Founded in 1817 and seriously old school. Yes, it's popular with tourists, but it has a neighborhood feel because of all the shopkeepers, locals, and business people stopping in for their quick espresso breaks.
Via Montenapoleone, 8
Milan, 20121
Carla Sozzani, sister of Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, has an eclectic style, and her combination bookstore, art gallery, and clothing store is a treat for all senses.
Corso Como, 10
Milan, 20154
Charmingly dilapidated, with wonderful sweets and a mixed crowd: journalists at their laptops early in the morning, grannies and grandkids in for an afternoon snack, ladies in cashmere and pearls at teatime, happy hour regulars sipping "the usual." Don't miss the croissants, the jam doughnuts, the tiny sandwiches, and the raspberry tart. Perfect at any time of the day.
Corso Genova, 1
Milan, 20123
The setting is suggestive, a faded white Art Nouveau building that used to be a train depot on the background of Porta Nuova's futuristic skyscraper jungle. Ratanà is one of the city's most beautiful restaurants, with high ceilings, industrial furniture, and a retro bar. Chef Cesare Battisti's locally-driven menu is inspired by traditional Milan and Lombardy cuisine and includes a menu of rubitt, the Milanese term for tapas.
Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28
Milan, 20124
To get here, you have to leave the city center and head south along the Naviglio Pavese canal. But what a splendid and adorable place it is: huge windows with views of the Naviglio, a clear freshwater brook around the veranda and garden, an herb garden, good music. They serve delicious, simple, and original dishes using local, seasonal produce, organic meats and sustainable fish, and natural wines.
Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 286
Milan, 20142
The ideal place for artfully crafted classic Milanese cuisine: risotto with saffron, riso al salto, cabbage rolls, cutlets, and the hot zabaglione served in cups as it used to be. The power move is to come for Saturday lunch, when the friendly atmosphere and daylight add to the beauty. Very Milan.
Viale Pasubio, 10
Milan, 20154