With the start of Milan Design Week approaching, visitors from around the globe are gearing up to descend upon the city looking for the best in design presentations—and food, too. Here, Whitewall’s curated selection of the best restaurants and bars throughout the city appears, from Michelin-starred tasting menus to picturesque cafes.
Horto Restaurant
Horto Restaurant
Horto Restaurant opened in 2022, and already holds one Michelin Star and one Green Star for Sustainability. It’s easy to see why, with a rooftop restaurant focused on cooking with seasonal and local ingredients from nearby farms, dairies, and producers—all within an hour’s distance. Three-Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler works to maintain relationships with small suppliers who appreciate the beauty of slow time, all while Executive Chef Alberto Toè’s dishes blend tradition with innovation, Italianness with international influences. Beef carpaccio comes with cow’s milk curd and sturgeon caviar, and risotto is sprinkled with wild herbs, flowers, and kefir. Horto’s wine list emphasizes small wineries in Lombardy, rounding out a menu that could not be clearer in its intention to celebrate local ingredients and the people who produce them.
Whitewaller recommends: Sipping a glass of natural wine.
Trattoria del Ciumbia
Courtesy of Trattoria del Ciumbia.
At Trattoria del Ciumbia, the floor is a mosaic of liver red and mustard yellow; the watercolor paintings on the walls are from the 1930s; a cozy, traditional Milanese trattoria is not what it seems. This restaurant is at once stylishly contemporary and deeply classical, inspired by the Milanese artistic avant-garde of the 1960s. Retro-style newspaper racks and coat hooks offer a touch of nostalgia while adding functionality. Guests are invited to indulge in Milanese and Lombard culinary traditions with dishes like creamy risotto finished with savory broth, battered frog legs topped with chives and lemon, and the superlatively hearty osso buco. Executive Chef Paolo Rollini involves a stunning array of small producers in his farm-to-table process, relying on the micro-rice fields of the Pavia region and local butchers. This is a restaurant that sincerely appreciates the beauty of Italian culture and craftsmanship.
Whitewaller recommends: Ordering the osso buco.
LùBar
LùBar
The south patio of Milan’s Royal Villa is where visitors will find LùBar—an open-air cafe at the Modern Art Gallery, inspired by Sicilian street food. Trendy aperitivo and homemade pastries are on the menu, including cannolis, granita, panelle, and arancini. The cafe offers museum-goers a peaceful place to pause and snack while surrounded by plants; tableware and chairs are imported from Morocco, all coming in a stunning pale shade of blue.
Whitewaller recommends: Indulging in granita.
Bar Luce
Bar Luce
Designed by the film director Wes Anderson and located inside Fondazione Prada, Bar Luce is a restaurant that evokes the atmosphere of a typical Milanese café. When designing it, Anderson wanted to have many places for eating, drinking, talking, and relaxing, while keeping some original architectural and decorative details.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying a panini.
Ceresio 7
Ceresio 7
Atop the historic Enel building, the house of the Dsquared2 group, Ceresio 7 welcomes visitors to a stunning restaurant and two swimming pools. The dining room wows with its modern skyline, while guests can book cabanas on the terrace to sip cocktails between swims. Delectable Italian dishes are created by Executive Chef Elio Sironi, making the establishment a destination for Milan and beyond.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying a cocktail at American Bar.
Langosteria
Langosteria
In 2007, Enrico Buonocore opened Langosteria. Ever since, it has garnered high praise for its ambitious and enthusiastic seafood dishes by Corporate Executive Chefs Denis Pedron and Domenico Soranno. With small and large dining rooms, a private dining room, and a special Oyster Bar, the restaurant remains memorable for locals and visitors alike.
Whitewaller recommends: Sipping champagne at the Oyster Bar.
Ratanà
Ratanà
Home to the Riccardo Catella Foundation, Ratanà was once part of a railway station. The restaurant, led by Chef Cesare Battisti, offers reinterpreted Milanese cuisine with creative twists. Its interior design, curated by RGA Studio, also creates an inviting environment for visitors to enjoy.
Whitewaller recommends: Savoring the Risotto Milanese All’antica.
Sant Ambroeus
Sant Ambroeus
Since 1936, Sant Ambroeus has been Milan’s top sweet parlor. Located inside a building in Corso Matteotti, the bakery welcomes guests to sophistication and superb flavor through a combination of tradition and creativity.
Whitewaller recommends: Enjoying a selection of sweets.
Terrazza Duomo 21
Courtesy of Terrazza Duomo 21.
A true dining destination just steps from Milan’s iconic church, Terrazza Duomo 21 is a premier venue for a one-of-a-kind experience. Offering everything from casual bites to fine dining fare, the stunning restaurant also welcomes guests to expansive multilevel spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Duomo Square. Known to host fashion shows, corporate events, concerts, and more, the space also shines as an intimate spot where guests can relax.
Whitewaller recommends: Getting an after-dinner drink in the lounge while looking at the Duomo.
