Milan, or "Milano" as it's called in Italia

Traditional Milanese Dishes

1. Risotto alla Milanese

•  This is one of Milan's most famous dishes, known for its distinctive yellow color derived from saffron. Risotto alla Milanese is made with Arborio rice, cooked slowly in broth, white wine, and seasoned with saffron for a delicate, aromatic flavor. Often creamy and rich, it's traditionally served as a side to dishes like Ossobuco or enjoyed on its own as a main course.

2. Ossobuco alla Milanese

•  Ossobuco means "bone with a hole" and refers to a slow-cooked veal shank. In this Milanese specialty, the veal is braised with white wine, broth, and vegetables until tender, resulting in a flavorful, hearty dish. It's typically paired with Risotto alla Milanese or polenta, and the bone marrow inside the shank adds a luxurious richness to the meal.

3. Cotoletta alla Milanese

•  This is Milan's version of a breaded veal cutlet, similar to the Wiener Schnitzel. The veal is pounded thin, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried in butter until golden and crispy. The Milanese cutlet is usually served with a wedge of lemon and a side salad or roasted potatoes, making it a favorite for both lunch and dinner.

4. Panettone

•  Originally from Milan, Panettone is a traditional sweet bread typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. This tall, fluffy loaf is made with a rich, buttery dough, filled with raisins, candied fruits, and sometimes chocolate. The texture is light and airy, with a subtle sweetness that pairs well with coffee or a glass of sweet wine.

Milanese Street Food

5. Panzerotti

•  Panzerotti are fried or baked pastry pockets stuffed with ingredients like tomato, mozzarella, and ham. They resemble small calzones and are popular street food in Milan. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they make for a delicious and quick snack while exploring the city's streets.

6. Michetta

•  Michetta is a type of bread roll unique to Milan. It has a crunchy exterior and an airy, hollow interior, perfect for filling with various meats, cheeses, and spreads. It's often used to make simple yet flavorful sandwiches, enjoyed during lunch breaks or on-the-go.

7. Polenta

•  A staple in Lombard cuisine, polenta is a creamy dish made from cornmeal. In Milan, it's often served as a side with hearty stews, sausages, or Ossobuco. When cooled and set, polenta can also be sliced and fried, creating crispy golden squares that are delicious as street food or an appetizer.

Contemporary Milanese Cuisine

8. Aperitivo Culture

•  Milan is the birthplace of the Italian "aperitivo," a pre-dinner tradition where drinks like Aperol Spritz or Negroni are paired with small bites. Many bars and cafés offer aperitivo buffets, featuring an array of dishes like cured meats, cheeses, olives, bruschetta, mini pizzas, and pasta salads. This social dining experience is a beloved part of Milanese nightlife.

9. Pizza

•  While not originally from Milan, pizza has become an integral part of the city's culinary scene. Milanese pizzerias offer a range of styles, from traditional Neapolitan with a soft, chewy crust to the "pizza al taglio," rectangular slices sold by weight and topped with creative combinations of ingredients.

Desserts and Sweets

10. Tiramisu

•  Although not unique to Milan, Tiramisu is a popular dessert in many of the city's restaurants. Made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and sometimes a splash of liqueur, this dessert is a creamy, indulgent way to end a meal.

11. Cannoncini

•  These are puff pastry rolls filled with creamy custard, often found in bakeries and cafés around Milan. Cannoncini are crunchy on the outside with a rich, velvety filling, making them a delightful treat to enjoy with a coffee.

Milan’s food scene is a blend of tradition and modernity, offering everything from classic Italian dishes to trendy street food. Its diverse culinary offerings make it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

 And Here are some top restaurant choices in Milan, ranging from fine dining to street food:

Fine Dining

1. Seta

• Location: Via Andegari, 9, Mandarin Oriental Hotel
• Cuisine: Italian
• Description: Located in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Seta offers a Michelin-starred dining experience curated by Chef Antonio Guida. The menu is a sophisticated blend of traditional Italian flavors and modern culinary techniques. Signature dishes include risotto with saffron and liquorice, and veal cheek with truffle sauce. The elegant courtyard setting and impeccable service make it perfect for a refined meal.

2. Cracco

• Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
• Description: Chef Carlo Cracco’s Michelin-starred restaurant in the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an exquisite destination for gourmet Italian cuisine. Known for its innovative takes on classic dishes, Cracco serves specialties like marinated egg yolk with black truffle, and Milanese risotto with saffron. The stylish interior and refined atmosphere add to the dining experience.

Casual Dining

3. Paper Moon Giardino

• Location: Via Bagutta, 12
• Cuisine: Italian
• Description: Paper Moon Giardino is housed in a 19th-century mansion, offering a cozy and elegant dining experience. The menu features classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a variety of seafood options. The lush garden setting provides a serene escape from the city's bustle, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

4. Ratanà

• Location: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28
• Cuisine: Traditional Milanese
• Description: Ratanà is known for its focus on traditional Milanese and Lombardian cuisine, presented with a modern twist. Housed in a historic building with a rustic yet chic interior, Ratanà offers dishes like ossobuco with saffron risotto, and pumpkin tortelli. The restaurant’s commitment to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients results in fresh and flavorful dishes.

Cafés and Bakeries

5. Pasticceria Marchesi

• Location: Via Monte Napoleone, 9
• Cuisine: Pastry Shop
• Description: Pasticceria Marchesi, one of Milan’s oldest pastry shops, is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. Famous for its exquisite pastries, cakes, and chocolates, Marchesi offers traditional Italian sweets like panettone, fruit tarts, and cream-filled cannoncini. The charming ambiance, with its elegant decor and old-world charm, makes it a delightful stop for coffee and a treat.

6. Pavé

• Location: Via Felice Casati, 27
• Cuisine: Café/Bakery
• Description: Pavé is a hip, artisanal bakery and café known for its fresh-baked goods and relaxed atmosphere. They offer a range of delicious pastries, croissants, and cakes, along with a selection of sandwiches and salads. The open kitchen allows guests to see the bakers at work, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience. It’s an ideal place for breakfast or an afternoon coffee break.

Ethnic and International Cuisine

7. Kanpai

• Location: Via Melzo, 12
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Description: Kanpai brings a slice of Tokyo to Milan with its authentic Japanese izakaya-style dining. The menu offers a variety of sushi, sashimi, yakitori, and other Japanese comfort foods, paired with an extensive sake list. The modern, minimalist decor and the lively bar make Kanpai a popular spot for a casual night out.

8. Al Mercato Burger Bar

• Location: Via Sant’Eufemia, 16
• Cuisine: American
• Description: For those craving a taste of America, Al Mercato Burger Bar offers some of the best burgers in Milan. The menu features gourmet burgers made with high-quality meats, unique toppings, and freshly baked buns. The casual, urban vibe of the restaurant makes it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.

Hidden Gems

9. Trippa

• Location: Via Giorgio Vasari, 3
• Cuisine: Italian
• Description: Trippa is a cozy trattoria with a focus on nose-to-tail dining, offering traditional Italian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, depending on what's in season, but you can always expect hearty, flavorful options like braised meats, fresh pasta, and classic antipasti. The rustic interior and warm, friendly service make it a favorite among locals.

10. La Vecchia Lira

• Location: Via Alessandro Volta, 23
• Cuisine: Milanese
• Description: La Vecchia Lira is a charming, unpretentious eatery serving classic Milanese cuisine in a laid-back setting. The menu features dishes like cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet), saffron risotto, and homemade tiramisu. Its cozy atmosphere and traditional recipes make it a great spot for an authentic taste of Milanese comfort food.

Street Food

11. Luini Panzerotti

• Location: Via Santa Radegonda, 16
• Cuisine: Italian Street Food
• Description: A Milanese institution since 1888, Luini is famous for its panzerotti – a type of savory pastry filled with tomato, mozzarella, and various other ingredients. The panzerotti are freshly fried to order, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and a deliciously melty interior. The shop’s central location near the Duomo makes it a convenient and tasty snack while exploring the city.

12. All’Antico Vinaio

• Location: Via Lupetta, 12
• Cuisine: Italian Street Food
• Description: Originally from Florence, All’Antico Vinaio brings its famous stuffed focaccia sandwiches to Milan. The menu offers a range of fillings, including prosciutto, mozzarella, truffle cream, and marinated vegetables, all packed between slices of freshly baked focaccia. The generous portions and rich flavors make it an ideal spot for a quick and filling meal.

These choices cover a wide range of dining experiences in Milan, from high-end restaurants to casual cafés and tasty street food options. They showcase the city’s vibrant culinary scene and offer something for every taste.