Milan, although certainly charming, is admittedly a hard city to navigate, especially when you do not know where to start. With a significant presence in the fashion, art and design maps, there is no doubt about what the city has to offer to those who seek. However, with a stretch of 1,575 square kilometers and little to no online guidance and mentions of the places actually worth your attention, you can easily get lost. Therefore, as someone that spent 3 years learning their way around the city, I thought I’d share a list of my favorite spots around its most popular districts.
Although for the past couple of years Isola has been dubbed as Milan’s official art district, the wider Brera area is usually the place to be, especially during Design Week, when it flourishes and turns into an artistic hub. However, even “off-season”, Brera is a great starting point for your Milan exploration journey, since it’s where you will find some of the city’s best restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries. The list you will find bellow, however, contains places scattered all around Milan's creative districts, as some are better hidden than others.
Pasticceria Gattullo - Piazzale di Porta Lodovica, 2, 20136
Mornings begin at Gatullo with a soy cappuccino, a sfoglia con frutti di bosco and a freshly squeezed orange juice. With a tradition of over 50 years, the pasticceria has become an unofficial landmark of the city, a sort of micrography of its culture. Located in the south part of the city, close to Bocconi University, Gattullo is one of those places you have to go to at least once if you want to carry the title of a true Milanese.
Fondazione Prada - Largo Isarco, 2, 20139
Conveniently located not far from Gatullo, Fondazione Prada is a great spot to move to after your Sunday breakfast. With a permanent collection that never fails to impress, and a series of phenomenal temporary exhibitions, there is always something there for you to see. And if you get tired and need a break, Bar Luce, the museum’s café, is there waiting for you. Designed by Wes Anderson himself, the cozy coffee shop & bistrot is a perfect encapsulation of the filmmaker's imagination.
Latteria San Marco - Via S. Marco, 24, 20121
When your watch shows 13:00, it’s time to head towards La Latteria (also known as Latteria San Marco) for the most Milanese lunch you can imagine. With an undoubtable ability to charm all its customers, La Latteria built its reputation thanks to its simple yet tasty cuisine, its wonderful owners and its habit of not taking reservations. So, if you plan on lunching there, be prepared to do a bit of waiting!
10 Corso Como / Fondazione Carla Sozzani - Corso Como, 10, 20154
Now that you're at Moscova, it's time to head to 10 Corso Como, where you will not only find the concept store's gorgeous selection of clothing, accessories, and magazines to indulge into, but also the dreamy exhibitions of Fondazione Carla Sozzani. Currently, there is an exhibition of works by Alex Prager that is most definitely worth a visit.
Volemose Bene - Via della Moscova, 25
When dinner time comes around, you might want to head to Volemose Bene, and prepare yourself for one of the best Roman meals in town. After all this creative stimulation, you deserve it. Do not forget to order Carciofi fritti and the broccoli starter.
Al Fresco - Via Savona, 50, 20144
The perfect spot to enjoy modern Italian cuisine, Al Fresco is located in an old factory and has a beautiful outdoors sitting area that is ideal for summertime garden dinners. The restaurant's interior space is just as beautiful, with a modern decor that is made cozy thanks to some more traditional touches. Although it tends more on the pricey side, Al Fresco's atmosphere and well-thought out dishes make the experience of dinning there a must.
Fioraio Bianchi - Via Montebello, 7, 20121
When aperitivo time comes around, your options are many. If you want to stay around the Moscova/ wider Brera area, Fioraio Bianchi Café is the choice for you. With a rustic-chic style, the historic shop of plants and artistic flower arrangements, is a delightful bistro, surrounded by plants and furniture of the past.
Colibrì - Via Laghetto, 9/11, 20122
Books, cocktails, and relaxed vibes perfectly sum up what Colibrì is all about. Located in the centre of Milan, the bookshop is ideal for studying with a warm cup of coffee, or gossiping with your friends while enjoying some fantastic drinks. The easy-going atmosphere and the various spaces - the book corner, the small interior garden and the large couch room - give you a sense of privacy, while also creating different experiences within the store.
Bar Basso - Via Plinio, 39, 20020
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to have a true Milanese experience, apetitivo time means it's time to head to Bar Basso and buy yourself a much deserved Negroni Sbagliato. Anyone who has been in Milan during Salone del Mobile has most probably spent time at the iconic bar, as it's been the designated hangout place to head to once the sun starts setting. A large portion of the design community gathers there to enjoy a cold drink outdoors or in its beautiful indoors space that has remained relatively unchanged since the 1950s.
