My Top Recommendations for Where to Eat in Milan, Italy
The amount of places there are to eat in Milan is insane if you know where to look and book. Most restaurants in Milan do require advance reservations. You can occasionally get away without booking, but I wouldn’t risk it. Obviously, Italy is a food destination, but usually people don’t think of Milan as a foodie city. This is simply not true. Milan has extensive, amazing places to eat and it’s my favorite activity in Milan. Even writing this made me miss it. Here are some of my favorite places in Milan based on the occasion. For specifics on where to eat in Milan by food category, check out my related posts:
- The Best Pizza in Milan
- The Best Pasta in Milan
- The Best Panini & Prosciutto in Milan
- The Best International Food in Milan
For a charming, no frills pizza place
Go no further than Pizzeria Daniele. This is truly my favorite pizza place in Milan. It is casual and quaint and everyone we have ever brought there has loved it. If you’re looking for a neighborhood pizza staple in Milan, this is the spot. I recommend reservations in advance. They have a limited number of seats and it’s a popular neighborhood spot.
For a special occasion
If you’re looking to celebrate, Milan has no shortage of fancy restaurants. The two that I’d recommend are very different. If you want Italian with a twist, I recommend Ceresio 7. Book a table on the terrace. If you want international food, I recommend Pacifico. The food is divine and the ambiance is spectacular. I recommend reservations at both. They’re both exclusive and fill up fast.
For amazing Roman food
Roman pasta has my heart. Think carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe – these are all dishes you will find in a Roman restaurant. Milan has no shortage. The two standout favorites for me are Volemese Bene and Osteria da Fortunada. Volemose Bene only does two seatings a night at 7:30 and 9:00 PM, and they will make you leave after an hour and a half. Osteria da Fortunada does not take reservations, so expect to wait.
For a night out with friends
For a night out with friends, my absolute favorite place is La Prosciutteria. I love this place because it’s casual and inviting, and has great food. To order, you go to the counter and tell them how many people you have and they’ll make you an enormous charcuterie board. Make sure to reserve in advance and order several bottles of wine. Another great place for groups is Tutta Nata Storia. Similar to La Prosciutteria, they make pizzas based on the size of your party, so it’s awesome for groups. Not to mention, the pizza is spectacular.
For great natural wine
Milan, and Italy in general has great wine at excellent prices. You absolutely don’t need to spend more than $10 USD for a good bottle of wine (at the grocery store). However, there are two places that specialize in natural wine that are really excellent. One is e/n Enoteco Naturale and the other is Associazione Salumi e Vini Naturale. For the former, make sure to reserve, and for latter, reservations recommended but not always needed.
For amazing Asian food
I lived in Asia three years, so I really need to scope out my Asian food in any place I live. It’s a craving I cannot kick (and frankly don’t want to). My favorite place for dumplings in Milan are Delicious Baobing and Ravioleria Sarpi. Ravioleria Sarpi is quite famous, so usually there is a line. For ramen, my go-to was Ramen Station in Navigli. Another amazing place is Casa Ramen Super in Isola.
