Obviously, if you’re in Italy, you must eat pasta. Milan itself is actually less known for pasta and more known for Risotto. However, despite that, it has a significant number of incredible pasta places, and based on my extensive research, these locations have the best pasta in Milan. It is important to know that pasta is very regional. For example, if it’s a Roman pasta restaurant, you’re unlikely to find a pesto pasta because that is from Genoa. Most restaurants will focus on a specific regional Italian cuisine. My personal favorite is Roman cuisine with it’s Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, and Carbonara pastas. So you’ll see that this list skews Roman, but there are many amazing restaurants from all regions. This list is the tip of the iceberg, but some of my personal favorites. If you want more on Milano’s food scene, check out my other posts.
- The Best Pizza in Milan
- The Best Panini & Prosciutto in Milan
- The Best International Restaurants in Milan
Volemese Bene ($$)
Voemese Bene is an amazing Roman-style pasta place. The name Volemese Bene essentially means “love you” in an informal way in Roman dialect. This was a go-to date night spot for my husband and I. It’s located in Brera, they do two seatings a night, and you absolutely need a reservation. They will make you leave once your 1.5 hour seating is over. I recommend the Carciofi alla Giudea and the Carbonara, but it’s literally all amazing.
Osteria da Fortunada ($$)
Osteria da Fortunada is another Roman pasta place, and they don’t take reservations. Your best bet is to get there early and try to get a spot or wait for one. It really is worth the wait though because it’s some of the best pasta in Milan. Get the Carbonara or the Cacio e Pepe. No doubt, they serve up some of the best pasta in Milan.
Felice a Testaccio ($$)
Yet another Roman pasta place, Felice a Testaccio is also well-known and really fun. I recommend it for a birthday or get together with friends. If you’ve been reading this, by now you know that the classic Roman dishes are Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe. I also love an Amatriciana and an Arabbiata.
Cerisio 7 ($$$)
Ceresio 7 is a great special occasion restaurant. It’s not your classic Italian pasta place, but has a more high-end feel. It is definitely pricy, but it’s worth it on occasion for the ambiance and the non-traditional options. They have items such as chickpea pasta, asparagus risotto and lobster linguine.
Il Brutto Anatrocolo ($)
This place is a Milanese institution as far as I’m concerned. The name means ugly duckling, and I think it’s a nod towards the overall vibe and attitude of the place. We went here all the time. They have more than just pasta, but it’s one of the common dishes. Their menu is handwritten and changes daily based on what the kitchen decides to cook up. Do not sleep on the Scamorza cheese with arugula. It’s essentially homemade, simple food within a restaurant setting. No reservations. This is absolutely my favorite kind of restaurant in Milan. No frills, eating in someone’s kitchen vibes.
