Ok, so sometimes, when you are in Milan, you crave something other than pizza, pasta and panini. While this country and city are very traditional in many ways, there are a growing number of excellent international food restaurants in all price ranges. The city has a thriving Chinatown in particular. So this is for everyone who needs a small break before getting back to their pizza, pasta and paninis. The below is a small subset of the options in Milan, but they’re my favorite places for international food in Milan. If you’re looking for more traditional Italian options, check out my other posts on food in Milan.
Pacifico ($$$)
If you’re looking for international food in Milan, this is the place. Pacifico is an amazing Peruvian restaurant. It’s on the higher end of the price points, especially for Milano, but it’s worth it. Expect to pay about $100 per person. They specialize in Peruvian food, so ceviche is a must. They also have excellent cocktails. The Pisco Sour is a must try. I don’t think there is another restaurant like it in all of Milan.
Delicious Baobing ($)
If you need your fix of Chinese food, this is the spot. This tiny little dumpling shop was located around the corner from my university (SDA Bocconi), and I would go there for lunch all the time. There ravioli and noodles are homemade right in front of you and so good!
Ravioleria Sarpi ($)
Ravioleria Sarpi is another delicious dumpling place. They sell fresh, hot dumplings and you can also get frozen ones to go if you want to make them at home. Located in the heart of Milan’s Chinatown, this place is extremely popular, so expect to wait in line.
Chihuahua Tacos ($$)
Ever craving Mexican food? I live in Mexico now, but when I was in Milan, I would often get a craving for a good taco. There are admittedly not that many good Latin places in Milan. So whenever we needed a taco fix, Chihuahua tacos was the spot.
Ramen Station ($)
Everywhere I live I have to find a good ramen spot, and in Milan, it was Ramen Station. Whenever you feel like you need some good umami Asian food, this is the spot. I would get their edamame and their curry ramen and it was so good.
Mercado Centrale ($$)
Ok, so Mercado Centrale isn’t all international food, but it really deserves a space here. Located in the Milano Centrale train station, it’s the perfect place to stop in before you head off to your next destination. I would even go there without having to catch a train. Mercado Centrale is essentially a large food hall located within the train station. The concept is that you can choose which food you’d like, pay, and sit at communal tables that don’t belong to any one restaurant. They have pizza and pasta, but also American barbeque, Chinese dumplings, a juice bar, burgers, and more. It’s definitely worth going to if you’re looking for international food in Milan.
