Milan food: 8 essential dining spots

Think of Milanese food, and dishes like risotto alla milanese (creamy risotto with butter, parmesan and saffron) and cotoletta (breaded veal cutlet fried in butter) come to mind. While most old-school trattorias still serve these beloved classics, over the past decade, the city’s food scene has evolved. Today, Milan is flush with dining options that span plant-based, international and regional cuisines, balancing the rich traditions of the past with exciting new flavours and presentation. Let us show you where to book a table. 

1. Nebbia

Premium, seasonal ingredients and a contemporary approach to Italian cooking distinguish Nebbia , a hip restaurant on the Naviglio Pavese canal. The menu, which changes frequently according to produce availability and the whims of its young chefs, features simple staples – marinated anchovies served with bread and butter; liver pâté with caramelised onions – presented with clever twists. The result is a series of generously portioned dishes that are packed with character. Add to that the place’s minimalist décor and attentive service, and you’ve got one of Milan’s most interesting dinner spots. 

2. Propaganda Alimentare

Propaganda Alimentare  bills itself as an “agriturismo urbano” – an urban farmhouse. Using only regional, organic and responsibly sourced produce, this cosy bistro in the Casoretto neighbourhood puts the focus back on low-impact, unpretentious dining. There are no primi or secondi on the single-sheet menu; just “cosette” (little things) such as cheeses, cold cuts and homemade pickled vegetables made for sharing, plus larger dishes inspired by Italy’s vast plant-based repertoire. The wine list is equally pared-down but well thought-out, with bottles from artisanal winemakers from Italy and beyond. 

3. Trippa

A warm ambience, affordable prices and a creative menu that changes almost nightly make this Michelin- recognised restaurant one of Milan’s most popular (reservations are essential, often up to months ahead). Nestled in the trendy Porta Romana neighbourhood since 2015, Trippa was an early pioneer of the neo-trattoria movement, revisiting and innovating upon Italy’s cooking traditions. Founders Pietro Caroli and Diego Rossi have held fast to that vision, turning the spot into a haven for regional home cooking. Be sure to order the signature tripe and bone marrow, with copious amounts of wine to boot. 

4.  Da Giacomo

A Milan institution, Da Giacomo , in the Risorgimento neighbourhood, matches superb food with style. The interior exudes Milanese elegance, with carved wood panelling and patterned tile floors, courtesy of architect Renzo Mongiardino. Fish reigns here, from spaghetti with clams to rich fish soup, as well as a selection of the best daily catch displayed at the entrance for customers to choose from. Can’t snag a table? Da Giacomo has several offshoots across Milan, from the more informal Giacomo Rosticceria to the ideally located Giacomo Caffé, right next to Milan Cathedra. 

5. Fairouz

Looking for a meal to contrast all that Italian food? Head to Fairouz , a fantastic Lebanese restaurant with three locations in town. It serves authentic flavours and dishes – mostly vegetarian – from the Middle Eastern canon, with reasonably priced tasting menus that allow you to try a bit of everything, from moutabal – a dip usually made with aubergine, but prepared here with pumpkin, potato or courgette – to falafels, couscous and kabse – basmati rice with spiced vegetables. Everything is fresh, fragrant and accompanied by piping hot flatbread, not to mention seriously good mint tea. 

6. La Vecchia Latteria

The Duomo, or cathedral, area has plenty of spots to grab a bite, but for a memorable meal, seek out La Vecchia Latteria . This quaint restaurant is a typical Milanese trattoria with a difference: the whole menu is vegetarian, with loads of vegan options, too. White tiles, vintage framed photos and a laid-back ambience create the feel of a canteen from the 1950s. The dishes, which change almost daily, are uncomplicated and packed with flavour, made using local, seasonal produce – the mixed platter comes highly rated.

7. Bentoteca

Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi unites Italian ingredients, Japanese flavours and natural wines at Bentoteca , a hipper-than-thou restaurant in the Sant’Agostino area. Opened in 2020, this spot is favoured by in-the- know Milanese for its minimalist yet tantalising menu, which features the freshest of sushi and Japanese classics like tsukemono aubergine (pickled aubergine with daikon, fennel and sesame sauce) or katsu sando with fried veal tongue. We recommend going for the omakase set with wine pairings – the best way to get a full taste of Tokuyoshi’s culinary range. 

8. Dry

Sure, Milan may not have the pizza-making tradition of Rome or Naples, but it still boasts some excellent pizzerias. Dry , in the Moscova area, is one of the best, serving up pies prepared with top-notch ingredients alongside strong cocktails and welcoming vibes. Its pizzas span classic – margherita, marinara, ortolana – to gourmet, with toppings inspired by the cuisine of Lombardy, including taleggio and chestnut; pumpkin and zola (a cheese from Mantua); and pumpkin and ventricina (a type of salami). The real star here, though, is the dough: delicate, pillowy, and with the perfect crust.