The recommended Milan checklist!

1. Pasticceria Cova

One of Milan’s oldest and most iconic pasticcerias since 1817, Cova has been a preferred locale for the likes of Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. While their coffee and gelato is impeccable, we also recommend the maritozzi and tiramisu. 

Address: Via Monte Napoleone, 8, 20121 Milano MI 

Instagram: @pasticceriacova

2. Gelsomina

Multiple locations in Milan

Start your day with their maritozzi (brioche buns filled with whipped cream). It’s the best in the city. And the pistachio brioche. And the plumcakes. And everything else on the menu!

Address: Via Carlo Tenca, 5, 20124 Milano MI and Via Galvano Fiamma, 2, 20129 Milano MI 

Instagram: gelsomina_pasticceria

3. Bar Luce

An Italian bar designed by Wes Anderson. What more can you ask for? And despite the bragging rights that come with the bar, the place is actually reasonably priced. The coffee is delicious and don’t forget to sneak a peek into the toilets — they are as beautiful as the bar! 

Address: Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milan, Italy

4. Horto

With 1 Michelin Star, Horto offers a breathtaking terrace view overlooking Milan’s rooftops and spires of the Duomo. We recommend the degustazione di pesce d’acqua dolce in 5 portate (5-course freshwater pescetarian menu)

Book now: Link 

Address: Via San Protaso, 5, 20121 Milan 

Instagram: @hortorestaurantmilano

5. 28Posti

The food needs no appraisal since they boast of 1 Michelin star. But the 28 seater restaurant was built using prison labour, as part of a reintegration project and a meal here supports social causes. You can choose from their tasting options but we’re particularly fond of the tongue veal with fermented fennel, leek kimchi, anchoiade and arabic bread.

Book now: Link

Address: Via Corsico, 1, 20144 Milano MI, Italy

Instagram: @28posti

6. Trattoria del Nuovo Macello

This should probably be your first night’s dinner. It’s run by a family, their menu has the classic Saffron risotto and we can confidently say that we’ve had some of the best veal cutlets here. And if you want something familiar and comforting, they have rich risottos, slow-braised meats and other classics.

Book now: Link

Address: Via Cesare Lombroso, 20, 20137 Milano MI

Instagram: @trattoriadelnuovomacello

7. Drinc.

Artisanal cocktails, apertivo and with the vibes of a chic speakeasy, Drinc. is easily on our list of must-do when in Milan. Their list of cocktails is extensive, but their staff is always ready to help you out. We love their House Negroni and From The Filthy. The former is a take on a classic while the latter is savory and unexpected with distilled spirit, sesame oil, sake, honey vinegar and sauerkraut velvet. In our opinion, start with From The Filthy and end with the comforting House Negroni.

Opens at 6 PM

Address: Via Plinio, 32, 20129 Milano MI

Instagram: @drinc.milano

8. Norah Was Drunk

While we could endlessly wax eloquent about the cocktails, what has our heart is the fact that everything within the bar is bespoke, made in collaboration with the Controprogetto Laboratory. They have reused old wooden planks and waste materials. They also revive “forgotten” spirits like absinthe, offering rare labels from France and Switzerland, unavailable elsewhere in Italy.

Address: Via Plinio 32, 20129 Milan Italy

Instagram: @norah_milano

9. Dry Milano

Because the best things in life are uncomplicated and simple. And illustrating the genius of simplicity is Dry with some great pizzas and cocktails. It’s really as simple as that. But it’s also the best that you can get in the design capital of the world. 

Opens at 6 PM

Address: Via Solferino, 33 & Viale Vittorio Veneto, 28, Milan

Instagram: @drymilano

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