espresso at the bar.
Fioraio Bianchi Caffè
Every Monday and Thursday morning there’s an outdoor market in San Marco, where I love shopping for fresh vegetables. Afterwards, I always stop at this charming little place — part bakery, part café, part flower shop — and endlessly inspiring.
Giacomo Pasticceria
Located just across the street from Da Giacomo, this little gem is perfect for a cappuccino and delicious pastries.
There are still so many restaurants on my list to try this year, so once I’ve explored a few more, I’ll share an updated guide this autumn.
Xx, Camilla
