Milan’s Best Restaurants

Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Milan, for any occasion.

Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone

Duck into lovely Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone for a quick lunch and people watching at its finest, and dine on Italian cuisine based in tradition either alfresco in the spacious courtyard or in the wood-paneled dining room. Via Montenapoleone, 12

La Latteria

Legendary La Latteria— a local institution with only eight tables—is back under new ownership (from cashmere heiress Vitoria Loro Piana, who promises to keep the charm). An “in the know” spot for foodies, the tilework and mismatched art makes an intimate lunch still feel like dining in your nonna’s kitchen. Via S. Marco, 24

La Scaletta

The three Teruzzi brothers run the congenial but elegant La Scaletta near the Porta Genova train station, serving an inspired Lombardy-meets-Mediterranean menu. Piazzale Stazione Porta Genova, 3

LùBar

In the Gallery of Modern Art, LùBar has multiple spaces, including a special winter garden and conservatory room, and the food concept draws on simple Sicilian cuisine. It’s also a good spot for lunch, coffee or aperitivo. Via Palestro, 16

Trattoria de la Trebia Milano

From the large historical wall painting to the sleek wooden columns, Trattoria de la Trebia feels charmingly old world and specializes in Milanese meats and local vegetables. Via Trebbia, 32

Pasta Fresca Brambilla

Pasta Fresca Brambilla is a neighborhood spot that serves delicious homemade pasta for lunch, and stays open only until they sell out, so it is best to make a reservation. Via Melzo, 2

Sandì

Housed in a former 1950s bakery near Porta Venezia, Sandì is a 40-seat space that features a minimalist, mid-century aesthetic. The restaurant deliberately champions lunch—a fixed menu at €22 or €25—over the usual dinner-first format, and diners can expect to be served creative, contemporary cuisine rooted in Milanese traditions (with a French bistro influence). Via Francesco Hayez, 13

Da Giacomo

With its old fashioned, almost Italian country grandmother décor, Da Giacomo has been a beloved institution for years, and it draws a supremely fashionable crowd for some of the best fish dishes in the city and warm familiar service. Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 6

Dry

Dry is the brainchild of the owners behind Pisacco (across the street), and its genius blend of cocktail bar-meets-pizza joint remains a huge hit. Via Solferino, 33

Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

A Michelin-starred restaurant that was opened by husband and wife food lovers in 1962, Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia still serves delicious food in an upscale environment. Via Privata Raimondo Montecuccoli, 6

Langosteria

Those with a craving for seafood should make a reservation at the acclaimed Langosteria in the design-heavy Tortona neighborhood—but be prepared for a higher price tag. Via Savona, 10

Orizzonti

New hot spot ORIZZONTI is one of those rare rooftop restaurants where the food—in this case, delicate crudi, handmade pastas and artful desserts— actually lives up to the view. And what a view: from its perch on the 13th floor, it has direct sightlines from the Duomo to Torre Velasca. Via Santa Sofia, 10

Gloria Osteria

Buzzy Gloria Osteria Milano, from Big Mamma Group, pairs dazzling marble-and-copper glamour and Jacopo Foggini chandeliers with nostalgic yet elevated Italian comfort food, making it a favorite for lively Milan dinners. Via Tivoli, 3

Trattoria del Nuovo Macello

Far from the city center, Trattoria del Nuovo Macello serves classic Northern Italian food, and is a good destination for gourmets who want to be surrounded by locals instead of other visitors. Via Cesare Lombroso, 20

Trattoria Trippa

Serving typical Milanese cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, Trattoria Trippa has a relaxed but refined feel. Via Giorgio Vasari, 1

Trattoria del Ciumbia

Trattoria del Ciumbia serves Milanese comfort classics—think saffron risotto, ossobuco and veal cutlets—in a wood-paneled dining room with vintage art. After dinner, the space morphs into a lively late-night club with DJs and cocktails, making it one of the few places in Brera where a meal naturally segues into dancing. Via Fiori Chiari, 32

Bar Luce

The warm, whimsical Bar Luce in the Fondazione Prada was conceived by film director Wes Anderson, and is a good spot for coffee, panino or dessert. Largo Isarco 2

Marchesi 1824

The original, historic location of this pastry shop is walking distance to Santa Maria delle Grazie (home of da Vinci’s The Last Supper), making a good pit-stop for an espresso and a colorful, elegantly boxed candy—a fabulous memento to bring home. Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11a

SISU

Part bakery, part café, part living room, SISU. serves a global pastry menu—French viennoiserie, Finnish rugbrød, Basque cheesecake, babka—in a sunlit space near the Darsena. Via Gaudenzio Ferrari, 1

Bamboo Bar

Even if you are not staying at the Armani Hotel, a drink at its serene Bamboo Bar on the seventh floor is a must, where the soaring space is dominated by the onyx-back bar, the ambience is hushed and the views of Milan are expansive. Via Manzoni, 31

Cantine Isola dal 1896

This wine bar is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, plus the delicious wines that are paired with small snacks. Via Paolo Sarpi, 30

Ceresio 7

One of the coolest places for aperitivo (with especially tasty small plates and cocktails), the cozy dining room and lounge at Ceresio 7 was designed by cutting-edge Dimore Studio, and in the warm months, the rooftop terrace is unbeatable. Via Ceresio, 7

Sogni

Sogni means “dreams” in Italian, and the restaurant and bar are very much the vision of avant-garde fashion retailer Claudio Antonioli. Sip classic and creative cocktails alongside some of Milan’s trendiest at the restaurant’s gorgeous bar under soaring ceilings. Via S. Calocero, 8

Terrazza Gallia

On the seventh floor of Excelsior Hotel, this Terrazza Gallia has panoramic views of Milan and is a scenic spot for aperitivo. Piazza Duca d'Aosta, 9

FIORIN FIORELLO

A neighborhood wine bar in the Cinque Giornate district, Fiorin Fiorello pairs a serious cellar of 300-plus labels with a seasonally shifting menu of salumi boards, hummus and roasted artichokes. The mood is intimate with curtained windows, and has a distinct listening bar vibe with vinyl on display and a rotation of soft DJ sets. Via Fratelli Bronzetti, 38