Where To Eat in Milan: 16 Best Places for Local Food
Known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan, Italy, has an air of sophistication, and that extends to the Milan food scene as well. If you’re there for Fashion Week, looking for a 9-course tasting menu in a fancy dining room with Michelin stars, Milan can certainly accommodate.
However, if you’re a foodie wanting to experience the local culture, you’ll want to eat at the neighborhood osterias and trattorias.
Where to Eat in Milan
There’s a simple answer to “Where to eat in Milan?” The best places to eat in Milan serve the city’s traditional dishes like risotto alla Milanese, breaded veal cutlets, and ossobuco.
What’s the fuss about eating local? The food of Milan is quite different from other regional Italian cuisine. For example, the food in Bologna revolves around its famous red Bolognese sauce, but in Milan restaurants, you’ll see more cream-based sauces.
Likewise, traditional Tuscan foods use more olive oil, whereas Milanese cuisine uses more butter. Furthermore, Roman fare stands out for its four core pastas, whereas Milan is best known for its risotto.
Luckily, there is no shortage of restaurants in Milan that serve typical Milanese dishes. From the Navigli to the Piazza Duomo, from Brera to Porta Venezia, Milan offers a plethora of eateries to satisfy your taste buds.
In fact, there may be too many restaurants—if such a thing is possible. I have been to Milan many times, and I have to admit, even for an experienced traveler, food blogger, and chef, this city can be overwhelming.
It wasn’t until my last trip that I felt like I was finally eating at all of the right places.
Now you can do it right on your first time to Milan without having to do hours of research! Together with a friend of mine who lives in Italy, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to eat in Milan that we think you’ll love!
One of the best places to eat in Milan, La Dogana del Buongusto
Best Places to eat in Milan
1. Trattoria De La Trebia, Milan
In the bustling heart of Milan, this trattoria offers a delightful escape into a welcoming ambiance that feels like a traditional Italian home. The rustic yet sophisticated décor, accented with wood and stone elements, sets the stage for a dining experience that feels both intimate and authentic.
At Trattoria De La Trebia, every meal is a celebration of Milan’s rich culinary heritage, and this is reflected in the restaurant’s signature dishes.
The risotto Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused masterpiece, captures the city's essence in each bite. And the osso buco (tender veal shanks) is slow-cooked to perfection and served with a fragrant gremolata topping that enhances its rich flavors.
Trattoria De La Trebia: Via Trebbia, 32, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 551 3380
One of the most traditional dishes of Milan, ossobuco and risotto Milanese
2. Ribot Ristorante
The most famous and beloved garden for eating in Milan is undoubtedly that of Ribot, a family restaurant that has been offering elegance and good food in front of the Hippodrome since 1975. Although it is worth dining at Ribot for the romantic setting and a glass of wine alone, the food is also outstanding.
Yes, the menu includes the great Milanese classics, but the Tuscan origins of the Frediani family mean that the main course section never lacks steaks.
A particular pasta highlight is the Montalcino macaroni, with ragù made according to Grandmother Mara's recipe.
With seasonal menu rotations highlighting the freshest local ingredients, you can also depend on each visit providing a new adventure in taste.
Ribot Ristorante: Via Marco Cremosano, 41, 20148 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 3300 1646
3. La Dogana del Buongusto
The name translates to “The Customs of Good Taste,” and it’s spot on. For me, there is no question that La Dogana del Buongusto is one of the best restaurants in Milan.
From the top-notch service to the exquisitely prepared Milanese specialties, I just love it here.
With its stone walls and homey atmosphere, this place is an old-school restaurant in all the best ways. And being able to start with with complimentary fresh-baked bread and anchovies just puts a smile on my face.
La Dogana del Buongusto: Via Molino delle Armi, 48, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 8324 2444
You know you’ve picked a great Milan restaurant when you’re served bread and anchovies to start.
4. Trattoria Masuelli San Marco
Trattoria Masuelli San Marco, a typical neighborhood trattoria in the Porta Romana area, is a favorite spot of our friend who lives in Milan.
Why? To say the small menu is rooted in Milanese culinary traditions is an understatement. For four generations, this Milan restaurant has been managed by the same family.
Order classic Italian dishes here: risottos, bean dishes, vitello tonnato, and ossobuco.
Trattoria Masuelli San Marco: Viale Umbria, 80, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 5518 4138
5. Ratanà
Chef Cesare Battisti is on a mission to preserve authentic risotto Milanese, which is a must-try at his restaurant, Ratanà.
Battisti’s Ratanà is a shining example of the slow food movement, using only high-quality seasonal ingredients and making everything to order. Bonus: They have a great lunch special every day!
Ratanà: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 8712 8855
Ratanà is dedicated to serving only the most authentic risotto Milanese.
6. Trattoria della Gloria 3
How many times have you heard that this or that place was like a Parisian bistro? Well, Gloria is the closest you can expect in the Navigli District.
It’s a down-to-earth, fun, lively place where you can chat without unnecessary formalities, drink excellent natural wines, and eat tasty food.
Using seasonal ingredients, Chef-Writer Tommaso Melilli (who occasionally pops out from the kitchen) puts a modern spin on traditional Italian recipes.
Trattoria della Gloria 3: Via Mario Pichi, 5, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 4547 4710
7. Risoelatte Duomo
This Milanese restaurant is one of the best near the Duomo in Milano Centrale.
Decidedly not your typical trattoria dining room, Risoelatte has a fun vibe complete with a jukebox and a colorful palate straight from my parent’s 1960s kitchen.
But don’t let the decor fool you; they serve yummy Mondeghili (Milanese meatballs), veal Milanese, and pastas.
Risoelatte: Via Manfredo Camperio, 6, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 3983 1040
When visiting the Duomo, try Ristorante Risoelatte Duomo.
8. ATMosfera
Limited on time? ATMosfera solves the problem for you. It’s a 2½-hour sightseeing tram ride during which you get to eat! And I mean eat in style!
Dine on white tablecloths in an elegant setting with polished wood and swanky silverware as you take a tour of Milan at night. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening!
If a leisurely lunch is more your style, a lunch option is available on Sundays.
The gourmet menu changes often based on the freshness and seasonality of ingredients, and it includes a mix of local meat, fish, and vegetarian options.
ATMosfera: Departure from Piazza Castello, 2 (at the corner of Via Luca Beltrami)
Phone: 02 4860 7607
9. Madama Hostel & Bistrot
As the name reveals, Madama Hostel is indeed a hostel—but it’s also a restaurant and bar where you can have brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The atmosphere is youthful (not necessarily young) and lively. It’s the perfect place for solo travelers, as you often meet other visitors. Some are staying in the hostel, and others are taking advantage of Madama’s proximity to the Fondazione Prada.
The food is a mix of traditional Italian and revisited street food like hamburgers, paninis, and salads. The menu varies based on the season and market availability, and there is no shortage of vegan options.
The bistrot is also a great place to enjoy a Milano aperitivo or one of Italy’s world-famous cocktails before dinner.
Madama Hostel & Bistrot: Via Benaco, 1, 20139 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 3672 7370
Make a new friend over an Aperol Spritz at Madama Hostel & Bistrot.
10. Monzù Bistrot
Alessandro Teo's Monzù Bistrot in Milan is a true hidden gem tucked away from the bustling city streets. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between modern and cozy.
Standout selections here include the freshly prepared seafood risotto, offering a taste of the Italian coast, and the tender, slow-cooked ossobuco, which is paired beautifully with saffron-infused risotto. Both dishes embody the authentic spirit of traditional Milanese cuisine.
Monzù Bistrot: Via Adige, 14, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 9924 8996
11. Osteria Del Binari
Osteria Del Binari is nestled within a charming building that includes a romantic patio featuring an archway of greenery and providing plenty of al fresco seating. The interior is set within a historical railway depot.
Both are delightful options. But when the weather is nice, it’s hard to beat the outdoor tables basked in natural light—especially when live music is playing.
Chef Cesare Denti’s menu is filled with dishes of traditional Lombardy cuisine. The pasta offerings, such as the Ravioli di Zucca and the seasonal Gnocchi del Binari, speak to the restaurant’s commitment to always using only the freshest ingredients available.
Osteria Del Binari: Via Tortona, 1, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 8940 9428
Pumpkin ravioli with butter and sage is a popular menu item at Milanese restaurants.
12. Solferino
This is one of the best restaurants in the trendy Brera district for classic dishes of traditional Lombardian cuisine. Solferino also offers some amazing Italian cheeses and hard-to-find Italian salumi like Culatello di Zibello. Unless you will be visiting Bologna, give the Culatello a try here!
If you’re a truffle lover like me and find yourself in Milan during truffle season, Solferino will not disappoint! Order one of the specials with truffles shaved tableside.
Solferino: Via Castelfidardo, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 2900 5748
At Solferino, you can’t beat truffles shaved tableside.
13. Osteria alla Concorrenza
Fun fact: A truly traditional osteria doesn’t serve food! Historically, these venues served only drinks, and you were invited to bring your own food.
Concorrenza is not that kind of osteria; it’s actually more of a natural wine bar.
Located in the Porta Venezia area, Osteria alla Concorrenza offers glasses and bottles of wine at reasonable prices. If you’re not familiar with Italian wines, skip the wine list and just ask the bartender or server for a recommendation. They are more than happy to help.
As for the food, Chef Diego Rossi—of Trippa fame—offers a simpler, less expensive menu here than at his flagship restaurant. Italian snacks like caponata with crostini and stews of cucina povera (peasant food) take center stage here.
Osteria Alla Concorrenza: Via Melzo, 12, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 9167 2012
14. Ristorante Cracco
At some point in your Milan visit, you will undoubtably stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II adjacent to the Piazza del Duomo. That’s where you’ll find celebrity chef Carlo Cracco’s Michelin-starred restaurant Cracco in Galleria.
But like I said, I’m not going to send you to Milan’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Skip the high-priced meal in the formal dining room and head instead to one of Milan’s hidden gems.
Yep. What most people don’t realize about Cracco is that it also includes a cafe/pastry shop at this location that’s open every day from 8 am to midnight.
It’s a great place for a typical Italian breakfast of pastries and coffee. Don’t worry if you pick something that seems like a dessert, Italian breakfast pastries often do!
Cracco in Galleria: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI,
Phone: 02876774
Stop at the Cracco Cafe when you visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
15. Mercato Centrale Milano
Located in Milan’s Centrale Train Station, the Mercato Centrale Milano is more like a food court than a market. Everything from ice cream and specialty coffees to Milanese risotto and international dishes like dim sum are all under one roof.
It is similar to the Roman food market in the capital’s central train station, in that you can eat whole meals here at an affordable price. It’s definitely one of the best cheap eats in Milan! In addition, the food stalls are continuously open from 7 am to midnight!
Mercato Centrale Milano: Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini, 2, 20125 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 02 3792 8400
16. Mani in Pasta
The name of this Italian restaurant in the Porta Venezia area is somewhat misleading. While they do serve lots of fresh pasta, they are even more famous for having excellent pizza!
If you’re thinking, “Pizza, isn’t that a Neapolitan dish?”, you are absolutely correct. However, there are 11 types of pizzas in Italy, and every major city in the country has pizzerias.
It’s no wonder that there are more famous Italian food quotes about pizza than any other food!
“Anyone who says that money cannot buy happiness has clearly never spent their money on pizza.”
So, unless you will be visiting Naples or the Campania region, try some pizza in Milan.
At Mani in Pasta, pizzas range from the classic Margherita to versions with a modern twist, like Vegetariana di Santorini, with Greek feta. Alternatively, you can also opt for the legendary Calzone Filante, with mozzarella, caciocavallo podolico, and spicy tomato sauce. You can’t go wrong with any of these yummy options!
Mani in Pasta: Via Carlo Pisacane, 47, 20129 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: 392 997 1676
Pizza is always a good idea in Italy!
Milan Restaurant Tips
I hope I’ve helped you find a few great restaurants in Milan! Here are a few tips that will help you anywhere you decide to go.
1. Since the choices we’ve discussed are some of the best restaurants in Milan, Italy, make a reservation if you can!
2. A gratuity is already included in your bill in Italy, but leaving your spare change or a few Euros is always appreciated.
3. Make sure you know what you are ordering. Many of the local restaurants will offer things the average American is not used to, like offal and brains.
4. Check the hours before you go to any Milan restaurant. Many close between lunch and dinner, and dinner will not start earlier than 7:00pm.
Buon appetito!
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