Best Restaurants in Milan for an Exquisite Dining
As one of Europe’s fashion capitals, you’ll be bound to want to visit one of the best restaurants in Milan after shopping up a storm or a long day of sightseeing. The good news is that there are fantastic places to eat in every area of the city, ranging from traditional Italian restaurants to modern and chic bistros.
To help you plan your upcoming visit to Milan or find some new hidden treasures in the city, we’re here today to share our guide to the best restaurants in Milan. Make sure you book ahead for any of these establishments, as they typically are fully booked night after night due to their high-quality food and service. Take a look at our guide to the best hotels in Milan, from luxury hotels to design hotels, if you are searching for a cool place to stay in Milan.
Michelin Star Restaurants Milan
Best Restaurants in Milan – Enrico Bartolini al Mudec
With three Michelin stars to its name, Enrico Bartolini al Mudec is one of the hottest restaurants in Milan. Chef Enrico Bartolini works to wow anyone who visits using his signature style with an inventive twist on classic dishes.
The tasting menu is the best way to experience this restaurant, which you can enjoy alongside its extensive selection of wines. We highly recommend the half-fried shrimp and seafood pasta if available, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia
When you walk into Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia, you’ll first notice the bold and abstract artwork in the restaurant. The menu offers modern Italian dishes, with a fantastic tasting menu to allow you to experience a variety of items in one sitting. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes that focus on fresh produce, fish, and meat. Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia has received two Michelin stars, thanks to the focus on the dishes and wines here.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Seta by Antonio Guida
Seta is one of the most coveted reservations in Milan, thanks to its two Michelin stars. The restaurant is helmed by Antonio Guida, who uses traditional cooking techniques with a modern twist. The menu draws on the chef’s southern Italian heritage, with meat, fish, and pasta regularly appearing on the menu. The restaurant offers the perfect combination of elegance and comfort, making it the ideal spot for a date night dinner.
Best Restaurants in Milan – AALTO
Influenced by both Italy and Japan, AALTO works to break boundaries and free itself from any culinary definition. The restaurant is located in Porta Nuova, one of Milan’s most modern areas. It’s the only Japanese restaurant in Italy with a Michelin star, and you’ll find it within the Solaria Tower. The menu regularly changes here, but expect classic Japanese items with an Italian twist.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Andrea Aprea
Andrea Aprea is one of the city’s most celebrated chefs, so it’s no surprise he received a Michelin star for his work. Born in Naples, the restaurant celebrates its heritage and is heavily influenced by the cooking style in this region. Expect meat, fish, pasta, and vegetable dishes, all of which are perfectly cooked by the team here. We recommend trying the tasting menu where possible, as this will allow you to go on a sensory journey during your meal.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Anima
Anima is located within the Milan Verticale and run by Enrico Bartolini. The restaurant aims to offer a fine dining menu while also being a democratised luxury experience. The tasting menu here is the best way to experience this Michelin-star restaurant, and you’ll find that it offers seafood, bold vegetable dishes, and meat. Make sure you book well in advance for this venue, as its location makes it extremely popular with locals and visitors.
Best Restaurants in Milan – D'O di Davide Oldani – Cucina Creativa
As the name suggests, expect a very creative dinner when you dine at D’O di Davide Oldani – Cucina Creativa. Each plate that comes out of the kitchen is packed with colour and texture, wowing any diner who comes here. The chef relies on fresh produce, with bright fruits and vegetables added to every course on the tasting menu. It’s an experience for the senses, so come ready to immerse yourself fully in the experience.
Best Restaurants in Milan – VIVA Viviana Varese
VIVA is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Milan which is run by chef Viviana Varese. Choose from a variety of tasting menus, all of which have different focuses. Viva Il Mare celebrates seafood dishes with a raw seafood platter and a spider crab linguine pasta, among others. Re-Viva-L is another popular menu option, featuring dishes such as fresh pasta with Pecorino cheese fondue, pancotto with eight different vegetables and slow-cooked lamb with Neapolitan sauté.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Contraste
When you enter the stark white dining room, you might not know what to expect from this Michelin-star restaurant. With an innovative and contemporary kitchen, there is just one surprise menu on offer for diners. It’s impossible to say what will be served during your visit, but expect bold and playful dishes that you’ll be talking about long after your dinner is over. Past popular dishes include the “donut” alla Bolognese, a tribute to the classic lasagna dish many of us love.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Berton
The tasting menu at Berton offers you the chance to have a memorable meal with your loved ones and a leisurely dinner after a busy day shopping in Milan. The Porta Nuova is one of our top recommendations for the tasting menus, which features a variety of dishes with pasta, seafood, and meat. Highlights of a dinner here include the grilled eel, roasted quail, pigeon lasagna, and chocolate soufflé.
Best Restaurants in Milan – IYO
Dine on a range of Japanese-inspired dishes at IYO. The menu is still heavily rooted in Italian traditions, but you’ll find many of your favourite Asian flavours on offer too. Don’t miss their sushi, tempura, and sashimi, which also combine European influences. The wine menu features over 500 different options, and you can order by the glass to try a few during your dinner. One thing we appreciate about IYO is how extensive the food menu is, so you aren’t limited to just a tasting menu like many Michelin-star restaurants.
Best Restaurants in Milan – L'Alchimia Ristorante
With a focus on using top-quality Italian ingredients, L'Alchimia Ristorante has received a Michelin star for its honest and delicious dishes. The restaurant itself is very warm and welcoming and has a romantic atmosphere at night when they dim the lights. Expect intense flavour additions to classic Italian dishes, which will help to make this a night to remember. We recommend adding time to your visit to experience the wine cellar or enjoy a quick lunch at the adjacent bistro.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Felix Lo Basso Home & Restaurant
Northern Europe is the inspiration behind the menu at Felix Lo Basso Home & Restaurant. There’s just one menu at this Michelin-star restaurant, which will change regularly based on the season and the market availability. You must book ahead and eat at the set time to dine here, but there’s also a small room for private dinners. Expect original takes on classic dishes from Puglia, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Italian culture for a night.
Best Italian Restaurants Milan
Best Restaurants in Milan – Un Posto a Milano
No trip to Milan is complete without trying some of the city’s finest Italian food. After a few days exploring the city, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped for a few hours when you head to Un Posto a Milano. It feels like a farmhouse within a busy city, as there’s also an agricultural market and carpentry workshop here. Enjoy classic Italian dishes, which are made with organic and fresh ingredients to tempt your tastebuds.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Ratanà
Ratanà was founded in 2009 and has been delighting locals and visitors to the city since this time. They offer an extensive a la carte menu, but there’s also a popular business lunch menu with a main dish and glass of wine. The risotto Milanese is one of the highlights of a meal here, but you’ll find endless pasta and Italian dishes to choose from. It’s the ideal spot for a large group gathering or business meeting, thanks to the minimalistic but inviting environment.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Giannino
Giannino is one of the most respected restaurants in the city, serving locals and celebrities for over 120 years. The restaurant serves Sardinian-Mediterranean dishes, which are inspired by the chef’s home region. It has recently undergone a renovation, but they haven’t lost sight of the roots of the restaurant. Expect pasta, meat, and fish dishes; all served in a modern and inventive manner.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Trattoria del Nuovo Macello
Trattoria del Nuovo Macello has been around for more than 40 years but was renovated in 1998. It offers diners a friendly and welcoming dining room with local yet creative Italian dishes. For an authentic Northern Italian dinner, you can’t go wrong with making a booking here. Enjoy the tasting menu to get the complete experience, or order from the a la carte menu of fish, meat, and pasta dishes.
Best Restaurants in Milan – San Maurì
If you are looking for an elegant lunch or dinner in the middle of Milan, check out San Maurì. It’s located within a renovated convent dating back to 1500, so the setting itself makes it well worth booking a meal here. You’ll find bold and daring takes on classic Italian dishes, such as steak, fish, and pasta, on the menu. There are some great vegetarian options on offer too, which take advantage of the fresh and seasonal produce available at the current time.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Terrammare
Terrammare is one of our favourite Sicilian restaurants in the city, run by chef Barone. The restaurant specialises in meat and fish dishes, which share the traditional flavours that Sicily is so well known for. One thing we particularly like about Terrammare is that the portions are very generous. They are incredibly colourful and well-presented, so you’ll be delighted each time a course appears at the table.
Best Restaurants In Milan – Chinese & Asian
Best Restaurants in Milan – Gong
If you are looking for a change from the Italian food on offer in Milan, head to Gong. This restaurant offers Chinese cuisine with an avant-garde twist. The name of the restaurant is inspired by the gongs that are dotted around the venue, which is a modern and elegant spot for a date night. Expect Chinese classics with a twist, such as pork, rice dishes, and vegetarian options. As one of the most popular Asian restaurants in the city, make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Best Restaurants in Milan – MU Dimsum
Expect stylish and elevated Chinese dishes at MU Dimsum. As the name suggests, you’ll find an extensive menu of dim sum options. We absolutely adored the noodle dumpling soup, which offers the perfect warming winter dish. The excellent food isn’t the only draw here, as you’ll find endless options for cocktails and tea. MU Dimsum is an excellent option for large groups looking to share endless dishes over an evening of catching up with friends.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Ba Restaurant
This dark and minimalistic restaurant is decked out in typical Asian colours, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere for a date night. The menu here offers a range of reinterpreted Chinese options with a modern twist on the classic comfort food you likely grew up with. Alongside the noodles, meats, and dim sum on offer here, you can choose wines from their vast range.
Restaurants Near Duomo
Best Restaurants in Milan – Cracco Galleria
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to Cracco Galleria, and it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The restaurant offers both a bistro and pastry shop, as well as the gourmet restaurant it is best known for. Make sure you try the fish sourced from Liguria, which will transport you elsewhere in Italy during your meal. Many of the wines served here come from the organic Vistamare estate, and the staff will be able to recommend the best option to go with your fish or meat. Ask for a window table to enjoy spectacular views over the city.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Ciciarà
Ciciarà serves market-driven dishes that are locally inspired. Highlights of the menu here that we recommend anyone to taste include their Tuscan soup and the wild boar porchetta. The restaurant opened with the aim of bringing back traditional Italian cuisine to Milan, but they are always looking to expand their offerings and offer more innovative and modern dishes. You’ll find this restaurant centrally located near the Duomo, so it’s ideal for stopping at after a busy day of sightseeing.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Maio Restaurant
Enjoy the modern Italian cuisine from Maio Restaurant within this glass-enclosed restaurant offering excellent views. They also have a champagne bar and terrace, which overlooks the Duomo. The Instagram-worthy views are just one of the many reasons to book a table here, but the food is what makes people come back over and over again. Enjoy classic Italian fish, meat, and pasta dishes while watching the world go by below.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Horto
Horto is one of the city’s more unique restaurants, working to showcase harmony and ingenuity within each dish. The central location means it’s a hot reservation to come by, so make sure you book ahead of your visit. On the menu, you’ll find an ever-changing variety of dishes, such as meats, fish, and excellent vegetarian options. The drink menu is also extensive here, with the staff working hard to suggest the perfect wine pairing for any main course.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Spazio Niko Romito Milano
Spazio Niko Romito Milano is located on the very top floor of the Mercato del Duomo. When dining here, you’ll enjoy amazing views over the city below while appreciating the fantastic service. Niko Romito and chef Gaia Giordano work to offer a menu of contemporary Italian dishes with soups, steak, and fish, taking pride in place on the menu. It’s ideal for a sunset dinner or business lunch in the city when you are looking to win over new clients.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Pellico 3 Milano
Located by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, you’ll find Pellico 3 Milano. It’s a fine dining restaurant that has been well-known in the city for a while but has recently relocated to this new address. Here you’ll enjoy modern cuisine with flavorful dishes that will delight any diner. Each dish focuses on offering a seasonal colour palette to wow diners, with yellows, browns, and greens being the most commonly used ingredients and colours in the chef’s work.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Brera
Best Restaurants in Milan – Locanda Perbellini
Locanda Perbellini is the work of Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Perbellini, who is mainly well-known in his native home of Verona. His restaurant in Milan offers traditional Italian food, which showcases the different tastes stretching from the north to the south of the country. The restaurant is located in central Brera and is a small venue that books up quickly. Don’t miss their fresh risotto and meat dishes, all of which use seasonal ingredients for the best results.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Ristorante Rigolo
Enjoy Tuscan cuisine in one of the four dining rooms within Ristorante Rigolo. This restaurant is one of the most popular spots in Brera, and it’s ideal for a date night with your partner. The old-style restaurant has a classical feel to it, with large dining rooms and big windows to enjoy watching the world passing by. All of the meat dishes here are excellent, and you’ll find a variety of seasonal vegetable dishes on offer too.
Best Restaurants in Milan – 10 Corso Como
10 Corso Como is a combination of a restaurant, café, bar, and shop, making it a destination in itself in Milan. You’ll find the shop offers luxury clothing, household items, and stationery, so make sure you spend some time browsing here before or after your meal. It is known as the city’s first concept store, and you’ll find the food here reflects the city of Milan and Italy as a whole. We recommend saving room for dessert as well or heading next door to the café to continue your experience after feasting on modern Italian dishes.
Best Restaurants In Milan – Seafood
Best Restaurants in Milan – Sadler
Sadler has been one of Milan’s most popular seafood restaurants for over 30 years, with a new location within the Casa Baglioni giving it a revival once again. The restaurant’s building can be traced back to 1913, offering an elegant venue for dinner dates and family gatherings. On the menu, you’ll find a range of seafood dishes using innovative ingredients and flavours to present the fish in a whole new way. If you want a lighter meal here, check out their lunch menu, which still offers the same high quality as the evening menu.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Langosteria
If you are looking to enjoy a seafood dinner in Milan, don’t seek any further than Langosteria. You’ll find that they have freshly caught fish on the menu each day, so there are always new options to try. Don’t miss any of the oysters, raw dishes, or seafood options, all of which will delight even the biggest seafood lovers. The long wine list and beautiful interiors will top off any meal, making this a restaurant you’ll want to return to over and over again.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Fiorenza
As a family-run and female-led restaurant, Fiorenza has been welcoming diners in Milan for many years. The female owner runs the kitchen, with her daughter and husband looking after each and every one of the guests out the front. The menu has a wide range of fish, but there are also meat dishes on offer for anyone who doesn’t enjoy seafood. We also appreciate the varied wine list, which the staff will be able to share with you to find the perfect addition to any main course.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Indian
Best Restaurants in Milan – Cittamani
Cittamani offers a welcoming and intimate dining room which combines the colours and tastes of India with the classic Italian style. This is one of those restaurants that needs to be experienced to be understood, but you’ll find modern takes on many of your favourite Indian dishes here. Ritu is a celebrity chef in India and the East, but as an Italian at heart, she is excited to bring her culinary skills to Italy. Expect bold and spice-filled meals of curries, vegetarian dishes, and much more when dining here.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Rangoli
Even sceptics about Indian cuisine come out of a meal at Rangoli excited to explore more about this culinary scene. They serve lunch and dinner here, and the lunch menu is ideal for a business meeting or family gathering. Make sure you try the lamb curry and naan bread, both of which are highlights of any meal here. The dinner is more upscale than the lunch serving, but it’s a great place to spend an evening during your weekend in Milan.
Best Restaurants In Milan – Vegetarian
Best Restaurants in Milan – Joia
While the restaurant is entirely vegetarian, you’ll also find that chef Pietro Leemann’s menu is 80% gluten-free and vegan. The restaurant's concept is to bring natural and vegetarian cuisine to the Italian fine dining scene, and the menu has changed over the years to keep up with current expectations. The menu relies on seasonal fruits and vegetables, but expect bold dishes packed with texture and colour.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Altatto
Altatto is located at the edge of old Milan. The restaurant is a former bakery, which has been transformed into a tiny spot offering vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Each of the dishes here is very imaginatively presented, offering a flavour explosion within each mouthful. The chefs use produce to fit the season, so the menu is ever-changing. However, you’ll want to come hungry to try multiple courses here, as the food will impress everyone, no matter their dietary preference.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Linfa – Eat Different
Linfa – Eat Different offers an entirely plant-based menu showcasing the meals that can be created with the biodiversity in this part of the world. They take a forward-looking approach to eating out, offering healthy dishes in a country that is known for its hearty and rich cuisine. As well as the plant-based food, they also have a variety of excellent wine selections to go with your meal, allowing you a little indulgence while still sticking to your dietary needs.
Thai Restaurants Milan
Best Restaurants in Milan – Bussarakham
You’ll be impressed with some incredible Thai food on offer in Milan. Bussarakham is one of our favourite restaurants in the city, featuring a menu of Thai curries and stir-fries. The large dining room is beautifully decorated with floor seating for a more traditional meal experience. The pad Thai, soup, and fish dishes are all well worth ordering, but the staff are great at making recommendations based on your personal taste.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Thai Lounge
Thai Lounge is another great classic Thai restaurant in Milan, showcasing this type of eastern cuisine with the city. We recommend ordering any of their stir fry or curry dishes, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. The restaurant is particularly popular at the weekends, with locals and visitors alike coming here to enjoy their favourite Thai dishes. The beer, wine, and cocktails on offer are also of the highest quality and will perfectly accompany your meal.
Restaurants for Meat Lovers Milan
Best Restaurants in Milan – La Griglia di Varrone
Massimo Minutelli is the creator of La Griglia di Varrone, which is inspired by his love of meat. Each dish works to tell a story and delight your tastebuds, with endless steak options on offer. The menu features meat from around the world, with the Black Angus from Australia and the US being one of our favourite options. We also recommend you try the Japanese Wagyu or the bison meat from Canada, both of which go well with any of the side dishes on offer here.
Best Restaurants in Milan – El Porteño
With multiple locations throughout the city, the Argentinian group El Porteño is one of the top Milan restaurants for meat lovers. The steaks are the most popular item on the menu here, which can be served with various side dishes to share with your table. While the appetizers are also worth ordering, the bread service makes a great start to the meal. The diners here always recommend the restaurant for the ambience and service, which is why locals return here repeatedly.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Dry Aged
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to New York City for the night when dining at Dry Aged in Milan. The restaurant was opened by two experienced partners who have created a modern and lively restaurant in the middle of the city. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll find a glass cabinet displaying the various cuts of meat on offer as they go through the ageing process. As well as meat, there are a variety of vegetarian and fish dishes on offer, all of which offer a contemporary twist on classic tastes.
Tapas Bars in Milan
Best Restaurants in Milan – Albufera
Albufera serves its guests modern versions of your favourite classic tapas. As well as the range of tapas on offer, we love their paellas and Spanish wines. The restaurant itself is a classy space with exposed brick walls, making for the perfect start to a weekend in Milan. As is typical with tapas restaurants, you’ll find that this restaurant fills up later in the night, so arrive early if you are looking to enjoy a quieter dinner.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Tapas de Pescado
As the name suggests, this restaurant offers a menu of tapas with a focus on fresh seafood. The menu changes seasonally based on the catches of the day, so you’ll always find something different to try, as well as the classic tapas staples on the menu. The service is very efficient and friendly, meaning it’s ideal for a quick lunch or dinner in Milan when you are out and about exploring this beautiful city.
Best Restaurants in Milan – BalticBar
BalticBar is the ideal spot for a unique date night in Milan. You’ll be able to enjoy classic tapas dishes with a Nordic twist, as well as a menu of refined cocktails that you’ll remember long after your meal here. The restaurant has a very calm and minimalistic environment, making it a great spot to catch up with friends or business clients as well. It’s particularly popular on Friday and Saturday nights, so book well in advance for these days.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Manfredi Milano
Marco and the team at Manfredi Milano are consistently praised for their warm and attentive service, which will allow you to relax and enjoy your feast of tapas from their menu. We highly recommend trying a variety of the dishes on offer here, which include fish and vegetarian options. As well as great food, make sure you order some of their cocktails, which are the ideal way to kick off your night here.
Cool and Hip Restaurants in Milan
Chef Luca Pedata was excited to take on a new challenge when he started in this restaurant in Milan. It’s located in the Ca’ Bianca villa, which overlooks the Naviglio Grande. It’s the perfect combination of modern and familiar. Before your meal, enjoy a cocktail in the garden here, which will make you feel like you are a world away from a busy city. You’ll appreciate the rich dishes of meat and fish, which use seasonal and fresh ingredients to impress any diner.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Terrazza Gallia
Located in the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, this restaurant offers high-end Italian cuisine. Diners also appreciate the rooftop terrace and the fantastic city views, which is yet another reason to book a meal here. On the menu, you’ll find classic Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients. We recommend trying the pasta and steak, but you can’t go wrong with anything on offer here. The wine list is also very extensive, helping finish any meal you order perfectly.
Best Restaurants in Milan – Bentōteca
Bentōteca is a sleek restaurant in Milan which offers Japanese-fusion dishes and fantastic sharing plates for larger groups to enjoy. It’s a very contemporary restaurant, so it attracts a young and hip crowd. Highlights of the menu here include the Japanese Katsu Sando sandwich and the natural wine selection. The menu here is quite select, but it allows the team to focus on offering you the best quality food possible.
Find your Favourite Among the Best Restaurants in Milan
Milan is an incredible city to visit for shopping and dining, and you’ll easily find a new restaurant to try each day during your time here. The best restaurants in Milan get booked up quickly, especially during significant events and holidays, so make sure you book in advance. As well as traditional Italian cuisine, you’ll find food from around the world, offering you the chance to explore new tastes and experiences during your stay.
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