If there’s one thing I miss about living in Milan (apart from my friends), it’s the foooood!!
Some of my favourite meals came from tiny neighbourhood restaurants I’d stumble across while wandering home, while others became weekly rituals with friends after class.
These aren’t meant to be the “best restaurants in Milan.” They’re simply the places I genuinely loved enough to keep returning to.
☕ Best Cafes in Milan
Loste Café
Probably my favourite cafe in Milan.
The coffee is excellent, the pastries are even better, and it somehow manages to feel calm despite always being busy. If you’re looking for a proper specialty coffee stop, this is where I’d start.
Ditta Artigianale Specialty Coffee Roaster
Originally from Florence, this was another regular spot whenever I wanted good coffee and somewhere to work for an hour or two.
SISU.
One of my favourite brunch spots in Milan, serving excellent specialty coffee and beautifully presented breakfasts in a bright, Scandinavian-inspired space. It’s the kind of cafe that’s perfect for a slow morning before wandering the city.
The Coffee
Tiny Japanese-inspired takeaway coffee shops scattered throughout Milan.
Perfect if you’re grabbing a coffee before wandering the city.
CafeZAL
A lovely local cafe that always felt relaxed and less touristy, it has multiple locations too!
Nowhere Cafe
One of those cafés you accidentally spend much longer in than planned.
Hygge
Cosy, Scandinavian-inspired interiors with excellent brunch and coffee. Genuinely I think one of the best brunch menus in the city!
Atelier Prato
A beautiful little café and bakery that’s worth stopping by if you’re nearby.
Marchesi 1824
One of Milan’s most iconic historic pastry shops.
It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it’s worth visiting at least once for the beautiful interiors and classic Italian pastries.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
I’m normally not someone who recommends Starbucks while travelling…
…but this one is genuinely worth seeing.
The Reserve Roastery is enormous and feels more like an attraction than a cafe.
🍕 Best Pizza in Milan
Assaje ⭐ My Favourite
If I could only recommend one pizza in Milan, it’d be Assaje.
I still think about their zucchini pesto pizza.
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with soft, fluffy crusts and consistently amazing toppings.
Pizzium
One of the most popular pizza spots in Milan, with several locations across the city.
Pino Pizzeria
A fantastic neighbourhood pizza spot that quickly became one of my regulars.
Rossopomodoro
A reliable choice if you’re craving classic Neapolitan pizza, with many locations.
Sabbia d’Oro Ristorante-Pizzeria
Great traditional pizzas in a relaxed setting.
🍝 Favourite Restaurants
Osteria del Gnocco Fritto ⭐ Must Visit
One of my absolute favourites.
If you’ve never tried gnocco fritto before, this is the place. Think warm fried dough served alongside cured meats and cheeses from the Emilia-Romagna region.
It’s hearty, delicious and feels incredibly Italian.
Osteria da Fortuna
Traditional Italian comfort food with a cosy atmosphere.
Felice a Testaccio
Originally from Rome, this restaurant is famous for classic Roman dishes.
If you’re craving something beyond Milanese cuisine, it’s an excellent option.
Miscusi
If you’re craving fresh pasta without the hefty price tag, Miscusi is a fantastic option. You can build your own pasta bowl by choosing your pasta shape, sauce and toppings, making it an easy, affordable lunch or dinner. With lots of locations across Milan, it’s a reliable choice whenever you’re in the mood for homemade pasta.
🥪 Quick Eats
All’Antico Vinaio
Yes – the famous sandwich shop from Florence.
The queues at the Florence locations can be enormous, but I’ve often found the branch inside Milano Centrale Station much quieter.
If you’re catching a train to Lake Como, Verona or Venice, grab one before you leave.
My order every single time?
The porchetta. Yuuuum!
🍦 Sweet Treats
Venchi
One of my favourite places for gelato in Milan.
They also sell incredible chocolates if you’re looking for a souvenir.
🍸 Best Aperitivo Spots
GUD Darsena
One of my favourite places on a warm summer afternoon.
Grab a drink overlooking the canals and soak up the atmosphere around the Darsena.
Pinch Spirits & Kitchen
Excellent cocktails with a slightly more elevated aperitivo feel.
Perfect before dinner in the Navigli area.
Mag Café
One of the most iconic cocktail bars along the Navigli canals, Mag Café is the perfect place to settle in for aperitivo after a day of exploring. Expect creative cocktails, a cosy vintage interior and a lively atmosphere that spills out onto the canal in the evenings.
🥗 Healthy Lunch
OOPS
One of my favourite lunch spots when I wanted something lighter than pizza or pasta.
Perfect for fresh salads and colourful bowls.
Don’t Leave Milan Without Trying…
Even though Milan is full of incredible international restaurants, don’t leave without trying a few local Lombardy specialties:
- 🥘 Risotto alla Milanese – creamy saffron risotto that’s become synonymous with the city.
- 🍖 Cotoletta alla Milanese – Milan’s famous breaded veal cutlet (often compared to a schnitzel, but proudly Milanese).
- 🍲 Osso Buco – slow-braised veal shank, traditionally served with risotto alla Milanese.
These are the dishes that define Milanese cuisine, and they’re well worth seeking out during your visit.
Alexx
Continue Planning Your Milan Trip
Once you’ve filled up, keep planning your trip with my other Milan guides:
- 📍 48 Hours in Milan – My ideal two-day itinerary after living in the city.
- 🏨 Where to Stay in Milan – The best neighbourhoods for first-time visitors.
- 🚆 Best Day Trips from Milan – Lake Como, Bergamo, Turin and more.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours, hotels and services that I’ve personally used or genuinely believe will add value to your trip.
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