Milan Fashion Week just came to an end, but while your itinerary there may have been packed with fashion shows, it should also be important to give yourself time to explore the city. Events or not, this popular Italian city constantly draws in tourists from across the globe with its gorgeous architecture, rich history, and, of course, vibrant culinary scene. It is no secret that the city’s F&B landscape is bursting with restaurants, bars and cafes that offer a range of Italian and international cuisines—from Sicilian-style dishes to delectable international fare. With so much to explore and so little time, we guide you to the best dining spots where you can savour the best seafood, eat like a local or pop by for some good ‘ol espresso.
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Start the day with Italian pastries at… Pasticceria Cucchi Milano
Founded in 1936, Pasticceria Cucchi Milano is one of the most historical pastry stores in Milan, and has been run by the Cucchi family for three generations. Head down for breakfast and dig into sweet and savoury pastries, such as the Cor’ di Mela, a sweet creation comprising a buttery tart base filled with tangy apricot and bitter orange jam. It’s topped with a nutty almond and citrus crumble, apricot jelly and fresh fruit. Naturally, classic pastries and bakes are also available, including pain di chocolat, buttery croissants, and brioche rolls. A must try is the panettone—available throughout the year, this treat uses the same recipe since 1936, comprising fluffy and buttery sweetbread studded with dried fruit.
Pasticceria Cucchi Milano, Corso Genova, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, +39 02 8940 9793
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Dine amidst greenery at… LùBar
Hidden in the heart of Milan’s Modern Art Gallery is LùBar, a café and restaurant that brings the outdoors in with its elegant interior, studded with plants. The menu puts the spotlight on Mediterranean fare with Sicilian influences. Savour tantalising plates like the beautifully grilled langoustine drizzled with an aromatic cumin sauce; pacchieri pasta mixed with tomato sauce and crowned with juicy lobster; and buttery yellowfin tuna tartare. While you’re here, try the Arancini Fatti in Casa, a renowned Sicilian dish of fried stuffed rice balls—beef lovers can go for the ragu di carne e piselli, featuring tender beef ragou and peas encased in a rice ball. These balls are then deep-fried until golden brown.
LùBar, Via Palestro, 16, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, +39 02 8352 7769
Indulge in gelato at… Il Massimo del Gelato
A trip to Milan isn’t complete without trying local gelato. Unlike gelato and traditional ice cream found elsewhere in Europe, Italian gelato is dense and rich. While gelaterias can be found all over the city, a must try is Il Massimo del Gelato. A favourite among locals and tourists, this family-run gelateria offers a wide selection of flavours, including the classic stracciatella. A beloved Italian gelato flavour, stracciatella comprises creamy vanilla gelato mixed with sweet chocolate flecks. Chocolate lovers will not want to miss out on the dark chocolate gelato infused with 100 per cent gold flecks. Taste-wise, the gelato is rich and velvety smooth, with intense chocolate flavours.
Il Massimo del Gelato, Via Lodovico Castelvetro, 18, 20154 Milano MI, Italy, +39 02 349 4943
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For an aperitivo, head to… Ceresio 7
On top of two pools and gorgeous bird eye views, Ceresio 7 is home to a wide selection of cocktails. Visit during sunset for a pre-dinner drink while admiring the view of the Milan skyline. A wide selection of cocktails and spirits await—for something refreshing, The Light is a mix of Brugal 1888, lemongrass, Falernum, verjus and cocoa bitters, while the Italian’s Campbell is a fruity mix of Belvedere vodka, cherry tomato, raspberry water, St. Germain and Timur berry cordial.
Ceresio 7, Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano MI, Italy, +39 02 3103 9221
For a taste of the sea, visit… Langosteria
Seafood lovers will want to take a trip to Langosteria for hearty fish and crustacean dishes. Helmed by chef Denis Pedron, the restaurant is a place where you can revel in hearty dishes such as the Catalan-style blue lobster. The classic dish sees juicy Breton blue lobster boiled and served with a zesty lemon sauce of lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Other standouts include the rich langoustine and foie gras tartare; tender red tuna carpaccio topped with aubergines, tomato and basil; and succulent grilled King crab.
Langosteria, Via Savona, 10, 20144 Milano MI, Italy, +39 02 5811 1649
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