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MAC Milan - Dining & Drinking
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Milan may be famous for its shopping, trading, and amazing designers, but it is also a great place to enjoy a good meal. There are many ethnic restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias in the city, and during the summer months, it is not unusual to see groups of friends enjoying their pizza margherita as they sit outside under white parasols.

A Little Bit of History

In the fifties, many people came to Milan from other regions in Italy, to escape unemployment in their cities. Some of them decided to open simple "trattorias" (traditional Italian restaurants), offering the cuisine of their home town, which was mainly Tuscan and Southern Italian. A number of these restaurants grew in quality over the years, transforming themselves into excellent and often outstanding restaurants: places such as Trattoria Toscana K2, which has now become so popular that you need to book in advance in order to sample their tasty pasta dishes or fresh fish recipes; or the mythical Antica Trattoria Milano which opened a few years after the end of the second world war and serves good, hearty food alla Milanese!

Pizzerias

Pizzerias are popular in Milan (and everywhere else in Italy!!) Many restaurants serve traditional pizzas cooked in wood fuelled ovens, giving the dough a delicious smoked taste. Some of the pizzerias have traditional checked table clothes, some have outdoor seating, and some have ‘cool' paper tablecloths and provide you with pencils so you can amuse yourself while you are waiting for your pizza or for your bill. Why not try the Grand'Italia, a pizzeria in the fashionable Brera district, or Pane e Farina, a restaurant popular with both young and old. If you want traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, then head for La Cuccuma, which will also serenade you with piano music on certain evenings.

A Couple of the Best Eateries

A wonderful view of the city can be seen from Bistrot Duomo, this is a great place to try if you want a quick snack and cappuccino while shopping or a more substantial meal before going on to the cinema, it is located at the top of the glorious Rinascente department store, which gives you another reason to visit!! A special mention must also go to Savini, a restaurant situated close to Rinascente, in the breath-taking Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II galleria which is known as the best restaurant in Milan by people over a certain age. The prices are high, but it is worth a visit if only to enjoy an old-world charm and steep yourself in Milanese elegance.

Ethnic Influences

In the eighties and nineties, a new wave of immigration brought thousands of people from the Third World; this led to the growth of the best ethnic restaurant network in Italy. In Milan you'll find restaurants serving delights from almost every country: from Sri Lanka to Brazil (excellent Brazilian cuisine is to be found in Porcao), Korea to Senegal. In the last couple of years Japanese cuisine has rocked the city, Yume is a testimony to this - it is the place to come to have a truly Japanese experience and to meet like minded individuals who probably have a passion for being glamorous and wearing black!! - Who knows what new food sensation the millennium will bring?

Ice Cream Heaven

It may sound strange, but there is no better way to round off a meal than to stroll through the central streets of Milan eating ice cream and watching the world go by, especially if the evening is a warm summer's one; a personal favourite is Marghera delicious ice creams and desserts are sold here, and there are often long queues (always a good sign); or you could try the excellent Umberto where the ice cream is praised to the skies!!







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Antica Trattoria Milano


A real, old trattoria at the gates of Milan
344 Via Padova
Milan, Milan 20131
Italy
+39 2 2720 7769
An original restaurant dating back to the post war period managed by an old, friendly couple. This is an old, renovated farmhouse from the 1900s, part of the entrance to which still remains on the road alongside the Martesana. The "bocciofila" style summer garden is lovely. There is traditional Milan home-made cooking here, Ossobuco, risottos, main courses and especially the Braised Beef. Excellent value for money.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bistrot Duomo


Breathtaking Duomo panorama
2 Via San Raffaele
Palazzo Rinascente - Duomo
Milan, Milan 20121
Italy
+39 2 87 7120 / +39 2 87 7159
In an elegant and spectacular setting (upstairs at La Rinascente overlooking the Duomo rooftop), this restaurant delights day shoppers or pre-theatre diners with international dishes like Gazpacho (in summer), baked eggplant with veal meatballs, basil and tomato Sauce. Dessert highlights include Clafoutis, a cherry-flavored custard cake.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Gelateria Marghera


One of the most famous ice cream parlours in Milan
33 Via Marghera
Milan, Milan 20149
Italy
+39 2 46 8641
Sometimes you have to wait half an hour to get an ice cream here, especially during the summer. But the wait is worth it - with some of the best gelato in the city. The ingredients are all fresh, and well-blended so as not to create a gelato that is too sweet, too creamy, or too liquid - just perfect. The chilled desserts such as the meringue, and the gelato-cakes are also excellent.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Gelateria Marghera photo by aemrickey
Photo: aemrickey
 

 
Porcao Churrascaria


Don't bring a veggie
20 Via Abbadesse
Milan, Milan 20124
Italy
+39 2 688 3883
Ristorante Rio's (formerly Porcao) is a real meaterie, where anyone can satisfy their wildest desires about grilled beef, chicken, lamb or pork; all very good and skillfully grilled. The idea comes from the churrascarias of souther Brazil, so as a side order you will probably have black beans, a classic, and wash it all down the powerful Caipirinha. Not for the faint of heart, but meat-eaters will rejoice.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Savini


A taste of the good old days
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan, Milan 20121
Italy
+39 2 7200 3433
http://www.savini.thi.it
As much a city landmark as La Scala, the famous opera house nearby, this well-established restaurant is considered to be the city's finest. Stylish décor and period furnishings create sophisticated surroundings that, combined with impeccable service, make this the perfect dining experience. Some tables are partitioned off to give diners maximum privacy and make for a really special night out. House specialties include Risotto al Salto, a pancake of rice; Osso Buco and veal cutlet.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Savini photo by lindaleereynolds
Photo: lindaleereynolds
Savini photo by lucyllas
Photo: lucyllas
 

 
Yume


Authentic Zen experience
215 Via Varesina
Milan, Milan 20156
Italy
+39 2 308 9045
It is difficult to find a restaurant that emanates the atmosphere of the places from which its cuisine is inspired. But when a Japanese restaurant is created by one of Italy's greatest Feng Shui experts (Mauro Bertamè), a positive result is certain. Here there is no rush, noise or crowd. Besides the quality of the food, it is also a Zen experience.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Milan - Dining & Drinking"
Milan
Milan - Historical Background
Milan - Neighborhood Guide
Milan - Where to Stay
Milan - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Genoa (123 miles)
Turin (128 miles)
Verona (142 miles)
Bologna (203 miles)
Venice (235 miles)
Florence (241 miles)
Nice (252 miles)
Cannes (271 miles)
Lyon (339 miles)
Munich (340 miles)

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