Milan, a city renowned for its design and fashion, is a treasure trove of hidden gems and local spots that even long-time residents might not know about. As the city prepares for Milan Design Week 2026, Dezeen has tapped into the expertise of some of Milan's most exciting designers and tastemakers to uncover their favorite places to eat, drink, and immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture.
These recommendations range from traditional restaurants to iconic landmarks like the main court of justice and a vintage furniture retailer that shares a close proximity with the legendary Bar Basso. For a comprehensive guide, be sure to pick up the second edition of Dezeen Dispatch, a dedicated magazine produced for Milan Design Week 2026, available at participating locations across the city.
Bars & Aperitivo Spots
- Bene Bene: A bar run by three creative friends, serving exceptional drinks and boasting an impressive music selection. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable evening.
- Bar Paradiso: Renowned for its extensive selection of fine wines, this bar is a haven for wine enthusiasts.
- Bar Pieno: Temporarily opening for Design Week, this bar will feature chefs from across Italy serving innovative takes on classic panini and spritz.
- Pasticceria Cucchi: Known for its artisanal pastries and a charming terrace, this place is a favorite for its 'cucchi omelette' and delightful canapes.
- Bar Basso: A historical gem, Bar Basso has played a pivotal role in shaping Fuorisalone, offering a perfect meeting spot for designers.
- Lido Liquor Bar: With a rooftop setting, this bar offers a pleasant atmosphere, delicious food, and a vinyl collection, all under the care of owner Sabina.
Restaurants
- Nuova Arena: A Tuscan restaurant with high-quality, family-style dining, perfect for a classic Tuscan culinary experience.
- Trattoria del Nuovo Macello: Led by chef Giovanni Traversone, a protégé of Italy's first three-Michelin-starred chef, Gualtiero Marchesi, this trattoria offers a traditional risotto and a renowned cotoletta.
- Bistrot della Pesa: Known for its traditional cuisine, including casseula, the best risotto, stewed cabbage, zabaione, and zuppa inglese.
- Antica Trattoria della Pesa: With a meticulously designed interior, this trattoria serves a favorite dish of risotto alla milanese with ossobuco.
- Al Matarel: A cozy restaurant where 'la signora' still serves at the table, offering an intimate dining experience.
- Torre de Pisa: A historic Tuscan trattoria in Milan's Brera district, known for its traditional dishes and warm atmosphere.
- A Santa Lucia: A charming Milanese restaurant with a timeless atmosphere, serving simple yet classic Italian food.
Cafes and Pasticcerias
- Panificio Davide Longoni: Renowned for its excellent breakfast and must-try focaccia, this bakery is a local favorite.
- Marchesi 1824: A historic cafe with a bustling morning atmosphere, even attracting American tourists who order espresso martinis for breakfast.
- Sidewalk Kitchens: A lively street food spot, offering fresh ingredients and the opportunity to enjoy Milan's street life while dining al fresco.
- Giovanni Galli: A candy shop with a dream-like display of candied chestnuts, boeri, fondants, and pralines.
Cultural Sites
- Thaddaeus Ropac at Palazzo Belgioioso: A beautiful, understated gallery space within a historic building, showcasing international art.
- Ordet: An experimental and underground art and design space, mirroring Milan's ICA with a dynamic program.
- Grand Hotel et de Milan: Milan's oldest hotel, once frequented by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Rudolf Nureyev, and Giuseppe Verdi.
- Villa Necchi Campiglio: A favorite house museum designed by Piero Portaluppi, featuring elegantly restrained interiors and refined details.
- Massimo de Carlo: Housed in one of Piero Portaluppi's early projects, this gallery showcases exceptional art in a remarkable setting.
- Cardi Gallery: Specializing in post-war and contemporary art, this gallery offers a quiet refuge for discovering modern artworks.
- Tribunale di Milano: An architectural marvel, this building exemplifies stern Italian rationalist design.
Vintage Dealers
- Pennisi: A curated antique jewelry shop with small, gilded display cases that are a sight to behold.
- Raimondo Garau: A vintage dealer with a carefully curated selection, reflecting the owner's impeccable taste, and a delightful walk through Brera.
- Compasso Design: Daniele's vast space is filled with meticulously researched design classics, and a sister gallery, Gilda & Co, is conveniently located in the city center.
Gelaterias
- Gelateria Solferino: A family-run gelato shop with fantastic cream and fruit, changing with the seasons.
- Gelateria Umberto 1934: Resisting passing trends with its traditional flavors and old-world setting.
