From quirky pop-ups and tucked away pizzerias to world-renowned Michelin star restaurants – you'll find something to suit your taste in Milan no matter what. Our guide to the best can help you plan a perfect meal.  

Where to eat in Milan  

No city blends old and new quite like Milan. Whether you’re interested in exploring modern flavours or prefer the classics, Italy’s fashion capital never disappoints.  

Carbs reign supreme. Expect risotto alla Milanese (Milanese risotto) and its various interpretations on every menu, Lake Garda-sourced products and some of the best cheeses on earth. The bistecca alla Milanese (Milanese steak) is also a highlight, similar to the Weiner Schnitzel – its Austrian counterpart. 

Finish your meal with the sublime Milanese gelato (ice cream) and espresso to live like a local. 

These are some of the best areas for restaurants in Milan:  

Milan restaurants general opening times 

Most restaurants in Milan open for lunch from 13:00 to 14:30, then close and re-open around 19:00 until 23:00. If you want to go to a specific restaurant, we recommend you book in advance to guarantee a table.  

Brera 

Brera is one of Milan’s artistic hubs, thanks to the 18th-century fine art academy-turned gallery. Its cobbled streets, tucked-away cafes and quirky boutiques add to the romance. 

Brera is not only a fashion destination but a culinary haven too. The choice of restaurants to try around the area is almost endless. To save you extra legwork, we’ve highlighted a few of the best restaurants in Brera for a dining experience like no other. 

For local cuisine: 

  • Il Ristorante Niko Romito  
  • God Save the Food 
  • Sette Cucina Urbana 
  • Rovello 18 
  • Bice 
  • Il Kaimano 

If you’re craving seafood, make sure you try: 

  • L’Osteria di Brera 
  • Il Consolare 
  • Il Cestino 
  • Trattoria Torre di Pisa 

For authentic Italian pizza: 

  • Pacifico 
  • Momus 
  • The Pizzacoteca di Brera 
  • Lievità 

Do as the Milanese do. Enjoy a light snack or an aperitivo here: 

  • Tibi Bistro Provençal 
  • Pandenus Mercato 
  • La Tartina 
  • La Casa Iberica 
  • N’Ombra de Vin 

Nearest train station: Lanza (M2 line) and Montenapoleone (M3 line) metro stops are the closest ones to Brera  

Porta Nuova 

Porta Nuova represents Milan’s futuristic soul in all its elements. Home to the Palazzo Lombardia (Lombardy’s regional government seat) and two of the city’s highest skyscrapers - Torre Pelli (Pelli Tower) and Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) – this area offers some of Italy’s most significant architectural wonders.  

If you’ve been strolling around Porta Nuova and worked up an appetite, there are plenty of choices here. Whether you want gourmet, international or authentic Milanese – there’s no limit to the neighbourhood’s ever-changing culinary scene. 

From Asia to South America and everything in between, here are some of the finest restaurants for international cuisine: 

  • Bésame Mucho 
  • Le Vrai 
  • Vin Han Long 
  • Noma29 
  • Bab 

If you’ve been longing for an authentic Italian pizza, Milan surely knows how to impress. 

  • Nàpiz’ 
  • COSÍ Fa Antonino Esposito 
  • N’ata – Espressioni di pizza 
  • Da Cecco 

Fancy trying some of the classics, like the traditional risotto, the Ossobuco (a cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables in broth) or the Cassöeula? Here's where you need to go: 

  • La Risotteria Italiana 
  • La Griglia di Varrone 
  • Il Liberty 
  • Joia 
  • Ristorante Berton 
  • Osteria del Verme 
  • Ratanà 

Nearest train station: Milano Repubblica train and metro station (M3 line) and Turati metro stop (M3 line) are closest to Porta Nuova 

Corso Como 

This fascinating micro-world in Milan’s heart of the action offers some of the best culinary experiences that you don’t want to miss. The area is a mix of styles, from early 20th-century architecture to futuristic, almost abstract urbanism. 

Corso Como is also widely renowned for being a prime shopping destination, packed with high-end boutiques and luxurious haute couture ateliers. You can plan a fashion-filled day and have a bite at one of its unique restaurants in the evening. It doesn’t get much better than that. 

These are the best cafés in the area: 

  • 10 Corso Como Café  
  • Pixel 
  • Executive Lounge 
  • Loolapalosa 
  • Caffé Novecento 
  • Pitbull Caffé 

If you’re a fan of tradition, these are the restaurants you can’t skip: 

  • All’Isola 
  • Rocking Horse 
  • Sciatt A’ Porter 
  • Mi Garba Bistrot 
  • La Griglia di Varrone 

And if you’re in Milan and want to try food from other Italian regions, why not. Italy’s food scene is so regionally diverse that everywhere you go feels like visiting a different part of the country.  

  • Ristorante alla Cucina delle Langhe 
  • Il Pompero 

Nearest train station: 2-minute walk from Garibaldi train and metro station (M3 and M5 lines) 

Portello District

Located on the north-western outskirts of Milan, Portello is one of the city’s up-and-coming areas. Named after the eponymous street Strada del Portello, the district is particularly famous for being the centre of car manufacturing, where Fiat and Alfa Romeo once had their headquarters.  

The food scene here is incredibly varied. Many choices include traditional pizzerias, elegant dining for special occasions, and informal trattorie. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to grab a bite in this part of the city. 

Pizza time? Make sure these dine-in and takeaway pizzerias are on your radar: 

  • Rom’antica Milano Piazza Portello 
  • Amabile 
  • Uno Più ristorante pizzeria 
  • Qui si mangia 

For local cuisine, head to these traditional trattorie and restaurants: 

  • Casa Portello 
  • Ristorante Iper 
  • Ristò 
  • La Fabbrica dei Gusti 
  • La Scogliera due Sorelle 
  • Ristorante Paradiso 

Want to finish with espresso? These are the best spots around: 

  • Passion Café  
  • Mama Pilar 
  • Bar Colonna 
  • Bar Modà 

Nearest train station: 16-minute walk from Portello metro station (M5 line), or 16-minute walk from QT8 metro station (M1 line) 

Porta Genova District

Found between Navigli, the Darsena (dock) and Via Tortona, Porta Genova is one of the city’s most vibrant districts. The great nightlife, shopping and delicious Milanese trattorie make the neighbourhood one not to be missed.  

Whether you fancy some street food on the go, fresh Asian cuisine or something a little sophisticated, there’s no better place than Porta Genova. 

For typical Milanese food, head to: 

  • La Scaletta 
  • Taglio 
  • The meatball family 
  • Osteria del Binari 
  • El Barbapedana 
  • El Ganassin 

Multi-ethnic and varied, Milan’s culinary scene also includes plenty of restaurants from other Italian regions. Some of the finest around Porta Genova include: 

  • Acquasala 
  • Ristorante da Giordano il Bolognese 
  • Trattoria Trinacria 
  • Osteria Fiorentina 

Nearest train station: Milano Porta Genova train and metro station (M3 line) 

No district better represents Milan; everything around the Navigli area is typical Milanese. From the countless cafés and restaurants taking full advantage of their canalside location to the lively bars serving aperitivo. If you want to live as a Milanese would, a day here is almost mandatory. 

And if you want to eat like Milanese do, having a bite here is mandatory. There are plenty of great options in the area. But where to start? Let us point you to the best places to eat, so you can worry less about choosing and enjoy the pleasure of heading out for a meal. 

To kick off your evening, here are some of the best spots for the authentic Milanese aperitivo. A tradition that never gets old.  

  • Rita 
  • Carlo e Camilla in Segheria 
  • Deus Café  
  • Iter 
  • Ugo Cocktail Bar 

Navigli showcases the best of Lombardy’s cuisine. Here’s where to try it: 

  • Trattoria Milanese 
  • Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda 
  • El Brellin 
  • 28 Posti 
  • Osteria Conchetta 
  • Al Pont de Ferr 

No trip to Italy could be complete without a slice of pizza or two. Head to: 

  • Fratelli Cavallaro 
  • I Capatosta Navigli 
  • Napoli1820 
  • Fabbrica Pizzeria 
  • Sabbia d’Oro 
  • La Magolfa 

Nearest train station: Romolo metro station (M3 line) 

Porta Garibaldi 

Garibaldi has become an attraction in its own right over the past years, as it portrays Milan’s evolution as a vanguard powerhouse. With the Unicredit Tower dominating the skyline and the unique Libreria degli Alberi, Porta Garibaldi is also a great place to eat out.  

If you are a seafood enthusiast, here are some of the spots you don’t want to miss: 

  • Alexamber Fish Cuisine 
  • Pescheria Con Cottura 
  • Terrazza Calabritto 
  • Ristorante Fishion 

If you fancy pizza, head to: 

  • Amor 
  • Lievità Via Varese 
  • Quore Italiano 
  • Pizzeria di Porta Garibaldi 
  • Vasinikò Milano 

Want to add a touch of cosmopolitanism to your stay in Milan? Try some of Garibaldi’s international restaurants, such as: 

  • California Bakery 
  • El Carnicero 
  • Copacabana 

Nearest train station: Garibaldi train and metro station (M3 and M5 lines) 

Piazza Duomo 

In the heart of Milan, it’s no wonder that most of the city’s best restaurants lie near the magnificent Duomo. There is something to cater to every budget, from casual pizzerias to Michelin-starred restaurants for special occasions.  

If you want to try authentic Lombardy cuisine, these are your go-to places: 

  • La Locanda del Gatto Rosso 
  • Obica Mozzarella Bar 
  • Maio Restaurant 
  • Mio 
  • Boccondivino 
  • Identità Golose 
  • Luini 

For a special occasion meal to remember:

  • Ristorante Valentino Legend 
  • Corallo Lobster Bar 
  • Pavarotti Milano Restaurant Museum 

Nearest train station: Duomo metro station (M1 and M3 lines) 

Getting around Milan 

The city has three main train stations: Milano Centrale, Milano Cadorna and Milano Porta Garibaldi – all found in the city centre. It also has Milano Lambrate and Milano Rogoredo, located in the metropolitan areas.  

Two of the best ways to travel around the city is by bus and metro. Bus tickets cost €1.50, while metro tickets cost €2 and are valid for 90 minutes. If you think you’ll use public transport often during your trip, you might want to purchase a carnet (book) of ten tickets for €13.80. 

You can also get a 24 or 48-hour pass; both are valid on all transport. Connections can be made with the same ticket as long as they are within the specified timeframe. 

Take the train to Milan?

If you want to spend some time in Milan, why not travel by train? Getting the train to Milan is easy due to the high-speed rail connections operated by Trenitalia and Italo. You can travel to Milan from some of the most popular cities in Italy, including Florence to Milan (1h 40m), Rome to Milan (2h 52m) and Venice to Milan (2h)

Need more information about travelling to Milan by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to Milan.

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