Milan is a city of style, flavour, and contrasts — where grand architecture meets quiet courtyards, and where aperitivo is more than a habit, it’s a rhythm. Whether you’re in town for a couple of days or planning a longer stay, this is a curated list of my favourite spots to eat and drink, plus a few neighbourhoods to consider calling home while you’re there.

Restaurants Worth Seeking Out

Milanese cuisine is hearty and elegant, and these restaurants offer some of the best ways to experience it — from buzzy trattorias to creative seasonal plates.

  • Trattoria Trippa – Hugely popular Milanese trattoria with bold flavours and a warm, buzzy vibe. Book well in advance.
  • Nebbia – Seasonal and elevated classic Milanese food in a stylish setting, with a great wine list.
  • Trattoria Bolognese da Mauro – Classic, home-style food in a relaxed setting.
  • San Maurì – Refined but welcoming, with a carefully curated menu.
  • La Gioia San Marco – Stylish and friendly, with cocktails and creative pasta.
  • Osteria di Brera – Rustic, reliable Brera stop with outdoor seating.
  • Pastamadre – Seasonal, thoughtful dishes with a great natural wine list.
  • Il Piccolo – Milano – Charming restaurant, perfect to enjoy classic Milanese dishes and a glass of wine.
  • Ratanà – Modern Milanese food in a beautiful space in Isola.

Casual & Daytime Cafés and Sandwich Spots

These are my favourite places to grab a relaxed lunch, snack, or coffee — perfect between museums, walks, and window shopping.

  • Cascina Cuccagna – Garden café in Porta Romana with homegrown ingredients and a serene vibe.
  • Panzerotti Luini – Milanese classic near the Duomo known for soft, golden panzerotti filled with gooey mozzarella and tomato.
  • Marchesi 1824 – Historic café with refined sweets and Italian ambiance.
  • Cesarino – Near the Duomo. Excellent, no-frills panini with big flavour. Highly recommended stop for lunch.
  • All’Antico Vinaio – Florence’s famous sandwich shop now in Milan. Big, messy, and worth the hype.

Wine Bars

Aperitivo is sacred in Milan. These are some of the most memorable places I found for wine, snacks, and the relaxed pre-dinner rhythm that defines the city.

  • La Vinothèque RSVP – A curated, elegant space with rare bottles and a hushed atmosphere.
  • Vino – Easy-going, relaxed and very well curated.
  • Vinoir – Friendly and stylish but relaxed, with a thoughtful list of natural wines and small plates.
  • Vino Vino – Tucked away in Sant’Alessandro, not far from the Duomo, small but full of character and flavour.
  • N’Ombra de Vin – Atmospheric wine bar in Brera, with vaulted ceilings and deep cellar vibes, with an extensive wine list.
  • Atypique – Offbeat, fun and full of great wine finds.
  • Enoteca Naturale – Set in a garden near Bocconi, great wines and aperitivo snacks.
  • Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali – Come for the wine, stay for the food and friendly service.

Where to Stay in Milan: Neighbourhood Tips

One of the best things about Milan is how easy it is to get around. Trams, metro and buses are efficient, clean and quick, so you don’t need to stay right in the centre. Here are a few neighbourhoods to consider, each with a different feel:

Porta Romana (where we stayed)
A quiet, lived-in neighbourhood with local shops, cafés, and excellent restaurants. It has a slightly residential vibe but still feels central. In summer, don’t miss Bagni Misteriosi, a dreamy outdoor pool hidden behind a theatre.
→ Quiet, charming, and well-connected — with good looks and a local feel.

Brera
Elegant and artistic. Small streets, galleries, antique shops, and some of the city’s best wine bars. Close to everything but with a slower pace and a lot of charm. Where I would stay next time.
→ Ideal if you want atmosphere without crowds.

Porta Venezia
Lively, creative, and diverse. Great food, LGBTQ+ friendly, with beautiful old architecture and a slightly alternative feel. Also close to the public gardens.
→ A fun, vibrant option with easy access to everything.

Isola
Trendy and modern, with a younger energy. Known for indie boutiques, bars, and the striking Bosco Verticale towers. A bit further out, but well connected.
→ Great for design lovers and night owls.

Centro Storico
Close to the Duomo and main sights. It’s busy, expensive, and less “neighbourhoody,” but unbeatable for convenience.
→ Ideal for a short stay if you want to walk everywhere.