There are two Milans during Design Week. The one you see—loud, crowded, endlessly photographed—and the one that lives behind closed doors, tucked into quiet courtyards, back tables at old trattorias, design studios with espresso machines older than you are. If you know where to look, Milan opens up like a well-worn sketchbook, full of stories etched in marble and etched onto linen napkins.
We asked ten designers—some born here, some just passing through with great taste—to share their favorite Milan spots to eat, drink, linger, and escape during the madness of Salone. Their answers aren’t about what’s new or hot. They’re about what feels like Milan. The kind of spots you want to keep to yourself. But lucky for us, they didn’t.
Rebekka Bay
Creative Director of Marimekko
Courtesy of Rebekka Bay, Creative Director of Marimekko.
“This is one difficult question, as there are so many favorites. But if I had to choose the most Milanese of them all—it’s Antica Trattoria della Pesa. I adore the interior: the dark wood, the crisp white batiste curtains, the old-school dining rooms. The waiters have that slightly distant, hyper-attentive service that feels so right here. And of course, the veal Milanese. It’s a ritual.” — Rebekka Bay
George Yabu & Glenn Pushelberg
Founders of Yabu Pushelberg
Courtesy of George Yabu & Glenn Pushelberg, Founders of Yabu Pushelberg.
“Our favorite place in Milan is La Libera. We come here every time we’re in town. Over the years, we’ve built a friendship with the team—and with Gino Narducci, the last dandy in Milan. He reminds us to live more lively.” — George Yabu & Glenn Pushelberg
Elena Petrossian
Co-founder, Ananas Ananas
Courtesy of Elena Petrossian, Co-founder of Ananas Ananas.
“Club Giovanile Milano is my favorite dinner spot. The small plates are always unexpected—fresh, playful, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, just to see what they’ll bring out next.” — Elena Petrossian
Gray Davis
Co-Founder of Meyer Davis
Courtesy of Gray Davis, Co-Founder of Meyer Davis.
“Villa Invernizzi in Milan is a hidden gem with its stunning blend of history, art, and lush gardens. The highlight is its beautiful collection of flamingos, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.” — Gray Davis
Will Meyer
Co-Founder of Meyer Davis
Courtesy of Will Meyer, Co-Founder of Meyer Davis.
“Piazza del Carmine in Milan is a charming, tranquil spot that perfectly blends history with local life. Its picturesque square, surrounded by quaint cafes and the beautiful Carmine Church, offers a serene escape from the city’s bustle.” — Will Meyer
Patricia Gucci
Founder, Aviteur
Courtesy of Patricia Gucci, Founder, Aviteur.
“Cova, on Via Montenapoleone, is basically across the street from me—and it’s just perfect. The coffee, the cornetto, the way they remember your name. It’s like a little pocket of calm that still feels wonderfully alive.” — Patricia Gucci
Rachel Cope
Creative Director, Calico Wallpaper
Courtesy of Rachel Cope, Creative Director, Calico Wallpaper.
“Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone has one of the most elegant courtyards in the city. Sitting there feels like stepping into a painting—lush, serene, and perfectly framed. It’s my go-to for a little pause in the chaos.” — Rachel Cope
Andrea Bonini
Founder & Principal Designer, Andrea Bonini Studio
Courtesy of Andrea Bonini, Founder & Principal Designer, Andrea Bonini Studio.
“Museo del Novecento is my favorite museum in Milan, hands down. It houses an incredible collection of 20th-century Italian masterpieces—Fontana, Boccioni, Modigliani. The building, designed by Portaluppi, is a masterpiece in itself. And the view of the Duomo from inside? Unreal.” — Andrea Bonini
Stefano Seletti
Artistic Director at Seletti
Courtesy of Stefano Seletti, Artistic Director at Seletti.
“I have two favorite places in Milan during Design Week. One is Piazza Affari, a very central square in Milan that hosts the Stock Exchange building. It used to be a rather austere square, until the arrival of Maurizio Cattelan’s L.O.V.E. sculpture, and I love that there’s this disruptive element in such a place. Now, there’s also the ‘Saloon del Mobile,’ a bar near the famous Bar Basso that we took over and turned into a real old west saloon.” — Stefano Seletti
Edoardo Cozzani
Artist and Designer
Courtesy of Edoardo Cozzani, Artist and Designer.
“I recommend SBG Architetti’s restoration of the ‘Church of Glass’ by Morassutti, Mangiarotti, and Favini, which focuses on conserving the original structure while introducing new materials—like glass facades—as complementary elements that coexist in harmony with the historic architecture. It’s a thoughtful exploration of restoration as a dialogue between past and present.” — Edoardo Cozzani
Maria Cristina Buccellati
Global Communication and Marketing Director, Buccellati
Courtesy of Maria Cristina Buccellati, Global Communication and Marketing Director, Buccellati.
“During Design Week, I always find myself at the Università Statale on Via Festa del Perdono. The installations there are consistently beautiful—collaborations between young designers and established studios. It’s a space where old Milan architecture meets new ideas.” — Maria Cristina Buccellati
Ippolita Rostagno
Co-founder of Artemest
Courtesy of Ippolita Rostagno, Co-founder of Artemest.
“I’m a huge fan of reliquaries—containers that once held the bones of saints and were believed to carry magical powers. The Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa church is a hidden gem, tucked away behind a major cathedral, and its walls are lined with human skulls. It’s haunting, mysterious, and deeply sacred. You wouldn’t know it’s there unless someone tells you about it—exactly the kind of place that leaves an impression.” —Ippolita Rostagno
