20 Best Restaurants in Milan, Italy

A curated guide to the best restaurants in Milan, Italy, worth planning your trip around.

Milan’s dining scene is one of those rare urban pleasures that’s both effortlessly stylish and endlessly varied. You’ve got the classics—those no-nonsense Milanese institutions serving saffron-stained risotti and perfectly crisp cotoletta.

Then there are the modern, creative kitchens rewriting the rules with chef-driven tasting menus, plus a growing wave of international restaurants that prove the city can switch culinary gears without missing a beat. The bottom line is that you’ll never run out of options when visiting Milan.

I spent the better part of a week recently eating my way through the city, doing my best to make a dent in Milan’s seemingly infinite list of must-try spots. Of course, there was no chance of hitting everything on my wishlist (Milan doesn’t make it easy), but the places I did visit really delivered.

These are the best restaurants in Milan, the ones that stood out—whether for their food, their atmosphere, or the way they captured the energy of Milan right now.

*This ‘best restaurants in Milan’ guide may contain affiliate links, meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

20 Best Restaurants in Milan, Italy

1. 142

If there was one restaurant in Milan that absolutely blindsided me, in the best possible way, it was 142. I walked in expecting a stylish meal; I walked out wondering how this place isn’t on every must-eat list already.

Sandra Ciciriello has created something genuinely special here: a single space that shifts effortlessly through the rhythms of the day—breakfast, lunch, aperitivo, dinner -yet somehow feels completely considered at every turn.

Dinner, though, is where the magic really happens. The tasting menu was one of the most memorable meals of my entire trip: beautifully balanced, perfectly paced, and portioned with that rare sixth sense so many chefs chase but few actually master.

Each dish arrived looking like something MOMA might want to borrow—vibrant, sculptural, almost too pretty to disturb with a fork. You’re essentially eating art, sublime, delicious art.

And then there’s Sandra herself. She was working the room the night I visited, pouring champagne with the kind of enthusiasm and pride that instantly makes you wonder if you should drink more champagne in your everyday life. Her presence sets the tone—warm, intuitive, quietly confident—and the service follows suit.

2. Contraste

Contraste holds one Michelin star, and it earns it in a way that feels refreshingly unpretentious. The restaurant sits inside a classic Milanese building, but the space itself is bright, modern, and a little playful. There’s even a quiet little courtyard, which is unexpectedly charming in the middle of the city and perfect for a pre-dinner drink.

Chef Matias Perdomo’s tasting menus come in two directions: one that reimagines traditional dishes with modern techniques, and another that leans into more experimental territory.

Whichever route you take, the plates are thoughtful and imaginative with flavors that make sense, even when the combinations push you a bit outside your comfort zone.

Service is polished but still relaxed, and the team is great at guiding you—whether you want a classic wine pairing or something non-alcoholic. It’s a splurge, but the kind that feels justified. For a creative Michelin-starred dinner that’s still warm, grounded, and genuinely enjoyable, Contraste is one of Milan’s best bets.

3. Verso Capitaneo

Verso Capitaneo offers a completely different kind of Milan dining experience—elevated, contemporary, and surprisingly intimate given its Piazza Duomo address. You enter at street level, take a quick lift upstairs, and suddenly you’re in a sleek, second-floor dining room where the action unfolds right in front of you.

Three long counter-style tables face the open kitchen, giving you a front-row view of the Capitaneo brothers and their team at work. (If you prefer something more low-key, there are classic tables tucked a bit farther back.)

The brothers—originally from Puglia (hello!)—bring a subtle southern touch to their cooking, blending those influences with Milan’s culinary traditions in a way that feels fresh rather than forced. The dishes are thoughtful and modern, but still rooted in flavor and technique, with a clarity that keeps the meal grounded even when the presentation leans refined.

Service is polished but easygoing, and the whole experience has a calm, confident rhythm to it. With its two Michelin stars and prime location, Verso Capitaneo might just be one of the best restaurants in Milan.

4. Stendhal Brera

Stendhal Brera is one of those beautifully classic Milanese restaurants that just feels right the moment you sit down. It’s elegant and timeless, and absolutely in its element at lunchtime. The dining room fills with well-dressed locals—businessmen, chic couples, the kind of regulars who clearly know exactly what they’re doing.

Very little English was spoken to me, which I always take as a reassuring sign that you’ve chosen well.

The food is straight-up Milanese comfort at its finest. The ossobuco with risotto alla milanese was unforgettable—silky, rich, deeply saffroned, and exactly what you hope it will be when you order it in this city. They also run seasonal menus that are well worth a look; the dishes rotate with what’s best at the time, and everything I tried hit that sweet spot between traditional and polished.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Milan, and you find yourself in Brera, Stendhal Brera delivers that Milan local experience with confidence and charm.

5. Anima

Anima, tucked inside the sleek Milano Verticale | UNA Esperienze hotel, brings a polished, design-forward edge to Milan’s dining scene. With one Michelin star and the guidance of Enrico Bartolini behind it, the restaurant has that clean, minimalist elegance that feels very “modern Milan,” inspired by mid-20th-century Gio Ponti lines.

Chef Michele Cobuzzi—originally from Puglia—infuses the menu with southern touches, especially in his standout vegetable dishes and exceptional bread-making. The cooking is contemporary but approachable, with top-quality ingredients taking the lead.

The wine list is excellent, but don’t overlook the cocktails; the bar team does a great job with both classics and more creative options. Anima is a great pick if you want a refined, modern Italian meal in one of the city’s most stylish districts.

6. Veramente

Veramente is one of Brera’s newest buzzy openings, and it’s already become the kind of spot everyone seems to be talking about. The restaurant leans hard into the idea of Italian comfort—those dishes you grew up eating, the ones that spark instant nostalgia—only here they’re polished just enough to fit right into Milan’s coolest neighborhood.

The team behind it—four friends with deep roots in the restaurant world—set out to create a place that celebrates Italy from top to toe. The menu is exactly that: a tour of familiar, regional favorites done with care, quality ingredients, and a welcome lack of complication.

The setting plays a big role in the charm. Red brick arches, warm wood, brass accents, a soundtrack of classic Italian hits, and a lively dining room that feels both stylish and relaxed. With plenty of seating, a private room, and even an outdoor area, it’s designed for long meals and big tables.

If you want a modern Milan restaurant that still leans wholeheartedly into tradition, Veramente nails that balance—easygoing, delicious, and very much of the moment in Brera.

7. Horto

Horto brings Norbert Niederkofler’s sustainability-focused philosophy right into the center of Milan, and it shows in every part of the experience. The kitchen works almost exclusively with ingredients sourced within an hour of the city, which keeps the tasting menus grounded, seasonal, and surprisingly original for such an urban setting.

The space itself is a highlight. Outside, the terraces offer some of the best views in town—Duomo one way, Castello Sforzesco the other—making it a dreamy spot for an aperitivo from their excellent cocktail list.

Inside, the dining room is calm and understated, all natural wood and clean lines, the kind of simplicity that lets the food do the talking. Horto nails that modern, responsible, quietly luxurious Milan vibe.

8. Mater Bistrot

Mater Bistrot is one of those under-the-radar spots that I get the feeling locals keep to themselves—casual, confident, and far better than it needs to be. The menu leans contemporary Italian with a bit of attitude, and everything I tried was spot on.

I started with oysters dressed in ’nduja oil, a combination that sounds rebellious but works beautifully—the heat just kisses the brine. Then came the skirt steak, grilled to absolute perfection: charred edges, tender center, the kind of simplicity that only works when the kitchen really knows what it’s doing.

It’s relaxed, unfussy, and the food is genuinely delicious. A great choice when you want something modern and flavorful without going full fine dining.

9. Sandì

Sandì is one of the hottest restaurants in Milan right now. It’s the kind of place that books out fast, so you’ll want to secure a table at least a week in advance (and even earlier once the warmer months roll in). Head here for lunch, as that’s where the real value is.

Their set menus are incredibly well priced, built around simple, high-quality ingredients treated with a modern, thoughtful touch.

The cooking is clean and contemporary. It’s the sort of meal where every plate feels intentional, balanced, and quietly impressive.

The space itself absolutely nails the vibe, minimalist with a slightly industrial edge, yet somehow still warm and cozy. It’s stylish but not cold, designed in a way that makes you want to linger long after your last course.

10. Trippa

Trippa is one of Milan’s most beloved trattorias and it earns that loyalty the old-fashioned way: great food, zero fuss. The space has a charming, slightly retro vibe that feels instantly welcoming, the kind of place where you settle in and know you’re going to eat well.

The menu pulls from all over Italy, but with a clear respect for Milanese tradition. Dishes are straightforward, ingredient-driven, and cooked with real skill. The risotto with grilled marrow is a standout—rich, golden, and deeply comforting.

The vitello tonnato is another favorite, beautifully balanced and far more elegant than the dish often gets credit for. And yes, tripe and offal make an appearance (this is Trippa, after all), handled with the confidence of a kitchen that actually knows how to make it taste great.

It’s simple, lively, and one of the best restaurants in Milan.

11. Trattoria Milanese

If you’re craving the kind of old-school Milanese cooking that never goes out of style, Trattoria Milanese is the place to go. This is a true classic with well-executed dishes that have been part of the city’s culinary fabric for generations.

The menu covers all the essentials: yellow risotto, cotoletta, slow-cooked meats, and all the comforting staples you’d expect from a proper Milanese table. Portions are generous, the flavors are honest, and the whole experience feels wonderfully timeless.

It’s the sort of restaurant that reminds you why traditional cooking endures. Come ready for a hearty, satisfying meal, and you’ll leave very, very happy.

12. Yapa

Yapa takes a completely different approach from the classic Milanese crowd—this is a restaurant built around a culinary journey, both in flavor and technique. The menu pulls inspiration from all over the world, weaving together ingredients and preparations in a way that feels thoughtful rather than chaotic.

One dish might nod to Japan, another to Latin America, another to northern Europe, yet everything still fits together with a clear sense of intention.

What makes Yapa special is its focus on technique. You can taste the precision in the grilling, the curing, the fermenting, the slow-cooking, the raw preparation—each dish feels like a small masterclass in how far you can push an ingredient when you really understand it. The result is a menu that’s adventurous but grounded, modern but not showy.

If you’re looking for a global, technique-driven dining experience in Milan that still feels polished and cohesive, Yapa is an excellent place to land.

13. Dongiò

Dongiò is the kind of place you go when you want big, bold Southern Italian flavors without the big-city price tag. It’s a straightforward, unfussy spot with a warm, lived-in feel, with good food and people who clearly enjoy serving it.

The focus is Calabrian cooking, and they don’t hold back. Expect rich sauces, a little heat, hearty pastas, and those comforting, rustic flavors that make you feel like you’ve wandered into someone’s home rather than a restaurant in central Milan.

It’s approachable, satisfying, and exactly the kind of meal you crave after a day of zigzagging across the city.

14. Cucina Franca 

Cucina Franca brings a lively, globetrotting spirit to the table—colorful dishes, big flavors, and a menu built entirely around sharing. Nothing is overly structured here; plates land in the center, and everyone digs in.

There’s a playful sense of surprise woven into the cooking too, with dishes that don’t always reveal themselves at first glance.

If you love discovery, let the kitchen take the lead; if not, the staff is great at guiding you. Warm, creative, and relaxed, Cucina Franca is perfect for a fun, communal meal with a touch of adventure.

15. 10_11

10_11, tucked inside the beautifully chic Portrait Milano, is one of those restaurants that manages to feel polished without drifting into formality. The setting alone is worth a visit—the grand cloister, the arches, the sense of calm right in the middle of the Quadrilatero—it all sets the stage for a meal that feels quietly luxurious.

The food leans classic and comforting, executed with the kind of finesse you expect from a high-end hotel restaurant but without the stuffiness. It’s the perfect spot for a lingering brunch, lunch or a refined dinner, especially if you’re in the mood for something elegant yet unfussy.

Service is smooth, the atmosphere is lively but serene, and the whole experience has a lovely, indulgent ease to it. If you want a reliably good meal in one of the city’s most beautiful settings, 10_11 delivers every time.

16. L’immagine Bistrot Ristorante

L’immagine Bistrot Ristorante is a bit of a local favorite and one you’ll need to get out of the center for. Locals tend to come for the generous portions, warm hospitality, and that unmistakable family-run feel.

It’s outside the usual tourist path, which is part of its charm, and the atmosphere is relaxed, lively, and genuinely welcoming.

The menu leans hearty and comforting, with classic Italian dishes done in a straightforward, satisfying way – rich pastas, well-cooked meats, and those indulgent touches that make you feel right at home.

If you’re looking for a cozy, authentic spot where the focus is flavor and friendliness over fuss, L’immagine is a great choice.

17. Trattoria Madonnina

Trattoria Madonnina is pure, old-school Milan—a neighborhood spot serving straightforward, traditional dishes that have been staples for generations.

The menu is classic and comforting: simple pastas, hearty mains, and local plates that keep regulars coming back. Portions are solid, prices are fair, and the atmosphere is lively in the best way.

Trattoria Madonnina is exactly the kind of place to put on your list for an uncomplicated, truly local meal in Milan.

18. Ristorante Da Giacomo

Da Giacomo is one of the best restaurants in Milan, Italy, a Milan institution, especially if you’re in the mood for elegant, old-world Italian seafood. The dining room has that classic, slightly glamorous charm—white tablecloths, wood paneling, polished service—without tipping into stiffness.

The menu leans heavily toward fish and seafood prepared in a refined, timeless way: delicate crudi, perfectly cooked pasta dishes, and market-fresh mains.

It’s the place to book when you want a long, proper dinner with seriously good food and that unmistakable Milanese sense of occasion.

19. Wicky’s Innovative Japanese Cuisine

Wicky’s offers one of the most distinctive Japanese dining experiences in Milan. Chef Wicky Priyan blends Japanese technique with global influences, resulting in dishes that are precise, modern, and full of personality.

Expect clean flavors, sharp presentation, and a tasting menu that moves confidently between traditions and new ideas. It’s a top choice for anyone looking for high-level Japanese cooking with a creative edge.

20. Locanda Perbellini

Locanda Perbellini brings chef Giancarlo Perbellini’s Verona-rooted culinary style to Milan, right in the heart of Brera.

The menu draws from northern and southern Italian traditions, updated with modern technique and a light contemporary touch. The restaurant itself is intimate, elegant, and understated—exactly the kind of place where the focus stays on the food.

It’s a standout option for a beautifully executed Italian meal that blends heritage with modern polish.

---

Which of these best restaurants in Milan, Italy, will you be heading to? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $58 per month. Get your quote below now.

FOUND THIS HELPFUL? PIN IT AND SHARE