Milan is always in motion and with fashion week fast approaching and the city gearing up for the Winter Olympics, all eyes are on the city. It’s where we love to spend the entire day shopping, to luxuriate over a few Negroni Spagliato’s and end the day with an ossobuco alla risotto Milanese. Tradition and reinvention coexist beautifully here. It’s where the perfect espresso still matters and style isn’t performative but the women have a certain Sprezzatura to them.
Milan rewards those who know where to look, so don’t go just anywhere. These are the places that locals love, insiders return to, and we still visit every time we’re back in the city, so if you’re planning a trip to Milano, below is our vetted list of new favourites and classic spots to dine, as well as where we stay and the galleries we like to visit. This is Milan done right, so dress well, eat slowly, and let the city do the rest.
WHERE TO DINE
Milan’s most elegant dining experiences are defined by refinement, atmosphere, and intention. Ristorante Da Giacomo, La Gioia San Marco, Gloria Osteria Milano, Langosteria, and 28 Posti sit firmly in the category for special occasions, where impeccable service and thoughtful menus make every detail feel considered. These are the rooms that come alive during fashion week and Salone del Mobile balancing tradition with modern confidence. Additionally, Contraste, a favourite of Massimo Bottura for their contemporary Italian cuisine executed with creative precision, and DaV by Da Vittorio Louis Vuitton, a luxurious exercise in haute gastronomy, are also not to be missed.
For a more classic Milanese experience, the city’s traditional trattorias remain essential. Trattoria Milanese Dal 1933 is a living archive of local cuisine, don’t miss their ossobuco and risotto alla milanese, while La Latteria offers an intimate, almost residential experience built around comforting Italian dishes. Al Baretto San Marco continues to be a trusted favorite among locals and creatives for consistency and timeless appeal, and A Santa Lucia for their warm and traditional atmosphere deeply rooted in the city’s culinary history.
A newer generation of restaurants brings a modern sensibility to the Milanese table. Newly opened Sandì Ristorante stands out not only for its polished yet cozy interior design but also for pairing thoughtful cooking at lunch during the week and friday’s for dinner. While not new, Rovello 18 and Sant Ambroeus are excellent choices for relaxed lunches or refined dinners, offering menus that are reliable, stylish, and perfectly suited to the rhythm of the city.
For midday dining, Tipografia Alimentare is a standout for a casual yet elevated lunch. When it comes to pizza, La Specialista remains the top destination, casual in vibe, absolutely delicious and always delivering on celebrity sights. Can’t get a table? Gino Sorbillo, Berberè, and Denis Milano, are great options if you’re after pizza, consistently delivery pies each with their own distinct approach.
WHERE TO STAY
Where you stay in Milan matters, but for a city *so* design obsessed, there are fewer compelling options than you might expect. Of course you will find your big chain hotels like Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Hyatt’s but we’ve rounded up a few that deliver more on charm and a personalized approach to hospitality.
STRAF has long been a go to for design hotel lovers who gravitate toward an unconventional, minimalist aesthetic layered with art, strong architectural choices, and an energy that feels distinctly modern and urban. It’s central, buzzy, and perfectly suited to travelers who want to feel plugged into the city’s creative pulse.
For a more intimate experience, boutique properties like Vico Milano and Casa Brivio offer warm, residential alternatives. Both feel closer to staying in a beautifully curated private home than a traditional hotel, with thoughtful interiors and a level of personal attention that appeals to those who value discretion and design in equal measure. Casa Brera adds another strong option to this category, bringing contemporary Milanese style to a highly walkable neighborhood, while Room Mate Giulia, just steps from the Duomo, delivers a luxury stay with a lively vintage inspired design.
On the luxury side, Bvlgari Hotel Milano remains the gold standard. Hidden behind its private garden, it delivers a rare sense of calm alongside impeccable service and a clientele that defines Milanese style. Armani Hotel Milano offers a more architectural expression of luxury, where clean lines, restrained palettes, and an emphasis on precision reflect Giorgio Armani’s signature aesthetic. Nearby, Senato Hotel Milano provides a quieter, more boutique interpretation of luxury, ideal for travelers who want refined design without the formality of a grand hotel.
Newcomer Rocco Forte House caters to guests looking for longer stays with 5-star polish and service , offering the space and discretion of a private residence paired with five star service. For something more contemporary and value driven without sacrificing comfort, NH Collection Milano CityLife is a smart choice, particularly for travelers interested in modern architecture and a slightly calmer pace just outside the historic center. Those looking for a lower priced but well located option will appreciate Locanda Pandenus, a charming, straightforward stay known for its warm hospitality and excellent central position
WHERE TO DRINK
Milan’s bar scene is anchored in aperitivo culture, where early evening drinks often turn into long nights that sometimes spill out into the streets. Bar Basso remains the city’s most iconic stop, credited with inventing the Negroni Sbagliato and still drawing the cities fashion set, especially during fashion week. Newcomer Bar Nico offers a quieter, more intimate alternative, with a low lit atmosphere that feels discreet, neighbourhoody and effortlessly cool, while another newish spot Dexter leans darker and later, known for its strong cocktails, great wine, banging snacks and vinyl selection that keep the vibes high.
Wine lovers will gravitate toward Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturali, to find a carefully curated selection of natural wines and excellent salumi plates in a relaxed local setting. Carico and Etero add a contemporary edge to the scene, appealing to a design conscious crowd, while Bar Paradiso in Porta Romana brings a more playful approach to wine and cocktails, with snacks that make it ideal for a full evening out.
For a sense of classic Milan (after Bar Basso of course), Camparino in Galleria is essential for a quick drink while you’re shopping, serving Campari based cocktails inside the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Palinurobar and Bene Bene offer a more distinctly curated take on wine and aperitivo culture tailored to the fashion and design set, while Horto delivers drinks with a Michelin star edge in a bright airy space with a spectacular view. The bar at Bvlgari Hotel Milano rounds out the list as the city’s most refined option, pairing impeccable cocktails in a serene garden setting.
Coffee and Cafés
Coffee in Milan is a cultural institution almost as good as the little pastries that come alongside it. Historic cafés like Marchesi 1824, Pasticceria Cucchi, and Cova Montenapoleone represent the city’s elegant past, where perfect espresso and refined pastries are served in grand, timeless settings. These cafés become especially animated during fashion week, when editors, buyers, and creatives fill the tables from morning through afternoon.
For a more modern approach, Orsonero Coffee and Cafezal Torrefazione cater to serious coffee drinkers who appreciate quality beans and minimalist design. Bar Luca offers a relaxed, stylish pause between appointments, while Signor Lievito fits naturally into the café category as a favorite for excellent pastries and casual daytime stops. Le Polveri adds another strong option for beautifully crafted baked goods, and Pavé Gelati and Granite remains a go to for elevated desserts, gelato, and sweet indulgences that feel distinctly Milanese.
Shopping
Milan shopping is about curation, not excess. 10 Corso Como remains the ultimate concept destination, blending fashion, books, design, and culture into one endlessly inspiring space. Nearby, Armani Libri offers a quieter but equally refined experience, perfect for discovering design and fashion through a distinctly Italian lens. The historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a no brainer with some of the most beautiful luxury shops in the city, but go early in the morning as the crowds can be no joke. The Prada Galleria 1913 flagship is a must stop for serious shoppers and Prada lovers alike. Dating back to 1913 inside the arcade, the shop seems small at first with just accessories at the ground level, but venture downstairs and you’ll find everything from ready to wear, to shoes, even home, travel and made to measure in the most beautiful iconic space.
For contemporary fashion and streetwear, One Block Down and END deliver global relevance with Milanese credibility, while Frip adds a more curated, boutique approach to modern fashion, known for its sharp edit of Scandinavian and Italian labels. Those seeking avant garde luxury gravitate toward the chicest boutiques Antonia and Antonioli, where the edit is bold, directional, and intentional. Haircare line and barbershop Eredi Zucca is a must-visit for mens grooming and beauty, while Gioielleria Pennisi is step back in time with fine jewelry and one of a kind antique pieces.
Milan’s vintage scene is equally curated. Cavalli e Nastri is a cornerstone of the city’s secondhand luxury world with two locations, renowned for its expertly curated designer pieces spanning decades of fashion history. Nearby, Elevated Archives focuses on rare and collectible vintage, particularly from the 1990s and 2000s, appealing to those looking for statement pieces at great price points.
Art and Culture
Milan’s cultural identity is deeply tied to design, fashion, and architecture. Triennale di Milano sits at the center of that conversation, showcasing exhibitions that span contemporary design, art, and innovation. Armani Silos offers a quieter but powerful experience, presenting fashion as archive and art through Giorgio Armani’s disciplined vision.
For a broader global perspective, MUDEC explores culture and creativity across continents, while Villa Necchi Campiglio provides a serene escape into Milanese modernism, offering insight into how the city’s elite once lived (book ahead for a special tour of the wardrobe). Fondazione Prada is essential, not only for its ambitious contemporary art programming but for its architectural presence, which has become one of Milan’s most influential cultural landmarks. Make sure to stop for a bite at the Wes Anderson designed Bar Luce and don’t skip the mushroom room.