Spazio

What a pleasure to escape the throngs of people around the cathedral by taking the elevator to the third floor of the newly opened Mercato del Duomo and entering the world of Spazio. The restaurant is fully staffed by students from a culinary school headed by three-star Michelin chef Niko Romito who oversees the Italian menus here. It occupies two dining rooms, one of which has perfect views of Milan's massive cathedral, and interiors are charming, with mismatched wooden tables and walls covered in culinary terms. An enormous ficus tree presides over the light-filled dining room that looks towards the duomo.

Courses are well-sized so that one can commit to a real Italian meal (appetizer, pasta and meat entrees, dessert). But the true pleasure is to observe the motivated team of youngsters—the next wave of culinary talent—who cook and serve the delicious courses with pride. Between the quality of the food, the eagerness of the team and the unbeatable location a stone's throw from Milan's most iconic sight, this restaurant is one not to miss.