Milan
Best places to eat in Milan
Pull up a chair outside a trattoria and watch the models slink by, or to head inside for a fancy sit-down dinner; wherever you choose to dine in Milan, you’re guaranteed an exceptional experience. Milan has a rich tapestry of communities and culinary traditions, with some indulging in the very old custom of aperitivo and others preferring to linger in neighbourhood locals that still do slow foods and Lombard cuisine. Armed with this two-day itinerary, embark on a tour of the city’s favourite food haunts.
Day one
Start your day off by jumping in a taxi for the 15-minute ride to Peck.
Peck
The historic deli at Peck has stayed consistently at the top of gourmands’ must-visit lists for many years. Produce ranges from carefully sourced Iberian hams and artisan cheese wheels – including excellent Gorgonzola and fresh goat cheeses – to fresh pasta, fruit and vegetables and handmade gelato.
Then, take a seven-minute walk to the California Bakery on Via Larga.
California Bakery
Specialising in American-style bread, cakes, bagels and other treats, California Bakery’s owners enjoyed US bakeries so much that they visited almost 50 before opening up their own. It looks like it’s a passion shared by their compatriots too, as the cosmopolitan Milanese hoover up everything from cookies to cupcakes made to recipes from the land of Stars and Stripes.
From here, take a five-minute stroll over to Signorvino.
Signorvino
Signorvino is not just a wine shop, wine bar, or restaurant; it’s an Italian blend of all three. Here, in addition to the wonderful wine, you’ll find a food menu that carefully pairs every dish with a bottle sold in store. Pappardelle with rich duck ragù is matched with Rosso di Montalcino, and tiramisu with Passito di Noto, for example.
Head to Milan’s canal district for dinner at Al Pont de Ferr, just 20 minutes away by taxi.
Al Pont de Ferr
A Michelin-starred osteria in the Navigli, Al Pont de Ferr is understandably popular, both for its location in one of the city’s trendiest districts and its outstanding tasting menus from Chef Ivan Milani. But sticking to the à la carte menu yields epicurean delights as well, with dishes like “The Time of Golden Eggs” (creamy egg, butter and black truffle caviar with gold leaf) or “Double Play” (lamb cooked two ways with artichokes).
Finally, hop in another taxi for 20 minutes to reach Le Cantine Isola.
Le Cantine Isola
This well-established wine bar has been beloved by locals since it opened in 1896. Stocking a range of fine quality Italian and international wines and a selection of light bites to accompany, it’s the perfect spot to bring the evening to a close. In a characteristically quirky touch, every bottle lining the shelves features a handwritten tag from the owner’s mother with a poem and the story behind the wine.
The hotel is a 10-minute taxi journey away from the wine bar.
Day two
Take a taxi from the hotel for the 20-minute journey to Taglio, on the other side of Milan.
Taglio
Taglio is a delicatessen, coffee shop and bar all rolled into one. Known locally for its speciality coffee, what is most surprising, perhaps, is that the brunch menu accompanies its standard Italian options with various English-style egg dishes, from Eggs Royale (Uova alla Salmone) to Eggs Benedict (Uova alla Classica).
From Taglio, take a 20-minute taxi ride to Eataly Milan Smeraldo.
Eataly Milan Smeraldo
It’s a rare occasion when Eataly does not have a long, snaking queue outside. However, the wait is worth it for fine quality, authentic Italian products like pickles and pâté, fresh pastas and cakes, and artisan wines.
From Eataly, a five-minute walk will take you to Enoteca Cotti.
Enoteca Cotti
Founded in the early 20th century, Enoteca Cotti is a wine shop with more than 1,000 labels, shelves of fine Cognac, Port, and Madeira, not to mention gourmet delights such as pâté, truffles, vinegars and mushrooms. Grappa gets a whole room to itself and the most expensive varieties are stored in precious, mouth-blown Murano glass.
A 10-minute walk will take you to the last stop on the tour, La Prosciutteria.
La Prosciutteria Milano
This little wine bar and restaurant, situated in the heart of the Brera district, serves top quality locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie boards and Italian wines at affordable prices. Its staff are knowledgeable and affable, which encourages a healthy return-rate of both tourists and locals.
To get back to the Hotel Principe di Savoia, take a 10-minute taxi ride.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
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