Milan isn't just a fashion capital, it's a culinary capital, too. This exclusive food guide in Milan takes you from dawn to dusk: sampling buttery croissants and rich coffee at top Milan breakfast spots, indulging in elegant mid‑day meals at the best lunch restaurants in Milan, and closing evenings in best fine dining in Milan venues. Get ready to explore why this city is a dream destination for lovers of good taste!
Best Breakfast Spots in Milan
Pan Milano
A contemporary artisan bakery where Japanese-style shokupan and European viennoiserie converge. Light matcha lattes pair beautifully with fluffy loaves and freshly baked pastries that are perfect for a cozy start. Pan Milano is ideal for casual, delicious and Instagrammable breakfasts.
Hygge
This snug Scandinavian-inspired café on Via Sapeto offers a warm, wooden interior and a menu with seasonal brunch dishes, where vegan, vegetarian, and gluten‑free options included. Think hearty avocado toast, creamy oat‑based bowls, and expertly pulled espressos - that’s what you can find at this cozy brunch spot.
LùBar
Set within GAM’s lush courtyard, this all-day spot serves Sicilian-influenced breakfast from 8 am. Expect buttery brioches stuffed with citrus, toast with high‑quality jams, smoothies, and top-tier coffee. The airy gallery setting makes for a refined yet relaxed kickoff to your day.
Serving breakfast, brunch and specialty coffee, Bgood Milano is known for its cakes, including the banana bread, as well as pancakes, open toasts, sandwiches and of course, good coffee. BGood stays open for all-day brunch.
Ofelé Caffè & Coccole
This bakery-bistro offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free plates alongside excellent coffee in a serene, minimalist space. Guests are welcome to enjoy their books while sipping herbal tea, enjoy pancakes while working, or simply gearing up for the day with a good breakfast.
Nowhere
This boutique coffee shop and roastery on Via Vetere offers freshly roasted single origin specialty coffee. With minimalist décor, artisanal brews, savory brioche, and light brunch dishes, it’s a calm retreat in the city.
Pavé
A Milan staple, Pavé draws with flaky croissants and its signature “pavè al cioccolato” muffins. It's a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike seeking quality and taste in the heart of Milan.
Best Coffee & Dessert Spots in Milan
Loste Café
With two locations in the 3rd and 7th districts, Loste Café is renowned for its hand‑rolled pastries, cinnamon rolls (a local favorite), and specialty coffee.
Orsonero
Orsonero Coffee in Milan is a leading specialty coffee shop founded by Canadian barista Brent Jopson, a Third Wave pioneer offering an array of brew styles, from classic espresso to pour-over and Cold Brew, served in a thoughtfully minimalist setting with warm wooden interior.
Nudo Artisan Coffee
Nudo Artisan Coffee is a Milan-based roastery and café born in 2022 from the passion of three friends. Located along the vibrant Sidewalk Kitchens street-food avenue on Via Bonvesin de la Riva, Nudo specializes in house-roasted single-origin beans and hosts workshops and courses for coffee lovers.
This historic gelateria, open since 1934 in Piazza Cinque Giornate, is beloved for its artisanal approach: small-batch, seasonal flavors made with only top-quality ingredients. Founded by a Neapolitan gelato master and passed down through generations, it continues to deliver authentic, fresh scoops in a charming, timeless space.
Égalité Milano
A chic French-style boulangerie-bistrot in Porta Venezia that opened in 2018, Égalité offers a refined journey through artisanal baguettes, croissants, viennoiserie, and daily bread. With open-view baking, a sunny breakfast-to-aperitif atmosphere, and a blend of Italian playfulness in its minimalist design, it captures the essence of Paris in the heart of Milan.
Bar Luce (Fondazione Prada)
Designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson, this whimsical café inside Fondazione Prada evokes a 1950s–60s Milanese ambiance with pastel Formica chairs, vintage pinball machines, and patterned wood interiors. It's a popular, Instagram-friendly spot for coffee and people-watching, open to visitors even without museum tickets.
Marchesi 1824
A storied pasticceria dating back to 1824, Marchesi comes with historic elegance, coffered ceilings, pastel packaging, and a refined café atmosphere. Known for its handcrafted pastries, chocolates, panettone, and elegant cakes, it's now a Milanese institution (with branches in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and beyond).
Sant Ambroeus Milano
Originally established in 1936 steps from La Scala, this venerable pasticceria and café has returned to Milan after expanding to New York in the ’80s. It serves classic Milanese and American dishes including perfect cappuccinos, croissants, panini, tiramisu, throughout the day in a warm, elegant setting.
Signor Lievito
A cozy bakery in Via Maestri Campionesi founded by Natalija Nikitina, Signor Lievito blends Nordic design with Mediterranean warmth. Built around a 120+-year-old sourdough, it offers a sensory experience through creative breads and pastries from rye and baguettes to bulka and focaccia, within a peaceful, art-gallery-like space.
Pasticceria Cova
Since 1817, Cova has attracted Milan’s upper crust for elegant cakes, artisanal panettone, and refined tea service. Nestled in the luxury Quadrilatero d’Oro, its atmosphere is steeped in aristocratic charm.
Best Lunch Spots in Milan
Cracco
Helmed by the renowned chef Carlo Cracco, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated take on traditional Milanese and Italian cuisine. Guests can expect beautifully plated dishes that blend classic flavors with innovative techniques. The setting is stylish and modern, perfect for a special lunch experience or business meeting.
Ristorante Galleria
Located inside the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this elegant restaurant combines the grandeur of the historic arcade with refined Italian dining. The menu highlights regional specialties and seasonal ingredients, offering a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Dining here feels like stepping into Milan’s cultural heart, with beautiful architecture and bustling city views.
Paper Moon Giardino
Known for its elegant yet relaxed vibe, Paper Moon Giardino combines refined Italian cuisine with a beautiful garden terrace setting. The menu focuses on fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and creative pasta dishes, all presented with finesse. The outdoor seating makes it an especially popular choice in warmer months, offering a serene and stylish environment perfect for a leisurely lunch or a romantic midday escape.
Tucked away in the artistic Brera district, Casa Fiori Chiari offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere paired with a menu focused on fresh, seasonal Italian ingredients. The cuisine is rustic yet refined, with an emphasis on simplicity and quality. It’s one of the best lunch spots in Milan, away from the crowds, where you can savor classic dishes like homemade pasta and slow-cooked meats in a warm, intimate setting.
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
Situated on the luxury shopping street Via Montenapoleone, Il Salumaio is a historic Milanese eatery renowned for its excellent cured meats, cheeses, and traditional dishes. The atmosphere is both classic and inviting, with elegant décor that reflects its long-standing heritage. The menu includes hearty Milanese staples alongside refined specialties, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch after a morning of shopping or exploring the city’s high-end boutiques.
Mandarin Garden
For lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine, Mandarin Garden is a standout choice in Milan. Specializing in Cantonese and other regional dishes, the restaurant boasts an extensive menu featuring delicate dim sum, flavorful stir-fries, and expertly prepared seafood. The elegant and spacious interiors provide a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely lunch in Milan.
The Bar at Ralph Lauren
Located within the Ralph Lauren boutique, this chic bar offers a stylish retreat in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. The ambiance is quintessentially American with elegant décor and a relaxed vibe. The lunch menu features light yet flavorful option including gourmet sandwiches, salads, and refined small plates – perfect for a fashionable midday break.
Trattoria Torre di Pisa
A beloved spot for Tuscan cuisine in Milan, Trattoria Torre di Pisa offers a warm, casual atmosphere with authentic, hearty dishes. The menu is rich with regional favorites such as ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, and homemade pasta, delivering comfort and tradition in every bite. It’s a great lunch restaurant in Milan to enjoy a convivial lunch that feels like a trip to Tuscany without leaving the city.
Best Dinner Restaurants in Milan
DonGiò
Tucked away in Porta Romana, DonGiò is a local favorite offering a cozy, no-frills vibe with high-quality Southern Italian cooking. Known for its warm service and authentic flavors, this trattoria serves up generous portions of classics like eggplant parmigiana, paccheri with seafood, and creamy burrata. If you're looking for one of the best casual dining experiences in Milan, DonGiò is a must-visit for a relaxed, flavorful night out.
Da Giacomo
While more elegant than rustic, Da Giacomo still delivers a charmingly intimate atmosphere with vintage interiors and an old-world feel. This iconic restaurant is beloved for its fresh seafood, traditional pastas, and classic Milanese dishes. Whether you're seated in the main dining room or the chic outdoor courtyard, Da Giacomo is considered one of the best dinner restaurants in Milan for those who want refinement without stiffness.
Langosteria
Widely considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Milan, Langosteria blends Mediterranean elegance with contemporary flair. With its sleek interior and consistently high-quality ingredients, the restaurant showcases refined seafood dishes from delicate crudo and lobster pasta to expertly grilled whole fish. It’s a go-to for discerning diners seeking fine dining in Milan that’s both stylish and deeply flavorful.
A countryside escape within city limits, Al Garghet offers rustic Lombard cuisine in a charming, cottage-like setting filled with greenery, vintage furniture, and soft candlelight. It's especially beloved for its cotoletta alla milanese, making it a top contender among traditional Milanese restaurants. The warm, familial ambiance makes it one of the best dining spots in Milan for a casual dinner.
Le Specialità
Though more casual in appearance than others on this list, Le Specialità is a culinary gem known for its top-tier pizza and extensive menu of refined regional Italian dishes. With meticulous ingredient sourcing and a loyal following, it walks the line between trattoria warmth and elevated taste. Ideal for those seeking fine Italian food in Milan without the formal setting, but with all the flavor of a gourmet kitchen.
Dal Bolognese Milano
A luxurious offshoot of the Roman original, Dal Bolognese offers elegant Emilia-Romagna cuisine in the refined setting of Piazza del Risorgimento. Guests find impeccable versions of tagliatelle al ragù, bollito misto, and cotoletta alla bolognese, served in a chic, understated dining room. Frequented by Milan’s stylish elite, it’s a prime choice for upscale dining in Milan with a regional twist.
A Santa Lucia
Located near La Scala, A Santa Lucia is a go-to spot for celebrities and locals alike, famous for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and timeless Italian dishes. The setting is warm and welcoming, perfect for casual dining in Milan that doesn’t compromise on quality. Great for a pre- or post-theatre meal, or for anyone seeking authentic Italian food in Milan in a relaxed yet historic setting.
Il Baretto al Baglioni
An iconic Milanese institution nestled inside the Baglioni Hotel, Il Baretto is steeped in old-school charm and sophistication. With white tablecloths, clubby wood-paneled walls, and attentive service, this spot is a favorite among fashion insiders and executives. The menu features classic Italian dishes including veal Milanese, risotto, and delicate antipasti, all prepared with traditional finesse. A true emblem of classic fine dining in Milan.
Stendhal Milano
In the heart of Brera, Stendhal offers a polished but approachable take on classic Milanese cuisine. Known for dishes like saffron risotto and ossobuco, this spot perfectly balances tradition with an elegant yet unfussy atmosphere. Whether you're dining inside or on the chic patio, it's a strong pick for those looking for top dinner restaurants in Milan that feel both local and timeless.
Seta by Antonio Guida (Mandarin Oriental)
For a truly luxurious experience, Seta is one of Milan’s premier Michelin-starred restaurants. Located inside the Mandarin Oriental, it offers a serene courtyard setting and an exceptional tasting menu crafted by chef Antonio Guida. Blending Italian tradition with avant-garde presentation, dishes here are as beautiful as they are delicious. With two Michelin stars, Seta is an unmissable destination for anyone exploring luxury dining in Milan.
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Carefully curated and locally loved, this handpicked food guide captures the essence of Milan’s diverse culinary scene from timeless trattorias to haute cuisine, buzzing cafés to serene garden restaurants. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply craving a taste of la dolce vita, each stop promises a memorable experience in Milan. Buon appetito!
