Culinary Tour of Milano: Top Places to Dine
Milano is one of Italy’s most iconic cities and its culinary offerings are as diverse and delicious as its historical sights. A culinary tour of Milan gives you the chance to sample the incredible range of cuisines it has to offer – from top-notch fine dining to iconic street food. Whether you’re after family-run trattorias, high-end restaurants or casual bistros, you’ll find something to tickle your taste buds in Milan. Here’s our pick of the top places to dine in Milan.
High-End Restaurants
If you’re after award-winning cuisine and ambience to match, then you won’t be disappointed by the range of high-end restaurants in Milan. These top-notch restaurants range from multi-course tasting menus to al fresco terrace dining with stunning views. For a truly opulent culinary experience, these are the spots to head to.
• Cracco – Considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in Milan, Cracco serves up exquisite Italian-Mediterranean cuisine prepared in a modern, yet traditional style. Its stellar menu features dishes such as liquid ravioli and “fagottini of delicacies” and reflects the subtlety and finesse of Milanese haute cuisine.
• Al Baretto – Located in Milan’s chic Corso Como district, Al Baretto is an upscale Italian restaurant serving up contemporary cooking in a glamorous setting. Sample its signature dishes such as fine tuna tartare and crab tagliolini.
• Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia – This two-Michelin-starred restaurant serves up creative, contemporary dishes with a strong emphasis on local ingredients. Chef and co-owner Aimo Moroni is dedicated to blending his culinary experience with the terroir of Milan and the surrounding area, creating an experience that is both unique and memorable.
World-Class Fine Dining
When it comes to fine dining, Milano has it all. From Michelin-starred restaurants that double up as art galleries to family-run trattorias with a long history of superb cuisine, here are a few of our top picks for fine dining.
• La Veranda – For meals laced with Italian hospitality and incomparable views of Lake Como, La Veranda is the place to go. Located in an ancient villa, it has a storied history and an impressive wine list. Try its signature lasagna, or opt for the locally-caught lake fish.
• El Borsaardino – For classic Italian cuisine served in a refined atmosphere, make sure to visit this cozy trattoria. Sample its seasonal specialties, such as fish and mussels with zeppole, prepared using traditional recipes.
• Contraste – With two Michelin stars to its name, Contraste is a must-visit. This modern restaurant, situated in a chic boutique hotel, offers guests imaginative, contemporary dishes with creative twists.
Street Food and Casual Eats
No culinary tour of Milano would be complete without sampling some of its iconic street food. From pizza to panzerotti, fried seafood to kiosks selling delicious cups of hot chocolate and cream, you’re sure to find something that tickles your taste buds.
• Panzerottalotto – The perfect snack for a chilly day, panzerotti are a type of pocket-sized pastry filled with cheese and other savory ingredients. Panzerottalotto has been making the best panzerotti in Milan since 1983, so you know they will be delicious.
• Pizza al Taglio – This traditional snack is a must-try in Milan. Pizza al taglio is small rectangular pizza that can be eaten as a snack, and can be savory or sweet. Look out for the traditional versions topped with tomato, mozzarella and basil.
• Piadina – This savory flatbread is a popular snack in Milan, and is often filled with sausage, cheese and vegetables. Be sure to sample it from one of the many local vendors on the streets of Milan.
• Grom – Ice cream aficionados should head to Grom for some of the best ice cream in town. Serving only natural and organic ingredients, it has won fans from all across the globe. Try its signature flavor, gianduia.
• Cioccolata Calda Vivoli – If you’re in search of some classic winter comfort food, look no further than Vivoli’s famous hot chocolate. This thick and creamy hot chocolate, topped with cream and marshmallows, will keep you warm while you explore the city’s top sights.
A culinary tour of Milan is a must for any food-lover looking to sample the best of Italian cuisine. From high-end fine dining to traditional street food, there’s something to tantalize the taste buds in this vibrant city. Whether you choose to splash out on award-winning cuisine or sample the traditional dishes of local eateries, you’re sure to be dazzled by the culinary delights Milan has to offer.
