Where to Eat in Milan: Our Favorite Food Tour Around the City

We absolutely loved this food route. Milan offers an incredible culinary scene, with restaurants, cafés, and eateries on almost every corner of the city. However, in this guide, we want to share the places where we found the most unique flavors, higher-quality offerings, and dining experiences with a more gourmet touch.

☕ Orsonero Coffee

If you're a specialty coffee lover, this place definitely deserves a spot on your Milan itinerary. Small, minimalist, and with a relaxed atmosphere, it was one of the pioneers of the specialty coffee scene in Milan and remains a favorite among locals and visitors.

What to order: Their Flat White or a pour-over coffee, paired with a filled croissant or a pain au chocolat.

📍 Location: Via Giuseppe Broggi 15, Porta Venezia.

🥐 Pasticceria Cucchi

A true Milanese classic with more than 90 years of history. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time: pastry-filled displays, waiters in traditional uniforms, and one of the city’s most charming terraces to enjoy breakfast or take a break during your walk.

What to order: The classic Italian espresso paired with a pain au chocolat, or their famous Cucchi omelette if you prefer something savory. If you visit later in the day, you can also enjoy an aperitivo with a beer or a cocktail — and we definitely recommend trying it!

📍 Location: Corso Genova 1.

🍦 Out of the Box

It combines artisanal gelato, specialty coffee, and an excellent selection of desserts. It's not the most traditional gelateria in Milan, as it focuses on more exotic flavors and seasonal creations, but that's exactly what makes it so unique in our opinion.

What to order: affogato if you want to combine coffee and gelato in one delicious treat.

📍 Location: Via Marcello Malpighi 7.

🍝 Rovello 18

This restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine and was our favorite stop on this route. Prices are a bit higher than average, but in our opinion, it's absolutely worth it. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the menu changes with the seasons, making each visit a chance to discover something new.

What to order: their homemade fresh pasta, which is usually the star of the menu. During our visit, we ordered a breaded veal cutlet with mashed potatoes, and it was excellent. We also recommend pairing your meal with a glass of Italian wine for the full experience.

📍 Location: Via Rovello 18, just a few steps from Castello Sforzesco.

🍕 Pizzeria Del Ticinese

A perfect stop to enjoy a delicious pizza after exploring the Navigli or Porta Ticinese neighborhoods. It is a simple and welcoming place, loved by locals and known for its generous pizzas with a light and flavorful crust.

What to order: The classic Margherita is always a great choice, although any of their pizzas made with fresh ingredients are worth trying. We also ordered a focaccia with prosciutto crudo, and it was absolutely delicious!

📍 Location: Corso di Porta Ticinese 65.

🍽️ Ciciarà

If you're looking to end the day with a more special dining experience, this restaurant is an excellent choice. Its menu is built around seasonal ingredients, so the dishes change throughout the year depending on what's fresh and available. The service is outstanding, and the staff's recommendations are always thoughtful and spot on, making the experience even more enjoyable.

What to order: the risotto. It's perfectly cooked, wonderfully creamy, and the flavors change with the seasons, allowing you to try something different throughout the year. No matter the variation, it's absolutely worth ordering.

📍 Location: Piazza Santo Stefano 8.

Our Tip

If you're visiting during the high season (June to September) or planning to dine at some of Milan's most popular restaurants, such as Rovello 18 or Ciciarà, booking in advance can save you a considerable amount of waiting time and help ensure you get a table.