The Milan List

Milan has a very special place in my heart. I lived there for a few months in 2014 and I immediately fell in love with the city, culture, and people. I learned so much about what style means both in fashion and in food. Milan's thoughtful approach to every single aspect of design is inspiring - from the details in your napkin to the way an espresso will always be served with a chic biscotti. Pay attention to these details, and enjoy them :) This list could go on forever, but I tried to limit it to the top favorites. 

FOR BREAKFAST (usually a Cappuccino & Croissant):

• Lu Bar: A beautiful little greenhouse vibe with avocado toasts, and a variety of croissants. 
• Marchesi 1824 (in the Galleria): Fancy but gorgeous, something to definitely experience. Usually less crowded in the mornings. 
• Fioraio Bianchi Cafe: Enjoy your cappuccino in a low key, but beautiful flower shop. 

FOR LUNCH: 

• Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone: Probably one of the most iconic patios in Milan to have lunch. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. If you're there in the fall months, their porcini tagliolini is a must! 
• A Santa Maria Lucia: Near the duomo, this legendary spot serves all the classics and will be a crowd pleaser to any group. It's nothing too fancy, but its always delicious.  
• Giacomo Rosticceria: Part of the Da Giacomo restaurants, their rotisserie concept is a great lunch. Think rotisserie chicken, meatballs, skewers and more. Simple and chic but not fussy. Reserve in advance. 
• Aimo e Nadia Bistro: Designed by Rossana Orlandi (right next to her stuido) this spot is such a beautiful treat. I like to go for their "business lunch special" 
• Paper Moon: If you're looking for a fancy lunch, this is great. 
• De Santis: My favorite panini shop. Casual, quick and delicious 

FOR DINNER:

• Bice: If you have one dinner in Milan, I would most likely send you to Bice. This is a total Milanese classic. Everything on the menu is exceptional and the atmosphere is always great. Their saffron risotto and cotoletta Milanese are my faves. Don't forget to have a tiramisu either...   
• Rovello 18 (also great for lunch): Expect no glitzy vibes, just really great food. I will always go here for lunch or dinner when I'm visiting Milan. The agnolotti del plin is a must and always ask for their specials. 
• Langosteria: A very sceney and glamorous seafood restaurant. If you're looking for a beautiful crowd, delicious seafood towers and lobster pastas, this is the place. There are a few of them, but my favorite is their original Langosteria on Via Savona. 
• Il Solferino: If you're looking for Italian home cooking that will warm your soul, this is it. All the classics.  
• Trattoria Torre di Pisa: In the heart of Brera, this spot is a cozy but always chic with a great crowd for dinner. You'll find Tuscan classics here like steaks, soups and pastas. Their spaghetti puttanesca is one of my favorites.   
• Da Giacomo: I know most people enjoy Da Giacomo for the scene at night, but I actually love it for lunch too. Less crowded and a lot more chilled. Either way, you'll find beautiful people and delicious fish. You must get the whole fish roasted Giacomo style.

 

FOR SLEEP:

• Hotel Bulgari: Always chic, in a great location, with a spa and restaurant. The best part about staying here is the patio and bar that you have access to.  
• Portrait Milano: I loved the big spacious rooms here, bigger than any of the other standard 5 star hotel rooms. The service needed some work as they recently opened but I think it's still worth a visit. 
• Four Seasons: One of my favorites for years, you will get the best service here. The lower category rooms are on the smaller side, but the entire experience is always wonderful. If you're into spas, this is one of the best in Milan. 
• Principe Di Savoia: Part of the Dorchester collection, this property is a total classic. It's definitely on the older side but it has a lot of charm. You have a full gym, spa and pool upstairs with one of my favorite breakfast spreads. Tip: Ask to be placed in one of their renovated rooms. 

 

FOR COFFEE & APERITIVO:

• Bar Basso: An informal but classic Milanese bar - go for cocktails after dinner. 
• Sant Ambroeus: Recently renovated and chicer than ever, one of my favorite places for Aperitivo hour. 
• Hotel Bulgari Patio: Probably the chicest place to have a drink. In the warmer nights, sit on their patio and enjoy cocktails with my favorite little aperitivo bites. 
• Cova (Montenapoleone): If you're on the go, stop by Cova for a quintessential Milano moment at their bar. Order a macchiato, drink it at the bar, and pay after. 
• Mag Cafe: In the Navigli area, this cozy bar has been around for a long time. Go for their negroni, it won't disappoint.  
• Bar Luce (in Fondazione Prada): If you're going to the Fondazione, you have to stop by their Wes Anderson designed bar. Whether you're getting a cocktail or a coffee, it's totally something to see and experience. 
• Bar Brera: After walking around or shopping in the Brera area, stopping for a drink at Bar Brera will include simple and straightforward drinks and bites, with great people watching.
• Four Seasons Patio: Sit on the patio and enjoy cocktails or a macchiato.

 

 

FOR FUN:

• Duomo & Galleria Vittorio: A must, every time you visit! 
• La Rinascente: Milan's department store - don't miss the top floor.
• Rossana Orlandi: An iconic gallery, spanning several floors including art, furniture and more. 
• Villa Necchi: A treasure in the heart of Milan. This Art Deco villa always inspires me every time I visit. 
• Fondazione Prada: Prada's expansive museum with a permanent and rotating collections. 
• Teatro alla Scala: A truly unique experience. If you have the opportunity to see a show, definitely do it! 
• Via Brera Boutiques: Stroll through the streets of Brera and get lost in their beautiful furniture and clothing boutiques. 

• Laboratorio Paravicini: Pottery shop of your dreams!