This is Italy, so you can expect amazing food. Do try to focus on dishes from the region, though. If you wanna eat pizza, look for a typical Neapolitan pizzeria. If you want Carbonara, find a Roman restaurant. Trying to order Fettuccine Alfredo is a sure way to be judged, so don’t.
I have eaten in each one of the restaurants below, always in the company of locals. Give these places a try for eating well in Milan and you won’t be fooled by tourist traps!
Proper meals – eating lunch/dinner in Milan
Eataly
You cannot leave Milan without checking it out. This is a foodies paradise! It’s hard to explain, so read it from them. In the Milan shop, you will find restaurants, a bakery, and grocery shop with food, books, and kitchen utensils. Whichever restaurant you choose, you will eat well. I recommend the pasta di Gragnano al pomodoro, mozzarella di bufala e basilico (pasta with tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and basil). It’s incredibly delicious and its simplicity really brings out the quality of the ingredients. The pizza is also a highlight.
L’Osteria Grand Hotel
The Slow Food Guide recommended and I wholeheartedly second it. This place is hidden, so you really have to look for it and you will likely not find any tourists. It purposefully makes you feel like you stepped into a past age and the food is absolutely amazing. The menu changes with the seasons. I went in the winter but plan to go back with a nice weather to enjoy the garden.
Da Rita e Antonio
Between the Sforza Castle and Duomo, just enough hidden, you will find this small local restaurant. Try the costoletta alla milanese, typical from Milan and delicious.
Ratanà
Cute little place in the new Garibaldi area, I absolutely recommend it for the risotto alla milanese con ossobuco, another typical dish from Lombardy.
Fornello Contadino
Small and cozy place not far from Porta Garibaldi, with traditional Italian dishes, quality ingredients and simple preparation. It’s perfect for a dinners & movie night out, as the nearby Anteo Palazzo del Cinema shows movies in Original Version.
Lievità
The pizzas here are simply delicious, with extra attention to high-quality ingredients. Try the appetizers too! There are two branches in Milan. Though I only go to the one in Via Ravizza, I’d expect the same level at the other.
Gino Sorbillo – Pizza Gourmand
On a side street from Piazza Duomo, this place is packed during lunch with the professionals from the area. It’s busy and loud but it’s great neapolitan pizza in super central location.
Obicà
In their own words: Mozzarella Bar, Pizza e Cucina. What else could you ask for? With restaurants near Duomo, in Brera and even in the departures of Malpensa T1, everything I’ve eaten there was great. It’s also a great place for an aperitivo.
Ristorante Gallura
Specialized in Sardi cuisine. So if you are in the mood for delicious sea food and miss pane carasau (I’m sure it’s not just me!), go there.
Spazio Gallura
A bit fancier than Ristorante Gallura, with great food and impeccable service.
El Porteño
If you want a break from all the Italian deliciousness, enjoy amazing Argentinian meat here. There are two branches, one next to Parco Sempione (El Porteño Arena) and the other not far from the Navigli.
Snacks & Gelato
Even the fast food here is good. If you are in a hurry and time is your enemy, you have some yummy options:
Luini Panzerotti
The panzerotti is typical from Puglia. Always hot and delicious, they come fried, baked or sweet. Don’t get scared by the lines, it moves quick.
Spontini
Pizzeria. The menu is not extensive, which allows them to be super quick and keep prices low. You eat and go. Just something easy and quick. With many shops around Milan, it’s a good option before heading to your next attraction.
L’Hamburgheria di Eataly
If you don’t want or cannot go to Garibaldi, there’s a piece of Eataly in the city center. There’s nothing that I could write to do justice to this place. Just go and be happy. Unfortunately this one has been closed. You can still head to Eataly Smeraldo above, though!
There are many places that sell great gelato, but I particularly love Grom. You can find shops all over Italy.
Aperitivo
Terrazza Aperol: just on Piazza Duomo, with views to the square.
Terrazza Duomo 21: also overlooking Piazza Duomo.
Trussardi: near Teatro alla Scala.
Bar Martini by Dolce&Gabbana: in the Quadrilatero della Moda.
What do you think? Got any suggestions for eating in Milan that I can try next time? Let me know!
See also:
Milan 101: Arriving & Getting Around
Milan: New Transport Tariff System
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